AIG WOMEN’S OPEN

Buhai Digs Deep To Clinch Playoff Victory

South Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai survived a disastrous 15th hole to claim a “life-changing” victory in a marathon playoff against Chun In-gee in the Women’s British Open at Muirfield on Sunday.

Both players tied on 10 under par after 72 holes, and, in near total darkness, it was Buhai who eventually secured the final major of the season with a par four at the fourth extra hole, the 18th.

Chun bunkered her drive and took five, while Buhai got up and down from a greenside bunker, holing out from two feet for victory.

She was close to tears as husband David rushed onto the green and gave her a kiss and a loving hug.

“It’s been a lot of hard work over many years,” said the 33-year-old, who won the first of three South African Amateur titles when she was just 14.

Her professional career has never quite hit the same heights with three wins in Europe and two South African Opens. But she had never won an LPGA title until now, and a major at that to make it even more special.

Five ahead overnight, she had to survive a triple-bogey seven at the 15th that dragged her back into a tie with Chun, before snatching the dramatic playoff win.