South African golfer Ashleigh Buhai has won the South African Women’s Open for the fourth time in her career. The 30-year-old shot a final round of 67 to finish on a total of 204, three shots clear of second-placed Olivia Cowan from Germany. Buhai’s previous wins in the event came in 2007, 2011 and 2017.
Buhai came into the final round with a two-shot lead, but quickly extended that advantage with a birdie on the second hole. She would go on to make four more birdies and just one bogey to secure the victory. Cowan managed to keep pace for most of the day, but a double bogey on the par-four 13th effectively ended her challenge.
Speaking after her win, Buhai said: “It feels amazing. The first time I won it was 10 years ago, so to do it now four times is a really special feeling. I had a lot of family and friends out here this week, so it was great to share the moment with them.”
Buhai is a well-known name on the Ladies European Tour, having won twice in 2019 and finished in the top-10 on numerous occasions. She is also a regular on the LPGA Tour, where she has achieved two top-10 finishes in her career.
The South African Women’s Open is the oldest national open in the world and has been held 17 times in total. It was first played in 1988 and has been won by some of the biggest names in women’s golf, including Laura Davies and Annika Sorenstam.
Buhai’s win is sure to add to her growing reputation as one of the best golfers in the world. She will undoubtedly be looking to build on this success as she continues to compete on the biggest stages in the sport.
