Yuka Saso Had Doubts About Winning 2024 US Women’s Open as Past Nightmares Bogged Her Mind

As this year’s US Women’s Open comes to a close, the one who stands tall after the fourth and final round is none other than the Japanese pro, Yuka Saso. Although Saso was not leading after the conclusion of the third round, she was close behind. Saso clinched the win with a 2-under 68 in the fourth round, which included 5 birdies, a bogey, and even a double bogey.

Talking about Yuka Saso’s overall score, she shot a 4 under 276. Except for the second round, she managed to remain under par in all the other ones (68-71-69-68). Although Ally Ewing shot an amazing 4 under in the final round, the toll from the previous rounds made it unworthy. During the post-round interview, Saso talked about her experience during the final round.

Second US Women’s Open for Yuka Saso

On winning the US Women’s Open for the second time, Saso was asked, “What is it about the U.S. Open?” The Japanese pro didn’t have any exact answer to this but according to her, “I think it’s the familiar faces that I see like Julia, all the staff, USGA staff. They just made me feel very welcomed, and they take good care of me. Maybe that’s the reason why.” Saso got a bit emotional after her second win which was evident by her teary eyes.

After the win, Saso couldn’t contain her sentiments. When asked about the importance of this win, she revealed that the reason for her to get emotional might be winning the major after having no expectations of winning it. Saso revealed that the same feeling hovered over her during the US Women’s Open 2021 which she won too. “I think it just makes it special because after a long wait, and I wasn’t expecting to win the U.S. Women’s Open, every time I — last time, too, I wasn’t expecting it, and this time, too, I wasn’t expecting it. I think that’s why it made me a bit emotional.” 

Importance of this win for Saso

Yuka Saso has not won any major since 2021 and winning this year’s US Women’s Open has surely restored a level of confidence in herself. “I think I really wanted it, as well. Not just to get a second win but also to prove something to myself. I haven’t won in two and a half or three years. I definitely had a little doubt if I can win again or if I won’t win again,” Saso replied when asked about her dealing with the 3 years of no major win. She kept her patience throughout that period.

Although Saso didn’t win her first US Women’s Open, it taught her something valuable which is how to be patient. On being asked if she ever gets impatient, she said, “Well, I can be impatient with other things. But I think — I don’t know how to explain it. Just stay in the moment and trying to focus on every shot, trying to do my routine I think helps me calm down a little bit and be patient.” Well, it seems as though Saso can get impatient with many things, but she manages to keep herself patient and calm when it is required the most – while taking a shot. Let’s see how the rest of the year unfolds for Saso.