AIG Women's Open - 2022 A Championship Year On The Coast

A FITTING CLIMAX TO A CHAMPIONSHIP YEAR ON THE COAST

Having hosted the Open 16 times, it was historically Muirfield‘s first time hosting the AIG Women’s Open. No questions could be asked of the quality of the golf course, it was always going to be tough. But, what about the actual tournament? Would it live up to expectation? The spectators and media were out in force and it certainly didn’t disappoint. With the prominent breeze, fast-running fairways and traditional colours of links golf, Scotland’s Golf Coast served up a feast of golf. It was a joy to see so many golf fans from across the world, marching around what truly is one of the best golf courses in the world. All current 2022 Major winners lined up, alongside last year’s AIG Women’s Open Champion, Anna Nordqvist. Going into the final round, South African, Ashleigh Buhai led by five. A second round 65, followed by an even more impressive 64, had left her clear of the field. But, as links golf has a habit of doing, one bad swing and everything can change. It was the 15th for Buhai. A poor drive meant a shot sideways out of the bunker, deep rough and the tricky green. A triple bogey seven had seen her advantage vanish. In host pursuit was Major champion In Gee Chun, a player used to winning and adding to the pressure for Buhai. With both players posting a 72 hole score of 10 under, the 18th hole beckoned for the play-off. A topsy turvy affair, both players reached the 18th green for the fourth time. A superb green side bunker approach from Buhai left a 3ft putt for the title. She made it and in doing so won her first Major and became the first South African to win a Major since 1988. Muirfield, Scotland’s Golf Coast, the R&A and everyone involved put on a great show. A big congratulations to the greenkeepers, who set up a wonderful, but fair challenge. The feedback from the professionals was exceptional. And, a big congratulations to Scotland. Six tournaments in five weeks. Six worthy winners in Xander Schauffele, Cam Smith, Darren Clarke, Ayaka Furue, Sean Crocker and finally, Ashleigh Buhai. The Genesis Scottish Open returns to the Renaissance next year for the fifth consecutive time, we just can’t get enough Championships on Scotland’s Golf Coast!