Rory McIlroy and Yuka Saso. USGA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Yuka Saso made history when she became the youngest winner of the US Women’s Open and with that came some championship spoils, one of which is meeting her golf idol Rory McIlroy.
While she was cool and composed during her historic win, the same cannot be said when she finally met McIlroy, a our-time men’s major champion.
“I didn’t know how to say hi,” said Saso h/t GolfChannel.com. “But he was so nice. He was so kind. He was so open. When I asked him a question, he was so honest. I hope I can ask him more advice.”
Two unforgettable days in two weeks for @SasoYuka_315!
Our #USWomensOpen champion visited @GolfTorrey to meet and walk a practice round with her fellow #USOpen champion @McIlroyRory. pic.twitter.com/oj9xvbINBu
— U.S. Women’s Open (USGA) (@uswomensopen) June 15, 2021
Saso, who tied South Korea’s Park Inbee as the youngest champion in the competition, patterned her swing to McIlroy’s and the four-time major winner and former world no.1 took notice of the similarities.
McIlroy even tweeted Saso’s form in her title campaign.
Everyone’s going to be watching Yuka Saso swing videos on YouTube now. Congratulations! 🏆 https://t.co/oyKoFHgjz1
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) June 7, 2021
Saso, who was a spectator this time, watched McIlroy from inside the ropes but she said she would rather keep her conversation with him private.
“I can’t share it with you guys. I want to keep it with me,” said Saso who was like a kid on candy store during her visit at Torrey Pines in San Diego, California.
“I saw Phil [Mickelson] activating his calves, and yeah, I saw Jordan Spieth. I saw the great players,” said Saso. “It’s been a great day, and I’m thinking to come back tomorrow morning before I fly back to Atlanta.”
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