US Women's Open champ Saso gets pat on the back from 'idol' McIlroy
MANILA, Philippines – Yuka Saso not only pocketed her first-ever LPGA title and the $ 1 million purse after winning the US Women's Open on Sunday (Monday, Manila time).
She also garnered the respect and admiration of her "idol" Rory McIlroy.
McIlroy, a four-time major champion and a former world No. 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking, was the blueprint for Saso's swing as the teen used to watch the former's videos on YouTube to fine-tune her game.
The 32-year-old congratulated Saso on her win with a tweet shortly after the Filipina was crowned the 76th champion of the US Women's Open.
Everyone’s going to be watching Yuka Saso swing videos on YouTube now. Congratulations! ???? https://t.co/oyKoFHgjz1
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) June 7, 2021
"Everyone's going to be watching Yuka Saso swing videos on YouTube now. Congratulations," wrote McIlroy.
The Irish's support for Saso also came prior to Saso winning it all when he put out a message of good luck heading into the final round.
Hey @McIlroyRory!
— U.S. Women's Open (USGA) (@uswomensopen) June 6, 2021
She did. #USWomensOpen pic.twitter.com/ZSjSA97yPX
"Great playing the last few days [Yuka Saso]. Go finish it out today and get that [trophy]," McIlroy said on his Instagram story, along with a side-by-side comparison of his and Saso's swing.
Saso saw the message from McIlroy and even mentioned it during her speech after being named champion.
"Rory mentioned me on Instagram and said 'get that trophy', and I did.
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) June 7, 2021
So thank you, Rory."pic.twitter.com/Xp99gGbIVn
"Rory mentioned me on Instagram and said 'get that trophy', and I did. So thank you, Rory," said Saso.
The 19-year-old became the first Filipino ever to win a major golf championship after besting Nasa Hataoka in a sudden death playoff.
She also tied with South Korean park In-bee as the youngest winners in US Women's Open history at 19 years old, 11 months and 17 days.
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