Early Life and Background
Yuka Saso was born on June 20, 2001, in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, Philippines. She holds dual Filipino and Japanese nationality, standing 1.66 meters tall. Raised by her Filipina mother, Fritzie Saso, and Japanese father, Masakazu Saso, Yuka began her journey into golf at the age of eight. Inspired by Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy, she closely followed his career and modeled her game after his style.
Amateur Career
Yuka Saso made a significant impact in the amateur golf scene. In 2016, she earned recognition by winning the gold medal at the World Junior Girls Championship and leading the Philippines to victory in the team event. Her prowess continued to shine at the 2018 Asian Games, where she won gold medals in both the women's individual and team events. Yuka Saso also participated in the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she narrowly missed out on a medal after a playoff. Despite her close competition, she and her teammate Carl Jano Corpus competed in the mixed team event.
Professional Career
Turning professional in November 2019, Yuka Saso secured a spot on the LPGA of Japan Tour for the 2020 season. She debuted in June 2020 at the Earth Mondahmin Cup, finishing fifth. Her first major victory came at the 2021 U.S. Women's Open, where she defeated Nasa Hataoka in a playoff. At just 19 years and 11 months old, Yuka Saso matched the record as the youngest golfer to win the U.S. Women’s Open, becoming the first Filipino to achieve this feat.
In 2022, Yuka Saso transitioned to representing Japan in international competitions, following her decision to retain Japanese citizenship due to Japanese nationality laws. Despite this change, she maintains a strong connection to her Filipino roots. She continued her success by winning her second U.S. Women's Open in 2024, triumphing over Hinako Shibuno by three strokes.
Citizenship and Nationality
Yuka Saso initially held dual citizenship but was required to choose one by the time she turned 22. In November 2021, she announced her decision to keep her Japanese nationality, completing the formal process by January 2022. While she represents Japan in international competitions, Saso continues to feel a deep connection to her Filipino heritage.
Rankings and Awards
Yuka Saso rise in the Women’s World Golf Rankings has been notable, achieving a peak position of 6th place in 2024. She has been honored as PSA Athlete of the Year in both 2018 and 2020 for her outstanding achievements in golf.
Team Appearances
During her amateur career, Yuka Saso played for Asia/Pacific in the Patsy Hankins Trophy and represented the Philippines at the Asian Games. As a professional, she competed for Japan in the 2023 International Crown.
Yuka Saso Parents
Yuka Saso parents are Fritzie Saso and Masakazu Saso. Her mother, Fritzie, is from the Philippines, and her father, Masakazu, is Japanese. They have been supportive of Yuka's golfing career from a young age. Fritzie's Filipino background and Masakazu Japanese heritage have contributed to Yuka's dual nationality. Their encouragement and guidance have played a key role in Yuka Saso rise as a professional golfer.
Yuka Saso Ethnicity
Yuka Saso is of mixed ethnicity. Her mother is Filipina, and her father is Japanese, which makes Yuka both Filipino and Japanese. This mix of backgrounds is reflected in her dual nationality. Growing up with these two cultures, she has a unique heritage that influences her identity and career.
Yuka Saso Height and Weight Measurements
Yuka Saso is 1.66 meters (5 feet 5 inches) tall. Her weight is not frequently detailed in public records, but she maintains a fit and athletic build suitable for professional golf. Her height is considered average for female golfers, and it complements her strong and agile performance on the golf course.
FAQs
1. How old is Yuka Saso?
- Yuka Saso was born on June 20, 2001, making her 23 years old as of 2024.
2. What is Yuka Saso profession?
- Yuka Saso is a professional golfer.
3. What education did Yuka Saso receive?
- Yuka Saso began training in golf at a young age, but specific details about her formal education are not widely publicized.
4. Who are Yuka Saso parents?
- Yuka Saso mother is Fritzie Saso, and her father is Masakazu Saso.
5. Does Yuka Saso have any siblings?
- Information about Yuka Saso siblings is not publicly available.
6. What is Yuka Saso height?
- Yuka Saso is 1.66 meters (5 feet 5 inches) tall.
7. What is Yuka Saso current world golf ranking?
- As of 2024, Yuka Saso is ranked 6th in the Women’s World Golf Rankings.
8. What is Yuka Saso religion?
- Details about Yuka Saso religion are not widely known or documented.
9. Did Yuka Saso compete in the Olympics?
- Yes, Yuka Saso competed in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, where she finished 9th in the women’s individual event.
10. What are some of Yuka Saso major awards and achievements?
- Yuka Saso won the U.S. Women’s Open in 2021 and 2024. She has also been named PSA Athlete of the Year in 2018 and 2020 and won gold medals in both the women’s individual and team events at the 2018 Asian Games.
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