The social media world was abuzz with congratulatory messages on Monday following the historic win of Filipino golfer Yuka Saso at the 76th U.S. Women’s Open golf tournament at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, California.
Sports superstars, diplomats, and politicians alike congratulated the 19-year-old Saso for being the first Filipino and the youngest winner to win the premier golfing tournament.
“Congrats to Yuka Saso for winning the 76th US Women’s Open at The Olympic Club in San Francisco on Sunday! This is a historic victory for Japanese-Filipino golf! We are proud of the milestones she has and will continue to achieve,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko said in a tweet, shortly after the half Filipino-half Japanese snatched the coveted championship trophy.
Former world number one golfer Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, whose golf swing has become an inspiration for the young Filipino golfer, rooted for Saso in his earlier social media post.
“Everyone’s going to be watching Yuka Saso swing videos on YouTube now. Congratulations!” McIlroy said.
Even former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. did not hide his admiration of the young Saso and the prospect of bringing home more honors for the Philippines.
“Congratulations Yuka Saso! Sa iyong murang edad na 19, tiyak malayo pa ang iyong mararating at umpisa na ito ng marami pang karangalang iuuwi mo para sa bansa (At your tender age of 19, you surely have a long way to go and this is the start of the many honors that you will bring home for the country),” Marcos tweeted.
Eight division boxing champion and Senator Manny Pacquiao said he is proud of Saso has achieved being the youngest champion in women’s golf.
“Mabuhay Ka! Yuka Saso. You have shown to the world the Filipino greatness as the world’s youngest champion in the prestigious 2021 US Women’s Open. I join the entire Filipino nation in celebrating your victory. We are so proud of you,” Pacquiao said on his Twitter account.
The Philippine Consulate in San Francisco where joined the Filipino community in Northern California to congratulate Saso.
“The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco congratulates 19-year-old Filipina golfer Ms. Yuka Saso for winning the 2021 76th US Women’s Open in San Francisco! Mabuhay!” the Consulate said in a statement posted on its official Twitter account.