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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Golf devider Home sweet home for Yuka Saso

Home sweet home for Yuka Saso

Published Feb 21, 2022 08:25 pm

The reigning US Open champion says nothing has changed since her historic win

Yuka Saso poses with her US Women's Open trophy during a press conference Monday at the Solaire Hotel & Casino. (Kristel Satumbaga)

It was a homecoming of sorts for golf phenom Yuka Saso after setting foot in the Philippines for the first time in two years.

“It’s really good to be back,” Saso told Manila Bulletin in an exclusive interview.

“I’m really thankful that I’m here. I feel like I’m back home.”

It has been busy for the past couple of years for the 20-year-old Fil-Japanese, who turned pro late in 2019 after earning an LPGA of Japan Tour card for 2020.

But 2021 was her shining moment, having won the historic US Women’s Open title in June and then placing 10th in the Tokyo Olympics in August.

Being back to where she grew up – from finally eating her favorite Filipino dishes to meeting relatives and practicing at the local courses – gives Saso that nostalgic feeling.

“A few days ago, I played at the country club where I used to practice. Then I also played at Wack Wack (Golf and Country Club), which is a very classic Filipino golf course and it’s good to get that feeling that I wasn’t able to feel the last two years,” said the ICTSI-backed Saso.

Though achieving a historic feat at the US Women’s Open where she matched Inbee Park as the youngest golfer to win in the tournament, Saso believes nothing still has changed since then.

“Overall, my life hadn’t changed even after that US Open win. I’m still enjoying every moment and appreciating everything, even the little things,” she said.

The Bulacan-born Olympian also said she still approached her tournaments the same way as before despite the high expectations and the spotlight following her US Women’s Open victory.

“It may sound a little bit selfish, but I only pay attention to myself when I’m playing golf. It’s only about me and golf, so no pressure at all,” said Saso, also a brand ambassador AXA.

“Ine-enjoy ko lang, so I think that’s very important.”

While coming home seems like a vacation for Saso, she admitted she still has work to do as she gears up for the $1.7 million HSBC Women’s World Championship from March 3 to 6 at the Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore and the $1.6 million Honda LPGA Thailand from March 10 to 13 at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course in Chonburi.

“It’s also a good strategy to go to these tournaments from here instead of from the US para iwas jet-lag. I’m able to get used to the time and the weather kasi sa Texas, malamig doon,” she said.

Saso hopes to surpass her third-place finish at the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio a few weeks back – her best finish so far in the first three tournaments she had played this year.

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