Yuka Saso might be the LPGA’s newest major champion, but that didn’t stop her from asking for an autograph at the Marathon LPGA Classic.
“I said, ‘Is this for you?’ ” asked Stacy Lewis, “and she kind of put her head down and said, ‘Yes.’ So I put her name on it and everything.”
Saso, the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open champion who is currently ranked No. 8 in the world, played alongside Lewis for the first two rounds in Toledo. The 20-year-old became a member of the LPGA after her triumph at The Olympic Club. Lewis raved not only about her talent, but her fun energy as well.
“I’m 16 years older than her,” said Lewis, “but if that’s what’s coming up, we’re in a great spot.”
Saso, who modeled her swing after golf idol Rory McIlroy, tied for fifth at the Marathon at 11 under after the event was reduced to 54 holes due to inclement weather. Nasa Hataoka won the event at 19 under.
The Filipino star is getting a crash course in all things LPGA.
“I was in the driving range and (tournament director) Judd Silverman came and welcomed me saying this is like one of the oldest tournament in LPGA,” said Saso after Saturday’s round.
“That day I just found out, so I was really happy and thankful that I was able to come here and able to play. You know, golf course is really in good shape, and the people here is so nice. They’re like cheering. There is a lot of people, too.”
Saso, like Hataoka, won’t be at the next major, however, as she has pulled out of the Amundi Evian Championship. Five of the top-15 players in the world have decided not to go to France, including Danille Kang, Lexi Thompson and Hannah Green.
Saso will compete next week in the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational with Minjee Lee as her partner.
[mm-video type=playlist id=01es6rjnsp3c84zkm6 player_id=none image=https://golfweek.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]