Buhai credits mental coach for Women's British Open win

Ashleigh Buhai would have panicked if she lost a five-shot lead in the final day of a major. But, the South African claimed that her work with a sports psychologist helped to keep her calm and won the Women's British Open.

Buhai fell to a share of first place with South Korea's Chun Ingee after a triple bogey on the 15th. However, the 33-year old won the title after a thrilling playoff at Muirfield.

Buhai stated that she was unsure if her potential would ever be realized before she sought the help of British mental coach Duncan McCarthy. Buhai said to reporters, "If you told my February that I would be sitting right here, I would not have believed you with the mental condition I was in," Buhai stated.

I had been swinging for a while and couldn't keep myself in the present moment. He has given me the tools to stay in the present and control all that I can, while avoiding the outcome.

Buhai's mental strength was tested by the 15th, but she returned with three pars to set up a playoff.

I didn’t panic, which was huge. I just tried to make a great swing on the next swing and just try to make better swings coming in to give me a chance," she said. And then, obviously, I ran my putt past 18 a bit but holed great par to keep me in the playoff.