Yuka Saso rewards Japanese father and Filipino mother by winning US Women’s Open; Earns 2nd championship

LOS ANGELES – Yuka Saso clenched her left hand into a fist after successfully posting a par on the 18th hole and pumping it into the air repeatedly.

Although the final group of other players were still playing, Saso was adamant that she had secured the victory.

As people in the gallery clapped, she smiled and said, “I am very happy and full of gratitude.”

Saso had trouble on the sixth hole and made a double bogey, but she didn’t give up and turned things around.

She kept the advice of her father, Masakazu, 66, in mind after she had a poor result in last week’s match, when he told her: “It is better to remain calm while playing. That’s the only thing you’re missing. In terms of technology, you are second to none.”

Saso was born in the Philippines and grew up in Tokyo. She later moved back to the Philippines and improved her golf skills there.

She was 19 years old when she won her first golf tournament championship in June 2021. She played golf at the Tokyo Olympics that year, representing the Philippines. After the Games she chose to obtain Japanese nationality.

“With the championship win in 2021, I think I could reward my mother as a player representing the Philippines,” Saso said. “This year I get to represent Japan and that’s why I feel like I can reward my father.”

Saso is still young at 22 years old. Chances are she will continue to reward her parents with golf.