THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Mao Saigo admitted to feeling significant nervousness before attempting a crucial birdie putt on the first playoff hole during Sunday`s Chevron Championship, an LPGA major.
However, the 23-year-old Japanese golfer managed to regain her composure in time to sink the short 3-foot putt, claiming her historic first major championship title.
“I did my best to calm down, and I took the shot, and it went in,” she explained in Japanese through an interpreter.
Saigo had birdied the par-5 18th hole in regulation play, shooting a final round 2-under 74. This brought her level with Hyo Joo Kim, Ruoning Yin, Ariya Jutanugarn, and Lindy Duncan, all tied at 7-under 281 at The Club at Carlton Woods. This set the stage for a rare five-way sudden-death playoff.
The playoff unfolded back on the 18th hole. Saigo`s winning birdie came after both Yin and Jutanugarn saw their own birdie attempts on the same hole lip out. Jutanugarn, who had led for much of the final round, had previously dropped a shot on the 18th in regulation after a poor third shot.
Jutanugarn reflected on her round, stating, “The front nine was very solid, especially with the eagle, but on the back nine, I made a couple of mistakes on the par 5s, resulting in two bogeys.”
Ruoning Yin appeared to be in a strong position in the playoff, reaching the green in two shots. However, her eagle putt from 12 feet narrowly missed, and her follow-up birdie putt also lipped out, paving the way for Saigo`s victory.
This marks Saigo`s inaugural win on the LPGA Tour. She was recognized as the tour`s rookie of the year in the preceding season. She is the first Japanese player to win the Chevron Championship and the fifth Japanese woman to claim a major title. Her previous successes include six victories on the Japanese tour, five of which occurred in 2022.
Her major triumph follows promising runner-up finishes in events like the CPKC Women’s Open and the Buick LPGA Shanghai last year.
Comparing her recent performance to previous close calls, Saigo commented, “Last year, the competition was very intense. I came so close but couldn`t quite make it. That was very disappointing. Being able to win and earn the LPGA title this year is extremely exciting for me.”
Lindy Duncan, the 34-year-old veteran seeking her first career win after more than a decade on tour, bogeyed the playoff hole and finished short. Despite the outcome, she expressed satisfaction with her overall week.
“Yeah, a top-five finish in a major, any week, is incredible,” Duncan said. “To have a chance, feeling the nerves… I feel like I have some things to learn about how to handle my swing and things like that. I`ll reflect on it, but yeah, what a week.”
This playoff finish is the second in the last three years for the tournament, following Lilia Vu`s sudden-death victory in 2023.
Saigo earned $1.2 million from the total $8 million prize purse.
Continuing a long-standing tradition that originated at Mission Hills in 1988, Saigo became the third winner to leap into Poppie`s Pond (or its Texas equivalent) after securing the title. She shrieked and smiled as she jumped into the water, holding hands with members of her team.
The celebratory jump proved to be a slightly harrowing experience for Saigo, who admitted she is not a strong swimmer.
“When I went inside, it was deep, and at first, I thought I was going to drown,” she recounted.
Saigo began the final day tied for the lead with Haeran Ryu at 9 under par. However, five bogeys on Sunday caused her to fall behind before her crucial birdie on the 18th forced her into the playoff and set up the thrilling conclusion.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda finished tied for 14th at 2 under par after a final round 70. Korda, winless so far this season, had won this event last year as part of her historic streak of five consecutive victories.
Reflecting on her current form, Korda stated, “Obviously, I have a lot to work on. Last year was last year. Such an amazing year, but it`s in the past. It`s not going to help me with my future.”
