LANCASTER, Pa. — Yuka Saso made history by becoming the first Japanese woman to win the U.S. Women’s Open, following her previous success as the first Filipina to achieve this feat. It was a special moment for Saso, as she celebrated her victory with the countries of both her parents.
Saso displayed exceptional skill on the challenging back nine at Lancaster Country Club, finishing with a 2-under 68 amidst the struggles of many other competitors. Her performance earned her a three-shot victory.
During the trophy presentation, Saso fought back tears as she reflected on the incredible support and care provided by her Filipino mother and Japanese father. Winning under the flags of both countries meant a lot to her.
Having previously won under the Philippine flag in 2021 at The Olympic Club, Saso’s victory at Lancaster in 2022 under the Japanese flag was a source of immense pride for her.
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“Winning in 2021, I represented the Philippines. I feel like I was able to give back to my mom,” Saso said. “This year I was able to represent Japan, and I think I was able to give back to my dad. I’m very happy that I was able to do it.
“It’s just a wonderful feeling that I was able to give back to my parents in the same way.”
Despite the change in flags, Saso maintained her composure down the stretch, showcasing the same unwavering determination that led to her victory at Olympic Club in 2021.
Her stellar performance at Lancaster included a series of crucial birdies and clutch moments, demonstrating her prowess in every aspect of the game. Saso finished at 4-under 276, securing a three-shot win over Hinako Shibuno.
With this victory, Saso joined an elite group of players who have achieved major championship success early in their careers. Her triumphant return to the winner’s circle at the U.S. Women’s Open solidified her status as a rising star in the world of golf.
Reflecting on her journey, Saso expressed gratitude for the support she received from her parents and the lessons learned from past experiences. Her emotional victory at Lancaster marked a significant milestone in her young career.
Andrea Lee, one of the contenders at the start of the final day, faltered under pressure, allowing Saso to secure her place at the top of the leaderboard. Saso’s impressive performance earned her a substantial prize purse of $2.4 million — a record-setting amount in women’s golf.
Saso’s victory not only brought her personal triumph but also positioned her to potentially return to the Olympics, representing Japan in future competitions. Her success at Lancaster highlighted the growing presence of Japanese players in the world of women’s golf.
As Saso basked in the glory of her victory, Sunday’s competition was marked by unexpected setbacks and challenges for many other players. Despite the obstacles, Saso’s unwavering determination and skill ultimately secured her place in history as a dual-flag major champion.
This win, along with her previous success, reaffirmed Saso’s status as a formidable force in the world of women’s golf, showcasing her resilience and skill under pressure.