Henderson tied for 9th, 10 shots back of Women's British Open leader Ashleigh Buhai

Ashleigh Buhai surged into a five-shot lead at the Women's British Open after shooting a 7-under 64 in the third round on Saturday, while Canada's Brooke Henderson is 10 shots back in a tie for ninth in Gullane, Scotland.

South African boasts 5-stroke advantage while eyeing 1st major victory

The Associated Press · Posted: Aug 06, 2022 5:21 PM EDT | Last Updated: August 6, 2022

Canada's Brooke Henderson is 10 shots back of leader Ashleigh Buhai of South Africa entering the final round of the Women's British Open at Muirfield in Gullane, Scotland. (Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

Ashleigh Buhai surged into a five-shot lead at the Women's British Open after shooting a 7-under 64 in the third round on Saturday.

Now she must find a way to finish off for her first major victory.

The South African also led this tournament in 2019 at Woburn after the second round but finished fifth, her best result at a major.

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 total of 199.

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

It was the best round of the week despite the wind picking up to blow stronger gusts than during the first two days.

"To be able to shoot that score in those conditions, you have to be able to pat yourself on the back, so much so that I thought I was 6 under, not 7," Buhai said from Gullane, Scotland. "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."

Ashleigh Buhai of South Africa plays her putt shot from the 10th hole on Saturday at Muirfield in Gullane, Scotland. Five of the Women's British Open leader's eight birdies on the day came on the first seven holes. (Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

3 European Tour wins

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

Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., shot two-under and moved to a tie for ninth place after sitting 17th through Friday's second round.

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Buhai has three victories on the European Tour but has never won an LPGA Tour event. But she's never had a five-shot lead going into the final round, either.

She's doing her best not to look too far ahead, though.

"I'm most proud of the way I just stayed focused and calm [today]. That's all I try to control. I wasn't thinking of the outcome," Buhai said.

"I only saw a leaderboard for the first time I think when I was on 12, no, 13. And then I just said to myself, 'OK, that's fine, you're in a good spot. Check back in with yourself now and concentrate on what you're trying to do."'

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