Japanese · San Ildefonso, Bulacan, Philippines · Born 20 June 2001Fil-Japanese golfer who made history winning majors representing two nations.
Yuka Saso became the first major champion from the Philippines at just 19 years and 11 months old when she birdied the third playoff hole to win the 2021 U.S. Women's Open — and then won the same championship again in 2024 while representing a different country, becoming the first player in the event's history to achieve that distinction. The family moved to Japan when Yuka was four, and though she struggled initially, unable to speak Japanese or make friends, her father brought her to the driving range, sparking a passion for the sport; she returned to the Philippines at eight to be homeschooled while pursuing golf full-time. Saso won gold medals for the Philippines in both the individual and team events at the 2018 Asian Games, and turned professional in 2019, initially representing the Philippines internationally. Saso delivered a stunning breakthrough at the 2021 U.S. Women's Open, birdieing the third playoff hole to defeat Japan's Nasa Hataoka and become the first golfer, male or female, from the Philippines ever to win a major championship, matching Inbee Park as the youngest-ever champion at 19 years, 11 months. Saso announced in late 2021 that she would switch her competitive allegiance to Japan, her father's homeland, and won a second U.S. Women's Open title in 2024, becoming the first player in the championship's history to win representing two different countries, continuing to compete at the top level of the LPGA Tour.
First golfer to win the U.S. Women's Open for two different countries (Philippines 2021, Japan 2024)
How They Played
Long driver with strong putting
Lasting Impact
First Filipino to win a major championship
Career Honours
- US Women's Open 2021 (Philippines)
- US Women's Open 2024 (Japan)
Japanese Athletes