Japan’s Yuka Saso became just the third player to have won major championships for each of their first two LPGA Tour wins with her gritty victory at the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally, joining Koreans Se Ri Pak and In Gee Chun.
In Sunday’s dramatic final round, virtually every name at the top of the leaderboard struggled to tame the tough Lancaster Country Club course in windy conditions. Saso kept her nerve well to card a closing 68, despite a four-putt double bogey at the par-three sixth hole. The 22-year-old put together a brilliant back nine of 32 for a total of four-under-par 276 (68-71-69-68), three shots ahead of compatriot Hinako Shibuno.
This is the second time that Saso has hoisted the Harton S. Semple trophy, following her victory in 2021 at The Olympic Club in California. She is now also the youngest player to win the U.S. Women’s Open twice.
Overnight leaders Andrea Lee of the United States, Minjee Lee of Australia and Wichanee Meechai of Thailand all struggled and fell back. This allowed another American, Ally Ewing, to surge up the leaderboard with a superb closing 66 and tie Lee for third place on even-par.
Starting the final round three shots behind the leaders, Saso bagged a birdie on the second hole to move to three-under-par overall. The double bogey at the sixth hole dropped her to one-under-par.
The setback failed to deter Saso, and she took control with birdies on 12, 13, 15 and 16, before dropping a shot at the par-three 17th. After finding the fairway at the par-four final hole, Saso left her approach short but made a superb up-and-down par to secure the victory.
“I wasn’t expecting to win the U.S. Women’s Open – last time, too, I wasn’t expecting it, and this time, too, I wasn’t expecting it. I think that’s why it made me a bit emotional. Winning just makes you look back in all the things that your family and your team and my sponsors, they supported me throughout good or bad,” said Saso, who was born in the Philippines but opted for Japanese citizenship when she turned 20.
Meanwhile, tributes piled in for American star Lexi Thompson following her announcement that she will cease playing a full-time schedule in 2025. The 11-time LPGA Tour winner made the surprise revelation before the start of the tournament. She missed the halfway cut.
“This sport has taught me a lot, and I’ve learned so much along the way, built so many friendships and relationships. I’m looking forward to what life has in store. There’s more things to life than going to a tournament every week and doing the same training every day. There’s just more to it, and I’m looking forward to experiencing that. I feel like I’m very content with where my life is and where this decision will lead me to,” said Thompson, who turned 29 on February 29 this year.
LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan noted that Thomspon’s impact extended beyond the golf course.
“Lexi’s impact extends far beyond the golf course. She embodies the spirit and dedication of our Founders — always showing up and engaging intentionally to help further the growth and impact of the LPGA,” said Samaan. “She is beloved by fans, consistently seen signing autographs and interacting with them no matter the result that day.
“Lexi’s commitment to our partners has also been unparalleled. Throughout her career, she has continually made time to engage with partners, their employees and their clients, and truly has valued their tremendous support of women’s golf.
“This dedication was exemplified last year when she was honoured with our Founders Award, given to an LPGA Member who best exemplifies the spirit, ideals, and values of the LPGA through her behaviour and deeds, as voted on by her peers. Lexi’s remarkable career and the way she has conducted herself both on and off the course have inspired countless girls around the world to pursue their goals with passion and perseverance.”
This was Thompson’s 18th consecutive U.S. Women’s Open start, with her first appearance coming in 2007 as a 12-year-old.
