Women’s Open 2022 R3

August 04-07
Muirfield, East Lothian, Scotland
$7,300,000
Round 1, Round 2, Round 4

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Ashleigh Buhai carded a 7-under 64 on Saturday to reach 14-under and tie the major’s 54-hole scoring record at 199. She leads the AIG Women's Open by five shots at 14-under.

Women’s Open 2022 R3

Saturday’s score was her lowest round by two strokes and a new career-best 18-hole score. She holds the 54-hole lead for the first time in LPGA Tour career

“Obviously I'm very pleased. To be able to I think shoot that score in those conditions, you have to be able to pat yourself on the back,” said the South African. “So much so that I thought I was 6-under, not 7, so I was 8-under playing the last, which I think I have to look back is probably one of the best rounds of golf I've ever played."

Women’s Open 2022 R3

“I feel my lines are where they need to be and I just need to keep my tempo. If I keep my tempo, then most of the time it tends to fall. The club tends to fall where it needs to fall. I thought I had a really good warmup. Hit a few extra chips today because I didn't feel I chipped too well yesterday, or at least it showed on 17 that that paid off.”

Buhai is hoping to emulate Sally Little (1980 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, 1988 du Maurier Classic) as a South African LPGA Tour major champion. Seven men have won major titles, including Gary Player and Ernie Els, who won at Muirfield in 1959 and 2002, respectively.

“I don't think you can ever be comfortable in a major whether you're coming from behind or leading. It's going to be another tough day. The wind is going to blow, which is good. I prefer it that way,” said Buhai. “But they say big leads are often more difficult, and I think because you try to maybe play defensively. But I think I'll just keep doing what I'm doing and sticking to those steps.”

Women’s Open 2022 R3

Japan's Hinako Shibuno fired six birdies and one bogey for a 66 and lies in a share of second place at 9-under.

South Korean In Gee Chun started the day with a one-stroke lead over Buhai and Sweden's Madelene Sagstrom, but could not keep up with Buhai one group ahead. Chun carded a 70 for a share of second place.

Seven-time major champion Inbee Park and Sagstrom are tied for fourth at 7-under.

Women’s Open 2022 R3