Buhai doffs cap to mental coach for Women’s British Open win
South African says she had been unsure if she would ever realise her potential before seeking the services of Duncan McCarthy
09 August 2022 - 20:35
byDhruv Munjal
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Ashleigh Buhai of SA celebrates after her putt shot on the 18th hole at the AIG Women's Open champion at Muirfield in Gullane, Scotland, August 7 2022. Picture: OCTAVIO PASSOS/GETTY IMAGES
Throwing away a five-shot lead on the final day of a Major would previously have sent Ashleigh Buhai into panic mode but the South African said her work with a sports psychologist helped her stay calm and claim the Women’s British Open on Sunday.
A triple bogey at the 15th caused Buhai to drop a share of the lead with South Korea’s Chun In-gee but the 33-year-old came out on top after a thrilling playoff at Muirfield to seal her maiden Major title.
Buhai said she had been unsure if she would ever realise her potential before seeking the services of British mental coach Duncan McCarthy earlier this year.
“If you told me in February that I would be sitting here, I would never have believed you with the mental state I was in,” Buhai told reporters.
“I had been swinging good for a long time and could not keep myself in the moment. He’s given me the tools ... to stay in the moment, and all I can control, and stay away from the outcome.”
Buhai’s mental resolve was tested by the disastrous 15th but she came back with three pars to set up the playoff.
“I didn’t panic, which I thought was huge, and just tried to make a good swing on the next and just try to make good swings coming in to give myself a chance,” she added.
“And then I ran my putt past on 18 a little bit but holed a great par to keep myself in the playoff.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Buhai doffs cap to mental coach for Women’s British Open win
South African says she had been unsure if she would ever realise her potential before seeking the services of Duncan McCarthy
Throwing away a five-shot lead on the final day of a Major would previously have sent Ashleigh Buhai into panic mode but the South African said her work with a sports psychologist helped her stay calm and claim the Women’s British Open on Sunday.
A triple bogey at the 15th caused Buhai to drop a share of the lead with South Korea’s Chun In-gee but the 33-year-old came out on top after a thrilling playoff at Muirfield to seal her maiden Major title.
Buhai said she had been unsure if she would ever realise her potential before seeking the services of British mental coach Duncan McCarthy earlier this year.
“If you told me in February that I would be sitting here, I would never have believed you with the mental state I was in,” Buhai told reporters.
“I had been swinging good for a long time and could not keep myself in the moment. He’s given me the tools ... to stay in the moment, and all I can control, and stay away from the outcome.”
Buhai’s mental resolve was tested by the disastrous 15th but she came back with three pars to set up the playoff.
“I didn’t panic, which I thought was huge, and just tried to make a good swing on the next and just try to make good swings coming in to give myself a chance,” she added.
“And then I ran my putt past on 18 a little bit but holed a great par to keep myself in the playoff.”
Reuters
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Related Articles
LALI STANDER: Savour the small wins and victory might land on you
Ashleigh Buhai builds confidence after British Open challenge
Kirk holds off Ashleigh Buhai's challenge
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.