Yuka Saso made history as the first Japanese player to win the U.S. Women’s Open in 2021, following her 2021 win as the first Filipino player to claim the major championship. Born in the Philippines to a native mother and Japanese father, Saso’s decision to switch to Japanese citizenship two years ago allowed her to bring glory to both countries. At just 22 years old, she showcased her skills on the course, shooting a two-under 68 to secure her second U.S. Women’s Open victory.
Despite a challenging start with a four-putt double bogey on the sixth hole, Saso demonstrated resilience and patience, traits crucial in a U.S. Open. Her strategic play and focus led to a remarkable back-nine stretch, where she secured four birdies in five holes to soar ahead of her competitors. Saso’s performance was a testament to her determination and skill under pressure, ultimately leaving her opponents trailing behind.
The co-leaders, including Minjee Lee and Wichanee Meechai, faced struggles and collapses on the final day of the tournament. Lee, a seasoned player and former world amateur No. 1, battled through a rough front nine but fell short of catching Saso’s lead. Meanwhile, Meechai’s disdain for pressure was evident as she succumbed to a disastrous triple bogey, sliding down the leaderboard.
Andrea Lee, another co-leader, managed to salvage her round with a strong finish despite a challenging front nine. However, a missed opportunity on the 17th hole squandered her chances of catching Saso, who displayed composure and skill in securing the victory. Saso’s victory marked her as the youngest player in history to win the U.S. Women’s Open twice, a remarkable achievement at just 22 years old.
Saso’s triumph at the U.S. Women’s Open was a culmination of her dedication to the sport, showcasing her accuracy with the driver and a well-timed switch to an Odyssey putter. Despite her young age, Saso has already made her mark in the golfing world with two U.S. Open victories, dispelling any doubts about her ability to win at the highest level. Her tears of joy and relief at the trophy presentation reflected the emotional journey she embarked on to achieve this remarkable feat.
While Nelly Korda dominated the headlines leading up to the tournament as the world No. 1, Saso’s performance on the course was a reminder of her prowess and talent in the women’s golf world. As the queen of the Lancaster carnage, Saso’s victory will be remembered as a historic moment in the sport, solidifying her status as a rising star in women’s golf. With her determined spirit and unwavering focus, Saso’s future in the sport looks bright, paving the way for more triumphs to come.
