Ashleigh Buhai became just the second woman since Yani Tseng in 2011 to win the Patricia Bridges Bowl for the Australian Women’s Open in the same year as the AIG Women’s Open as she finished one shot clear at Victoria Golf Club on Sunday.
Her final-round one-over-par 73 boosted her ahead of overnight leader Jiyai Shin, who carded a closing three-over-par 75. The Australian trio of Hannah Green, Grace Kim and Minjee Lee filled out the remaining places in the top five on 10-under, nine-under and eight-under respectively.
Buhai had to survive an afternoon of carnage to pull off the win, prevailing after a dramatic collapse from Sydney prodigy Kim. Kim had the lead on the 18th tee, but had to settle for fourth after making a double-bogey on the closing hole. Shin also missed a five-footer on the closing hole that would have forced a play-off.
“It’s the cherry on the top,” the 33-year-old Buhai said of her triumphant season before choking back tears. “Sorry, it’s just hit me.”
