Buhai and Zhang to play together

Ashleigh Buhai will begin the defence of her AIG Women’s Open title alongside Rose Zhang in one of the marquee groupings for rounds one and two at Walton Heath.

Buhai – last year’s Champion at Muirfield – has been drawn alongside Zhang, who won the Smyth Salver for leading amateur 12 months ago, and two-time major winner Brooke Henderson.

Zhang has recorded three top-10 finishes in succession in majors since turning professional earlier this year.

The group of Buhai, Zhang and Henderson will tee off at 12:49pm (UK time) on Thursday and 8:09am on Friday.

Two groups in front of them, at 12:27pm on Thursday and 7:47am on Friday, will be Amundi Evian Championship winner Celine Boutier, who is seeking a third win in as many weeks, 2018 AIG Women’s Open Champion Georgia Hall and two-time Smyth Salver winner Atthaya Thitikul.

The morning wave is highlighted by three high-profile trios out between 7:58am and 8:20am on Thursday. You can follow their progress live on AIG Women's Open Radio.

Minjee Lee is joined by Nasa Hataoka and Danielle Kang in the first of those groups, before Anna Nordqvist – the Champion in 2021 – goes out with Jin Young Ko and Leona Maguire.

They are followed by two of the world’s top three as Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko play alongside England’s Charley Hull – the runner-up at this year’s US Women’s Open.

The first shot of the Championship will be struck by Mel Reid at 6:30am, with Alison Lee and Maria Fassi making up Game 1.

You can view the full list of tee times for rounds one and two here.

If you want to come along and watch the Championship, tickets are available here.