Saso shares experience with youngsters

MANILA, Philippines —  Back home for the holidays, two-time US Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso never forgets where her journey began. Each visit to the Philippines is an opportunity for reflection – and more importantly, a chance to give back by sharing her experience with young golfers who dream of one day competing on the world stage.

Widely regarded as the most successful Philippine-born golfer in history, Saso insists there is no secret formula behind her rise to the top. Instead, she emphasizes patience, discipline and hard work – values she believes are essential in shaping not just champions, but resilient competitors.

“There’s really no shortcut,” Saso said as she shared her insights and technical knowledge during the “ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour Clinic with Yuka Saso” at The Country Club on Tuesday. “It’s about choosing to practice every day and making the right decisions about who you want to be on the golf course.”

Giving back has become a tradition for Saso whenever she spends the holidays with her family in San Ildefonso, Bulacan. Beyond reuniting with fellow pros, she makes it a point to spend time with junior golfers competing in the Junior PGT, offering guidance shaped by her own journey from promising amateur to major champion.

“Spending more time on the golf course is very important,” said Saso, who won the US Women’s Open in 2021 and again in 2024. “The more time you spend on the course, the more experience you gain – and golf requires a lot of experience for us to grow.”

When asked what advice she would give to aspiring golfers, including those competing in the ICTSI Intercollegiate Tour, Saso returned to the fundamentals – elements she still checks herself even at the highest level.

“It’s the classic advice: check your aim, check your ball position,” she said. “It sounds simple, but it’s very important. I still do it. Once you become good at repeating the basics, you become more consistent and you start hitting better shots.”

Beyond technique, Saso placed strong emphasis on mental approach – particularly how players deal with pressure, an unavoidable part of competitive golf.

“I try not to use the word ‘pressure,’” she explained.