Yuka Saso

Yuka Saso is a Japanese professional golfer born on June 20, 2001, in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, Philippines, to a Filipina mother and Japanese father. She grew up between the Philippines and Japan, beginning golf training at age eight. She competes on both the LPGA Tour and the LPGA of Japan Tour. From the 2022 LPGA Tour season she has represented Japan exclusively, having chosen to retain her Japanese citizenship in November 2021 and completed the citizenship process by January 2022. Her career official earnings on the LPGA Tour have surpassed $7 million.

Saso turned professional in November 2019 and wasted little time establishing herself. She earned her first professional wins at the 2020 NEC Karuizawa 72 and the Nitori Ladies Golf Tournament on the LPGA of Japan Tour. Her breakthrough on the world stage came in June 2021 when she won the U.S. Women's Open at the Olympic Club, defeating Nasa Hataoka in a playoff. At 19 years and eleven months, she matched Inbee Park as the youngest champion in the tournament's history, and became the first Filipino to claim the title. She followed that with a second U.S. Women's Open victory in 2024 at Lancaster Country Club, edging Hinako Shibuno by three strokes, making her a two-time champion with both of her LPGA Tour victories being major championships.

Saso's game is built around a technically precise full swing modelled in part on her admitted idol, Rory McIlroy. Coaches frequently cite her weight transfer, lower-body stability, and extension through the ball as standout mechanics. Her driver distance and ball-striking give her an edge at major setups, where length and accuracy must coexist.

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