Saso trails Thomson by 2 shots

MANILA, Philippines — Olympian Yuka Saso opened her bid in the Women’s Scottish Open on a blazing note, firing a five-under par 67 to trail local star Michele Thomson by two shots Thursday at the Dumbarnie Links in Fife, Scotland.

The reigning US Women’s Open titlist rode on her five-birdie haul at the back to put herself within range of Thomson, the pride of Aberdeen who took pole position with her eagle-aided 65.

Saso shared second spot with flightmate Jasmine Suwannapura of Thailand and fellow Tokyo veteran Anne van Dam of the Netherlands.

Korea’s Mi Jung Hur, the 2019 winner, was at 68 with Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Yealimi Noh, Ryann O’Toole, Kelsey MacDonald, Lauren Stephenson, Atthaya Thitikul, Olivia Cowan, Sarah Schmelzel and Becky Morgan.

Defending champion Stacy Lewis opened with a 71.

Playing links golf for only the second time in her career, the ICTSI-backed Saso said she prepared for the $1.5-million tourney by picking the brains of Lewis, with whom she played a practice round, as well as 1997 Open champ Justin Leonard.

“In America we kind of have to go high and try to stop the ball but here, it’s like you have to be more – you have to have more like rolling low ball and trying to chase the hole. That’s the shots that I’m not really used to,” said Saso.

“Watching her (Lewis) doing that, I practiced yesterday, this morning, trying to do those stuff, that helped. So yeah, I’m really thankful and hope to play with her more so I can learn from her,” she added.

The 20-year-old ace continues her international journey after placing ninth on her Olympic debut.

She reached the turn at even 36 after a double-bogey on No. 6 and bogey on No. 8 marred her birdies on Nos. 2, 3 and 7.

Saso got into the groove and closed out her round with a bogey-free 31.