Buhai’s late flurry to claim LPGA lead in Arkansas

September 29

South African star Ashleigh Buhai has birdied four of the final five holes to claim a one-shot lead going into the final round of the LPGA Tour’s Walmart NW Arkansas Championship.

The 35-year-old Buhai shot a four-under 67 second round at Pinnacle Country Club on Saturday to get to 11 under and lead from Dottie Ardina of the Philippines, who also posted a 67.

Playing in tricky afternoon wind conditions, Buhai rebounded from a double bogey on the par-4 eighth.

“I did start to get a little frustrated, but I was hitting a lot of good shots,” Buhai said. “Made a silly double bogey, but at least I kept calm and just reminded myself to keep doing what I was doing, and finally got rewarded down the last few holes.”

Buhai won the 2022 Women’s British Open for her first LPGA Tour title and took the ShopRite LPGA Classic last year. She also successfully defended her Women’s Australian Open title late last year.

“Tonight, just don’t think about it basically,” Buhai said. “Obviously, easier said than done.”

Ardina holed out from 110 yards for eagle on the par-4 fifth in a 67. She’s winless on the LPGA Tour.

“Never been in this position,” Ardina said. “I’m looking forward for a strong finish tomorrow.”

Mexico’s Gaby Lopez (67) was two strokes further back atnine9 under with Japan’s Nasa Hataoka (66) and Thai players Arpichaya Yubol (65) and Pajaree Anannarukarn (67).

Australians Grace Kim (67), Robyn Choi (68) and Steph Kyriacou (69) were in a large group tied for 25th, five shots behind leader Buhai, with countrywoman Gabriela Ruffels (66) a further shot back.

Lopez, a three-time LPGA Tour winner, had eight birdies in her round.

“It’s probably the best mental round that I’ve had,” Lopez said. “You know, after having a triple bogey, it’s so easy to kind of just lose yourself and lose patience.”

First-round leader Jasmine Suwannapura followed her opening 63 with a 72. She was tied for 15th at 7 under.

Lilia Vu, the No. 2 player in the women’s world ranking, made the cut on the number at two under with a 69. Defending champion Haeran Ryu missed the cut by a stroke after a 72.

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