The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Sports›Golf›Yuka Saso
Sports • Golf

Yuka Saso

Yuka Saso is a professional golfer who plays on the LPGA Tour and the LPGA of Japan Tour.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Yuka Saso is a professional golfer who plays on the LPGA Tour and the LPGA of Japan Tour. Born in the Philippines to a Filipino mother and Japanese father, she has represented both the Philippines and Japan in international golf. She won the U.S. Women’s Open in 2021 and 2024.

Early life and background

Yuka Saso was born on June 20, 2001, in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, Philippines, to a Filipino mother and Japanese father. Sources describe her as a dual citizen who later represented Japan in international golf.

Amateur and junior career

Saso built a strong junior and amateur record before turning professional. She also earned attention for winning gold medals for the Philippines at the 2018 Asian Games golf competition.

Professional career

Saso turned professional in November 2019 and began competing on the Japan LPGA circuit before moving to the LPGA Tour. She won her first professional title at the 2020 NEC Karuizawa 72 Golf Tournament.

Major championships

Saso won the U.S. Women’s Open in 2021 in a playoff, becoming the first Filipino champion of the event. She won the same championship again in 2024, giving her two major titles.

International representation

Saso initially competed for the Philippines and later represented Japan. This shift reflected her dual heritage and was noted by major golf and Olympic coverage.

Key facts

  • Yuka Saso turned professional in 2019 and earned a Japan LPGA Tour card for 2020.
  • She won the U.S. Women’s Open in 2021 and again in 2024.
  • Her 2021 U.S. Women’s Open win made her the first Filipino to win the championship.
  • She is a dual citizen of Japan and the Philippines and later competed internationally for Japan.
  • She joined the LPGA Tour in 2021 and has won professional titles in both the United States and Japan.
🍁
Canadian context

Saso has competed in international women’s golf events watched by Canadian audiences, including major championships and LPGA tournaments that are followed in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Yuka Saso?
Yuka Saso is a professional golfer from the Philippines who represents Japan internationally and competes on the LPGA Tour and LPGA of Japan Tour.
When was Yuka Saso born?
She was born on June 20, 2001.
What are Yuka Saso’s biggest wins?
Her biggest wins are the U.S. Women’s Open titles she won in 2021 and 2024.
Which country does Yuka Saso represent?
She has represented both the Philippines and Japan, and later competed internationally for Japan.
When did Yuka Saso turn professional?
She turned professional in 2019.
What tour does Yuka Saso play on?
She plays on the LPGA Tour and the LPGA of Japan Tour.

References

  1. LPGA — https://www.lpga.com/athletes/yuka-saso/100129/overview
    Supports: Current tour affiliation and player overview.
  2. USGA — https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/championships/2022/u-s--women-s-open/players/100129.html
    Supports: Birthplace, dual citizenship, 2021 U.S. Women's Open win, and professional background.
  3. Olympics.com — https://www.olympics.com/en/news/yuka-saso-philippines-golf
    Supports: Turned professional in 2019 and background on international representation.
  4. Golf Monthly — https://www.golfmonthly.com/tour/yuka-saso-golfer-bio-facts-wins
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, and professional wins summary.
  5. Honda — https://global.honda/en/sports/athletes/yuka_saso.html
    Supports: Birth date, early career, 2020 Japan tour win, and 2024 U.S. Women's Open win.
  6. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/40264293/yuka-saso-captures-second-us-women-open-title
    Supports: 2024 U.S. Women's Open victory and career significance.