The Philippines has a new world champion in Yuka Saso after she pulled off one of the greatest shocks in recent golf history with a thrilling win in the U.S. Women's Open at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, California. Saso overcame two early double bogeys in the final round to post a two-over par score of 73 and a four-under par total of 280. Saso took full advantage of playing partner Lexi Thompson's titanic collapse in the back nine to reach the playoff, where she outlasted Japan's Nasa Hataoka, rolling in an eight-foot birdie in the third playoff hole to record the unlikely victory.
Not much is known, though, of the world's new golfing superstar. Here are some things you need to know about Yuka Saso, the new U.S. Women's Open champion.
Yuka Saso makes history in both the Philippines and Japan
Yuka Saso made history Sunday as she became the Philippines' first-ever major golf champion, recording her first LPGA victory in the process. Saso first rose to prominence in the 2018 Asian Games after winning gold for the Philippines in the individual and team events in the women's golf competition. Saso then made waves in the Japanese LPGA Tour this past year, winning the 2020 NEC Karuizawa 72 and Nitori Ladies Golf Tournament.
She's also the pride of Japan, though, given that Saso's a dual citizen with a Japanese father and Filipina mother. Hisako Higuchi (1977 LPGA Championship) and Hinako Shibuno (2019 Women's British Open) are the only other women with Japanese citizenship to have won majors before.
Not only that, but she also tied Korean star Inbee Park, as the youngest U.S. Women's Open winner, grabbing the prestigious Harton S. Semple trophy at the young age of 19 years, 11 months, and 17 days.
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Million Dollar Yuka
Winning the U.S. Women's Open boosted not only Saso's international profile but also her finances. With her stunning playoff victory in the $5.5 million event, Saso pocketed an astonishing seven-digit payday of $1 million.
Being a U.S. Women's Open champion also has its perks, as Saso became the first player to be eligible for full LPGA Tour membership under the newly installed "Popov Rule."
Before this year, a non-LPGA member who becomes a major champion would be given just a two-year exemption instead of the customary five years for LPGA members. That five-year exemption is huge for Saso, who decided shortly after her U.S. Open win to ply her trade in the LPGA Tour, the world's biggest tour in women's golf.
One famous golfer who noticed Saso's rise this weekend is four-time major champion, Rory McIlroy. Saso is a hardcore McIlroy fan, watching countless hours of his golf swing and even incorporating it into her game. McIlroy mentioned Saso in his Instagram story before the final round, saying, "to go finish it out and get that trophy."
"Rory mentioned me on Instagram and said, 'Get that trophy.'
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) June 6, 2021
And I did!
So thank you, Rory." pic.twitter.com/G3pqLCSxle
Saso paid tribute to McIlroy in her post-victory speech, telling the media that "Rory mentioned me on Instagram and said, 'Get that trophy.' And I did!" Just small talk between two major champions.
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