The first Filipina to win the US Women's Open, and now the first from Japan. Sweetest of all for golfer Yuka Saso was sharing the biggest prize in her sport with countries of both her parents.
Saso delivered a masterpiece on the back nine at tough Lancaster Country Club amid collapses from so many contenders, closing with a two-under par 68 for a three-shot victory.
And then she held back tears at the trophy presentation - the silver Semple Trophy has only the names of the 79 winners, not their countries - as she thought about how much her Filipina mother and Japanese father have provided so much care and support.
She won at The Olympic Club in 2021 playing under the flag of the Philippines. She won at Lancaster three years later under the flag of Japan.
"Winning in 2021, I represented the Philippines. I feel I was able to give back to my mom," Saso said. "This year I was able to represent Japan, and I was able to give back to my dad. I'm very happy ... It's just a wonderful feeling that I was able to give back to my parents in the same way."
Japan doesn't allow for dual citizenship, so she had to decide before turning 21 which country to represent, and she went with Japan.
The 22-year-old was just as rock-solid down the stretch as she was at the 2021 Open, where two late birdies got her into a playoff she won over Nasa Hataoka.
This time, she rode four birdies over a five-hole stretch on the back nine with a collection of clutch tee shots and putts, wedges and long irons.
Saso got up-and-down for par from short of the 18th green to finish at four-under 276, winning by three shots over Hinako Shibuno, who in 2019 became the first Japanese player to capture the Women's British Open.
They were the only two players under par.
Saso joined Se Ri Pak and In Gee Chun as the only players to make their first two LPGA victories major championships.
"I really wanted it - not just to get a second win but also to prove something to myself," Saso said. "I haven't won in three years. I definitely had a little doubt if I can win again or if I won't win again."
The victory also put Saso in position to return to the Olympics. She played for the Philippines in 2021 at the Tokyo Games and tied for ninth.
