Yuka Saso clinched her second U.S. Women’s Open title on Sunday with a commanding performance at Lancaster Country Club, carding a 2-under 68. Her triumph was marked by a string of four birdies over five holes on the back nine, securing victory with relative ease.
Saso finished at 4-under 276, three shots clear of runner-up Hinako Shibuno, who made history in 2019 as the first Japanese player to win the AIG Women’s Open. Notably, they were the only competitors to finish under par, making it the U.S. Women’s Open with the fewest players under par in a decade. Saso’s previous LPGA victory was at the U.S. Women’s Open at Olympic Club in 2021, complementing her two titles on the Japan LPGA.
Andrea Lee, initially part of a three-way tie for the lead, was the closest contender to Saso. However, Lee faltered with a crucial miss off the tee on the 16th hole and subsequent bogeys on the 17th and 18th, finishing tied for third with Ally Ewing.
Saso, who holds dual citizenship from the Philippines and Japan, led a strong showing by Japanese players, with five finishing in the top 10. Her victory earned her $2.4 million from the $12 million purse, the largest in women’s golf.
In addition to her professional achievements, Saso’s win positions her for a return to the Olympics after representing the Philippines in the 2021 Tokyo Games.
While Saso’s performance shone brightly, Sunday saw several notable meltdowns. Minjee Lee, a two-time major champion, squandered a lead with double bogeys on crucial holes, ultimately finishing with a disappointing 78.
Despite early mistakes, Saso’s momentum surged with a crucial birdie on the 12th hole and a remarkable eagle on the 16th. Despite a late stumble on the 17th, her victory was secure, marking her as only the second woman to win a major under two flags.
Saso’s triumph at the U.S. Women’s Open cements her status as one of golf’s rising stars and underscores her remarkable talent on the global stage.
Photo Credit: (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
