Yuka Saso Clinches Second US Women’s Open Victory, Achieving Unique Double!
On Sunday at Lancaster Country Club, Yuka Saso demonstrated her remarkable resilience and impressive skill set as she secured her second US Women’s Open title. This triumph represents a rare achievement for the 22-year-old golfer, who has successfully captured this championship while representing two distinct nations.
Throughout the final round, Saso sported a blue Callaway hat and dressed in a light yellow shirt and matching blue pants. Despite facing an early challenge that resulted in a four-putt double bogey on hole six’s par-three course, she displayed unwavering focus and determination to shoot two-under 68 ultimately.
Her impressive performance allowed her to capitalize on difficult course conditions that had stymied other competitors, securing her well-deserved victory.
In 2021, Saso became the first Filipino player to win the US Women’s Open. After opting for Japanese citizenship due to dual nationality laws, she became the first Japanese player to achieve the same feat. “Winning in 2021 for the Philippines felt like giving back to my mom. This year, representing Japan, I feel like I was able to give back to my dad,” Saso shared.
Saso’s game-changing moment occurred during a back-nine stretch as she made four birdies in five holes. This remarkable surge enabled her to overcome a three-shot deficit and leave the competition trailing behind. “I just focused on my routine and my game,” Saso said of her birdie run. “I think it’s good that I looked strong on TV.”
While other leading players struggled, Saso’s steady play kept her ahead. Minjee Lee, who started the day as a co-leader, faltered with bogeys and a disastrous tee shot into the water, ultimately finishing with a 78.
Wichanee Meechai also struggled, ending her round with a 77. American Andrea Lee was the only co-leader who managed to stay somewhat competitive, but she needed help to catch up to Saso after a rough front nine.
Saso’s final challenge came on the 17th hole, where a bogey gave Andrea Lee a faint chance. However, Lee’s misstep into the greenside bunker on the 18th sealed her fate, and Saso’s excellent chip secured her victory. “I was extremely nervous, but I feel like I learned a lot about controlling my emotions,” Lee said after her round.
Saso attributed her triumph in the US Women’s Open for a second time to her precision driving and utilization of an Odyssey putter, making her the most youthful victor to achieve such a feat. While meditating on her journey, she confessed that doubts crept into her mind regarding another win but was elated and relieved after proving herself again. “The tears at the trophy presentation were tears of joy and relief,” Saso noted.
Although the focus was initially on Nelly Korda, the world’s No. 1 golfer, it’s Yuka Saso whose impressive feat has captured the attention of golf enthusiasts. At age 22, her potential in this sport is undeniably promising and bright.
