
Ashleigh Buhai
Born Ashleigh Simon in Johannesburg, South Africa, on May 11, 1989, Ashleigh Buhai is a prominent figure in women's golf, forever etched in history as a Major champion.
Introduced to golf at the tender age of six, Buhai credits her father for significantly shaping her golfing journey.
Her amateur career was nothing short of exceptional. In 2004, she made history as the youngest winner of the Ladies' South African Amateur Stroke Play and Match Play. This early success was a precursor to her professional dominance.
Buhai's prowess extended to professional ranks. She turned pro shortly after her 18th birthday and swiftly claimed the 2007 Catalonia Ladies Masters, becoming the youngest winner on the Ladies European Tour at the time. Her consistent performance earned her an LPGA Tour card in 2014.
A dominant force in South African golf, Buhai has secured the South African Women's Open title an impressive four times. Her 2018 victory marked the first time in 101 years that a player had won the tournament three times. She added a fourth title in 2023, solidifying her position as the second-most successful player in the tournament's history, behind Lee-Ann Pace.
Beyond her domestic success, Buhai has represented South Africa with distinction on the global stage. She competed in the Rio 2016 Olympics and was selected for Tokyo 2020 but withdrew before the event. Her second Olympic appearance came at Paris 2024.
Buhai's career reached a pinnacle in 2022 when she claimed her first Major title at the AIG Women's British Open, defeating In-gee Chun in a thrilling playoff. This historic victory solidified her status as one of South Africa's golfing icons.
With 22 professional wins to her name, including consecutive ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open titles in 2022 and 2023, Buhai continues to be a formidable force in women's golf. Off the course, Buhai is married to professional caddie David. When not golfing, she enjoys sports, music, spending time with loved ones, and playing the guitar.