Ashleigh Buhai dominates as South Africa’s wealthiest LPGA player with $4.7 million net worth and $5.5 million career earnings. The 36-year-old won the 2022 Women’s Open at Muirfield, claiming her first major championship and $1.09 million prize.
Paula Reto follows with $800,000 net worth built through steady LPGA competition since 2014. Lee-Anne Pace rounds out the top three with $700,000 net worth from combined LPGA and Ladies European Tour success.
This guide examines how South African golfers leverage international competition to build wealth despite limited domestic professional opportunities.
South Africa’s LPGA Wealth Rankings
| Player | Career Earnings | LPGA Wins | Majors | Net Worth |
| Ashleigh Buhai | $5.5M | 2 | 1 | $4.7M |
| Paula Reto | $500K | 0 | 0 | $800K |
| Lee-Anne Pace | $2.3M | 0 | 0 | $700K |
Ashleigh Buhai: South Africa’s $5.5M Major Champion
Ashleigh Buhai has earned $5.5 million in LPGA career earnings with $4.7 million estimated net worth.
She captured the 2022 AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield in a playoff against In-gee Chun. That victory earned $1.09 million and lifted her to 24th in world rankings.
Her 2023 season included a second LPGA win at the ShopRite LPGA Classic, earning $262,500. Buhai dominated the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open with consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023. She earned $291,880 in 2025 across 22 starts with two top-10 finishes.
Career achievements:
- LPGA wins: 2 official victories
- Major championships: 1 (2022 Women’s Open)
- Top-10 finishes: 22 career
- Highest world ranking: 12th
Buhai joined the LPGA Tour in 2008 after a successful amateur career. She competed in 270 LPGA events through 2024, making 167 cuts.
Her breakthrough came in 2017 with three top-10 finishes that earned $461,094. The South African earned Order of the British Empire recognition for her contributions to golf.
Paula Reto: Consistent Competitor
Paula Reto has built $800,000 net worth through steady LPGA competition since 2014. The 35-year-old earned $301,200 in 2025 across 23 starts. She made 15 cuts with one top-10 finish, demonstrating consistent play without breakthrough victories.
Reto’s career highlights:
- 2025 earnings: $301,200
- Career starts: 200+ events
- Top-10 finishes: Multiple
- Best finish: Runner-up positions
She earned $15,761 at the 2025 Annika driven by Gainbridge, finishing tied for 38th. Reto consistently ranks between 80th-100th on annual money lists.
Her steady income stream comes entirely from tournament prize money without significant endorsement deals.
Reto attended Purdue University before turning professional. She earned LPGA membership through qualifying school and maintains full status through consistent performance. Her lowest career round is 66.
Lee-Anne Pace: Veteran Earner
Lee-Anne Pace has accumulated $700,000 net worth through combined LPGA and Ladies European Tour earnings.
She earned $523,939 in her best LPGA season with three top-10 finishes. Her runner-up finish at the Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic represented her career-best result.
Pace competes primarily on the Ladies European Tour where she has won multiple titles. She holds LET membership while making selective LPGA starts. Her dual-tour strategy maximizes earning opportunities across two continents.
The veteran golfer represented South Africa at multiple Olympics and international team events. She maintains active status despite limited LPGA appearances in recent seasons.
South African Golf Economics
Challenges facing South African LPGA players:
| Factor | Impact |
| Currency Exchange | Rand weakness reduces purchasing power |
| Limited Sponsors | Few corporate golf investments |
| Travel Costs | Expensive flights from Southern Hemisphere |
| Competition Base | Small professional women’s tour |
South Africa produces talented golfers but limited domestic infrastructure constrains development.
The country has no major professional women’s tour offering regular prize money. Most players develop through American collegiate programs or European competition.
2025: Buhai Maintains Elite Status
Ashleigh Buhai earned $291,880 in 2025 while maintaining her position among South Africa’s top earners. She made 14 cuts in 22 starts with two top-10 finishes. Her world ranking stabilized around 57th after peaking at 12th in 2022.
Paula Reto secured full LPGA status for 2026 with $301,200 earned. She finished 83rd on the CME Globe points list, safely inside the top 100.
Lee-Anne Pace reduced her LPGA schedule, focusing primarily on LET events. No new South African players earned LPGA membership in 2025. Limited pipeline development threatens future representation.
FAQs
Who is the richest South African LPGA player?
Ashleigh Buhai with $4.7 million net worth and $5.5 million in career LPGA earnings. She won the 2022 Women’s Open at Muirfield, earning $1.09 million.
How much did Ashleigh Buhai win at the Women’s Open?
Ashleigh Buhai earned $1.09 million for winning the 2022 AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield. She defeated In-gee Chun in a playoff for her first major championship.
How many South African players compete on the LPGA Tour?
Three. Ashleigh Buhai, Paula Reto, and Lee-Anne Pace hold LPGA status, though Pace competes primarily on the Ladies European Tour.
Has a South African won an LPGA major?
Yes. Ashleigh Buhai won the 2022 AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield. She remains South Africa’s only female major champion.
What is Paula Reto’s career earnings?
Paula Reto has earned over $500,000 in career LPGA earnings with $301,200 in 2025 alone. She has competed on tour since 2014 without a victory.
Did Ashleigh Buhai compete in the Olympics?
Yes. Ashleigh Buhai represented South Africa at the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2024 Paris Olympics. She competed alongside other South African golfers in both games.
