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Yuka Saso added another major title to her burgeoning career yesterday, securing her second US Women's Open victory at Lancaster Country Club.
Yuka Saso celebrates on the 18th green after winning the U.S. Women’s Open golf at Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania on Sunday. (Matt Slocum / Associated Press)
The formidable Philippine star carded a steely final round of four-under 68 to finish four shots clear of the field on four under for the tournament. It took grit and guts for any player to emerge on top in Pennsylvania this week, as Lancaster's lengthy layout proved an immense test.
Though Saso stumbled with a double bogey on the sixth, she rebounded superbly to drop just one further shot over the closing stretch. Five well-timed birdies along the way pushed her ahead as others faltered down the stretch in the punishing conditions.
The 22-year-old had began the day three back of co-leaders Minjee Lee, Andrea Lee and Wichanee Meechai. But she patiently reeled them in as they struggled on the front nine, staying steady herself at even par.
Then followed Saso's decisive push. Five consecutive birdies on the 11th saw her pull ahead, displaying the poise and class of a great champion. With her victory, she became one of the tournament's youngest repeat winners, at only 22.
Saso has long demonstrated flashes of her enormous talent. Now she's fulfilling her promise on golf's biggest stage once more, demonstrating steely nerves under pressure. Her second US Open title demonstrates that she is a legitimate major force for many years to come.
What were the key moments that sealed Yuka Saso's victory in the U.S. Women's Open?
- Steady start on the front nine. While the leaders were faltering with bogeys, Saso hung tough and remained even par through the first nine holes, keeping herself in contention.
- Birdie streak on the back nine. After a double bogey on the 6th hole, Saso responded with four birdies over the next five holes from the 12th to the 16th. This hot streak lifted her into the lead as others struggled.
- Clutch birdie on the 16th. Saso hit the green in regulation on the par-4 16th hole, which had been shortened and played as a drivable hole. She two-putted for birdie to extend her lead to three shots.
- Composure down the stretch. Saso safely parred the challenging final two holes despite pressure from the field. She remained steady when others were cracking, closing out the victory with hard-earned pars.
- Consistency overall. While she made errors like the double bogey, Saso still carded her best round of the week with a 4-under 68. Her consistency of five birdies against just two bogeys proved the difference.
Read more
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References:
https://golf.com/news/yuka-saso-wins-u-s-womens-open-second-time/
