Ashleigh Buhai saw the power of sport in South Africa only recently when the country came together to celebrate the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup triumph.
A smile spread across the face of South Africa’s defending women’s champion at the ISPS HANDA Australian Open in Sydney when she revealed she had her own little success because of it.
“That World Cup win was very special. Everyone knows South Africa has its battles and issues but when it comes to sport we come together. What the Springboks have been able do across the past five years by winning two World Cups is incredible,” Buhai said.
That message of enriching lives and creating opportunities through sport is at the heart of the International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS HANDA) for which Buhai is an ambassador.
Buhai did find the perfect person to play with in Korea in October when her Springboks were advancing to the final to face the All Blacks of New Zealand’s Lydia Ko.
“Lydia and I were playing together in Korea. We said we need to have a bet as we walked down the first fairway. Once we knew both our teams were in the final, it was on. Lydia sent me over a few bucks after the result.”
Buhai, 34, was in an upbeat mood after her four-under-par 68 in Thursday’s opening round at The Australian Golf Club. Afternoon winds buffeted the scoring but Buhai hung tough with eight straight pars on the back nine before rolling in a birdie putt on the 18th.
It leaves her in a tie for fourth behind teenage Sydney amateur Rachel Lee, the surprise first round co-leader after her fine six-under 67 at The Lakes. The 16-year-old had to race to the first tee to make her time after misjudging it. She shares the lead with American Jenny Shin, who matched the low round with a 67 in the afternoon.
Wind, rain squalls, fast greens…Buhai feels comfortable with everything this week might possibly throw at her because she has been coming to Australia regularly since she was 13.
Her parents put her on a plane by herself at that age to link up with family friends in Sydney so she could play the Jack Newton International Junior Classic.
“Some of the best memories of my life are from those early days. I made some lifelong friends going to three or four Jack Newton events and even winning one (in 2004),” Buhai said.
“I do feel like I receive a lot of support from friends and family here and feel, in general, that crowds in Australia love to watch good golf.
“I’ve been coming to Australia almost every year since I was 13 but for those COVID years. I’m staying at my sister-in-law’s place in Sydney. When you go back there after a round you just forget about golf and enjoy things.”
It helps too that it’s where she can enjoy a good braai (barbecue) when a good fillet steak goes on the grill. Happiness off the course does help convert to good results on course.
