Yuka Saso

Yuka Saso, born on June 20, 2001, to a Filipina mother and Japanese father, began playing golf at the age of eight. Inspired by Rory McIlroy, she modeled her swing on his by studying his videos. Saso rose to prominence by winning both the individual and team gold medals at the 2018 Asian Games, representing the Philippines. She turned professional in November 2019 after earning her LPGA of Japan Tour card and quickly found success, winning two JLPGA titles in 2020: the NEC Karuizawa 72 and the Nitori Ladies Golf Tournament.

Her breakthrough came at the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open, where she captured her first major title and became the first Filipino golfer to win a major. At 19 years, 11 months, and 17 days old, she tied Inbee Park as the youngest champion in tournament history. Beginning in 2022, Saso officially represented Japan in accordance with Japanese nationality law. She continued her remarkable rise by winning her second U.S. Women’s Open in 2024, becoming the youngest golfer ever to win the championship twice. She represented the Philippines at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Japan at the Paris 2024 Olympics.