After 36 holes at Pinnacle Country Club, two-time LPGA Tour winner Ashleigh Buhai is on the precipice of another victory as she holds a one-stroke lead heading into the final day at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G.
Buhai sits at 11-under after carding a four-under 67 on Saturday, one stroke ahead of her nearest competitor. The South African is looking to make it three straight seasons with at least one Tour title if she can find the winner’s circle on Sunday in her 12th appearance in Hog country.
“I didn’t expect any number. I never go into a tournament with a number in my head,” said Buhai. “Obviously, it’s renowned for more of a low-scoring tournament. Three days. Bit of a shootout. But the course is in great condition, and I think that’s why the scores are really good.”
Along with a double-bogey on eight and a bogey on 13, Buhai carded seven birdies on the day, including four in her closing five holes (14, 15, 17 and 18). She is second in birdies made (15) through the first two rounds and is T3 in greens in regulation (32/36).
But one shot back of 35-year-old Buhai is Dottie Ardina, who first joined the LPGA Tour in 2014 and who is looking to become the season’s fourth Rolex First-Time Winner in Rogers, Arkansas. Ardina followed up a first-round 65 with a 67 to sit within striking distance of her first tour title and will almost double her official career earnings if she claims this week’s $450,000 winner’s cheque. Ardina got off to a hot start, opening with a birdie on one and going birdie-eagle-birdie on four to six to go out in 31. After two bogeys on 11 and 12, she got one back with a birdie on 14 to get to 10-under for the tournament with 18 holes to play.
“I think I just need to be calm and just focus on my own game,” said Ardina. “I always think play like a practice round because there is no pressure. I’m going to try to do that tomorrow, or I am going to do that tomorrow.”
Four players sit in a tie for third at nine-under: 2018 and 2021 Walmart NW Arkansas champion Nasa Hataoka, two-time LPGA Tour winner Pajaree Anannarukarn, Thailand native Arpichaya Yubol and University of Arkansas alum Gaby Lopez.
Paula Reto had a fine second round of five-under 66 to move to seven-under for the tournament and a share of 15th.
