[Golf Topic] 'US Women's Open Champ' Saso: "A Girl Fan If I Meet McIlroy?"

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] ○..."Today, a girl fan."

‘US Women's Open Champ’ Yuka Saso (Philippines, photo) met her idol Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland). It was on the 16th (Korean time) at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California, USA, the battleground of the US Open, known as the "national title of America." Saso, who said, "I didn't know how to say 'hello,'" cheered, "McIlroy let me come inside the rope," and "We talked about various things, but it's a secret."

Saso is the player who just won the US Women's Open, a major on the US Women's Professional Golf (LPGA) Tour, on the 7th. Born to a Japanese father and a Filipino mother, she swept Asian women's golf since her junior days and won two gold medals in the women's individual and team events at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games. Since turning professional in 2019, she has been active on the Japan Women's Professional Golf (JLPGA) Tour. Her surprise victory at the US Women's Open earned her a ‘direct ticket to the LPGA Tour’.

Saso was especially noted for her ‘McIlroy swing.’ She has a unique story, saying, "I have tried to imitate McIlroy's swing since I was young." It is interesting that McIlroy cheered for Saso before the final 4th round of the US Women's Open. Saso also responded with a thank-you message right after her victory. After attending various commemorative events, including taking photos with McIlroy and defending champion Bryson DeChambeau (USA), she added, "I want to come back again tomorrow morning."