Yuka Saso showcased her putting prowess to navigate a tough opening round at the U.S. Women’s Open, finishing with a 2-under 68. This performance stood out significantly as the top-ranked players had an average score of 75.5, with several big names struggling on the field.
Saso, the former champion, managed three crucial par putts to kick off her back nine at Lancaster Country Club. She further added two medium-length birdie putts towards the end and closed with a bogey on the 18th, using three putts from the collar of the green. Given the challenging conditions, her round felt even better.
“It’s a U.S. Open. It’s a major. It’s the biggest major championship, and I think it’s one of the most difficult weeks that we’ll play,” Saso remarked. She led the day by a single shot over Andrea Lee, Wichanee Meechai, and Adela Cernousek.
Notably, amateurs also held their ground. Adela Cernousek, a Texas A&M junior and NCAA champion, finished at even-par 70, joined by Megan Schofill, Catherine Park, and 15-year-old Asterisk Talley. Talley had a remarkable stretch of three birdies and six pars, maintaining composure despite a triple bogey on the par-5 seventh hole. “I feel like I could have done a lot better today, but I’m not mad at all about my round,” Talley noted.
While amateurs performed well, many of the LPGA Tour’s stars had a rough day. Nelly Korda, who hit a septuple bogey and finished with an 80, was particularly affected. “Not a lot of positive thoughts, honestly,” Korda admitted. “I just didn’t play well today… just a bad day at the office.” Korda wasn’t alone; Rose Zhang ended her round with a 79, Lydia Ko and Brooke Henderson both scored 80s. The course’s windy conditions and firm greens added to the difficulty, resulting in an average field score of 75.2.
Lexi Thompson, possibly in her final U.S. Women’s Open, also struggled, shooting a 78. Saso, on the other hand, credited a bit of luck along with her putting skills for her solid start. “I made really good putts. I think I was more lucky than playing good,” she reflected.
Saso’s potential victory could be historic; it might make her the only Women’s Open champion to win under two flags. She won initially representing the Philippines and later changed her citizenship to Japan. However, she’s aware of the long journey ahead. “There’s so much golf left,” Saso acknowledged, emphasizing the tough conditions with swirling winds and fast, firm greens.
Adela Cernousek remained composed, dropping only two shots and maintaining her focus under pressure. She was thrilled to see her name on the leaderboards, while young Talley impressed with her mature decisions on the course, despite a rough patch that resulted in a triple bogey. Talley’s recovery demonstrated her resilience, wrapping up a commendable first round.
Despite the struggles of many top-tier players, Yuka Saso’s composed and skillful play puts her in a promising position at the U.S. Women’s Open. With challenging conditions set to continue, it remains to be seen who will rise to the occasion in the coming rounds.
Source: Espn
