Filipina-Japanese golfer Yuka Saso (File photo)
MANILA – A lawmaker at the House of Representatives has filed a resolution recognizing Filipina golfer Yuka Saso for winning the US Women’s Open at only 19 years old.
In filing House Resolution 1852, Senior Citizen Party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes said Saso's historic win effectively puts the Philippines on the world’s golfing map, and will inspire more Filipinos to pursue golf as a sports or hobby.
“Saso’s win will be forever etched in our sports record books as being the first Filipino to win a major golf tournament,” Ordanes said, making it the greatest achievement the country's golf history to date.
Saso bested Japan’s Nasa Hataoka in the third hole of a sudden-death playoff to win the title.
Her 10-foot putt for birdie on the third playoff hole Saturday (Philippine time) helped her edge out Hataoka and become the second teenager to win the US Women's Open.
Saso overcame early back-to-back double bogeys to make the playoff.
On Monday, Malacañang hailed the historic win of the 2018 Asian Games gold medalist.
“Today is a great day in Philippine sports. The Palace greets Yuka Saso for bringing honor to the Philippines by winning the 2021 US Women's Open,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.
Roque recalled how President Rodrigo Duterte met Saso at Malacañan Palace when she was awarded a Presidential citation after winning the gold medal in the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia.
“She is indeed the pride and glory of our country. We are all proud of you. Congratulations,” he added.
The Philippine Consulate in San Francisco also issued a congratulatory message for Saso.
“The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco congratulates 19-year-old Filipina golfer Ms. Yuka Saso for winning the 2021 76th US Women’s Open in San Francisco! Mabuhay,” the Consulate said in a statement posted on its official Twitter account. (PNA)
