Buhai fires 64, notches five-stroke British lead

South African pursues first major win

MUIRFIELD, Scotland — Ashleigh Buhai surged into a five-shot lead at the AIG Women’s British Open after shooting 7-under-par 64 in the third round Saturday.

Now the 33-year-old South African needs to find a way to finish for her first major victory.

Buhai also led this tournament in 2019 at Woburn after the second round but placed fifth, her best major result.

Buhai is in a much stronger position at Muirfield after a round that included eight birdies before a lone bogey on the last hole, giving her a 14-under 199 total.

Five of those birdies came on the first seven holes, but perhaps her most impressive shot was on the par-5 17th, when she chipped in from off the green after hitting her tee shot into the rough.

The 64 marked the week’s best round despite the wind picking up to blow stronger gusts than during the first two days.

Hinako Shibuno (66) of Japan and second-round leader In Gee Chun (70) of South Korea were tied for second. Seven-time major winner Inbee Park (70), a Bishop Gorman product from South Korea, and Madelene Sagstrom (71) of Sweden were another two shots back.

■ PGA: At Greensboro, N.C., the largest cut since the tour went to top 65 and ties, followed by two storm delays, kept the Wyndham Championship from finishing the third round and set up a long final day of the regular season. Brandon Wu holed out from 147 yards on the par-4 11th for an eagle, giving him a share of the lead with Sungjae Im at 12 under par. They were through 11 holes. John Huh and Joohyung “Tom” Kim were one shot behind.

■ Champions: At Calgary, Alberta, Kirk Triplett shot 2-under 68 for a 7-under 133 total to take a one-stroke lead over Paul Goydos (68) and Jerry Kelly (66) into the Shaw Charity Classic’s final round. Vijay Singh (67) was two shots back, and Las Vegas resident Alex Cejka (68) was one of four players who were three behind.

■ DP World: At Newport, Wales, Callum Shinkwin shot 6-under 65 for an 11-under 202 total to take a one-stroke lead over second-round leader Julien Guerrier (68) into the Cazoo Open’s final round.

The Associated Press Scott Heppell Ashleigh Buhai has three wins on the European tour but has not won an LPGA Tour event.