Ashleigh Buhai (RSA) shot a final round 69 for a four shot victory with a 72 hole total of 22 under par in the €320,000 Investec South African Women’s Open at Steenberg Golf Club on the Ladies European Tour (LET).
Buhai, 33 years-old took a three shot lead into the final round and after seven holes a further three shot gap developed with fourth place.
It became obvious that the winner would come from the final threeball, Buhai, Ana Pelaez Trivino and Dubai based Chiara Noja.
Buhai, playing in her second LET event of the year – went out in 31, with Trivino and Chiara, tied at the start of the day, out in 35 and 34 respectively with Chiara ahead in second by one shot.
Buhai cruised home in 37 to take her fifth career title and her fourth victory in this South African Women’s Open, her last one in 2018, with Trivino overtaking Chiara and finishing one ahead with 33 to 35 back nines.
Chiara has now finished tied 11th, tied 12th and solo third on her first three events of the season.
Buhai wins €48,000 to go to third, Trivino €28,800 upto second and Chiara €19,200.00 moving up from 18th to eighth in the Race to Costa Del Sol Rankings.
The next event on the LET 2023 calendar is week six, the $1 million ARAMCO Team Series Presented by Public Investment Fund – Singapore, to be held 16th – 18th March at Laguna National, Singapore, with Trivino and Chiara both confirmed to play.
Final Results (6238 Yards, Par 72)
1 - A. Buhai (RSA) 64, 65, 69, 68 = 266 (-22)
2 - A. P. Trivino (ESP) 69, 67, 66, 68 = 270 (-18)
3 - C. Noja (GER) 62, 71, 69, 69 = 271 (-17)
4 - M. Simmermacher (ARG) 69, 67, 67, 70 = 273 (-15)
