After opening rounds of 64 and 67, Ashleigh Buhai will take a one-shot lead into Sunday’s finale at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship
The 35-year-old South African overcame a double bogey on 8 and a bogey on 13 with seven birdies, highlighted by four on the five closing holes to reach 11 under.
“I didn’t expect any number. I never go into a tournament with a number in my head,” said Buhai, a two-time LPGA winner.
“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.”
Dottie Ardina was one back on 10 under, following a second-day 67, headlined by three birdies and an eagle in a six-hole stretch.
“I think I just need to be calm and just focus on my own game,” said Ardina, 30, who will be seeking her maiden LPGA Tour win.
“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 were one further back on 9 under, including Arpichaya Yubol (65), former Arkansas star Gaby Lopez (67), Pajaree Anannarukarn (67) and two-time Walmart NW Arkansas champion Nasa Hataoka (66).
Jennifer Kupcho and Lauren Hartlage, who shot matching low-round 64s, were among eight players at 8 under. Others in the T7 logjam included Sei Young Kim (65) and Jeeno Thitikul (67), who won here in 2022.
Ten more players sat T15 on 7 under, headlined by LPGA superstar Lexi Thompson (67), former Arkansas Razorback star Maria Fassi (71) and sponsor invite Maria Marin (70), a sophomore at Arkansas.
“It feels like home. Everyone is cheering for you and supporting you no matter what you do, but because you’re a Razorback,” said Marin of the local support. “I think that’s one of the main reasons I came here. Razorback community is just so — like they stick together.”
Two-time Walmart NW Arkansas winner Stacy Lewis (70) made the cut and sits T54 on 3 under.
Notables who missed the cut included defending champion Haeran Ryu (72) and 2024 U.S. Women’s Open winner Yuka Saso (72).
2024 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship
Round Two: Top 10 Scorers
1. Ashleigh Buhai -11 (-4)
2. Dottie Ardina -10 (-4)
3. Arpichaya Yubol -9 (-6)
3. Nasa Hataoka -9 (-5)
3. Gaby Lopez -9 (-4)
3. Pajaree Anannarukarn -9 (-4)
7. Jennifer Kupcho -8 (-7)
7. Lauren Hartlage -8 (-7)
7. Sei Young Kim -8 (-6)
7. Linnea Strom -8 (-5)
7. Jeeno Thitikul -8 (-4)
7. Minami Katsu -8 (-4)
7. Olivia Cowan -8 (-4)
7. Mao Saigo -8 (-4)
LPGA Communications post-round content used to compile report.
