Japan’s Yuka Saso emerged from three shots behind on Sunday to claim her second consecutive US Women’s Open title, becoming the youngest player to achieve this feat.
Initially locked in a three-way tie, the final day at Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania unfolded dramatically, with Minjee Lee from Australia, American Andrea Lee, and Thailand’s Wichanee Meechai sharing the top spot on the leaderboard.
Saso, aged 22, made an impressive run with four birdies in five holes on the back nine to secure victory by a three-stroke margin.
Her two-under-par 68 led her to triumph at four under overall, with compatriot Hinako Shibuno finishing as runner-up.
SECOND US OPEN TITLE
This victory marked Saso’s second LPGA Tour title, both achieved at the US Women’s Open. In 2022, she switched her international allegiance to Japan, following her groundbreaking major win in 2021 when she became the first Filipino player to clinch the US Women’s Open title as a teenager.
Reflecting on her win, Saso expressed, “Winning in 2021, I represented the Philippines and I feel like I was able to give back to my mom. 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.”
Despite a shaky start on Sunday, where Saso faced a double bogey after a birdie, she rallied and emerged as one of only two players to finish under par. Minjee Lee struggled to an eight-over 78, while Meechai closed with a 77.
Andrea Lee posted a 75 to share third place with fellow American Ally Ewing, who surged through with a closing 66.
Charley Hull, the top among the English contingent, ended in a tie for 19th at +6 after a strong closing round of 67, while Jodi Ewart Shadoff tied for 29th at +9.
TOUGH SCORING CONDITIONS
The Lancaster course posed a challenging test for the world’s best women’s players, featuring narrow fairways, deep rough, and large, fast greens that led to higher-than-usual scores.
The cut came at +8 on Friday, with several prominent players missing the mark, including Nelly Korda (+10) and Rose Zhang (+11), who failed to advance. Lexi Thompson, announcing her retirement from professional golf, also exited early after struggling with rounds of 78 and 75.
Korda’s challenge began with a major setback on Thursday, where she scored a septuple-bogey 10 after multiple water hazards at the par-3 12th hole in her first round.
Yuka Saso’s winning gear
Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond (9°)
Fairway wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max (15°)
Hybrid: Callaway Apex UW (19°)
Irons: Callaway Apex CB (4-5), Callaway Apex MB (6-9)
Wedges: Callaway Jaws Forged Raw (46°, 48°) Callaway Jaws Raw (52°, 56°, 60°)
Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Milled Three T
Ball: Callaway Chrome Tour X
