The young Filipino golfer Yuka Saso, winner of the last edition of the US Women’s Open Championship, yesterday lived a day full of emotions in the South Field of Torrey Pines Golf Course, where he had the opportunity to meet his idol in person, Rory McIlroy, and enjoy the practice rounds of the US Open that starts tomorrow.
“Thank you very much for inviting me. We arrived around 10 in the morning, I went to the driving range to meet with Rory, but when I arrived he was already in the field, so I went to see him and we accompanied him for three holes. He let me get inside the ropes, so it was great, I was able to talk to him about some things, ”confessed the 19-year-old player, whose way of swinging is compared to that of the Northern Irish golfer.
Yuka Saso puts on videos of McIlroy before going to sleep
«I have been able to see Phil warming up Jordan Spieth, to other great players… It has certainly been a great day and I have the idea of going back tomorrow before flying back to Atlanta«, Confessed Yuka, who is “enjoying” these last days, after his great triumph in the Lake Course of Olympic Club from San Francisco.
Welcome to the #USOpen club, @ SasoYuka_315! pic.twitter.com/SRELa2VqAw
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 15, 2021
The Filipina did not hesitate to confess that she had become more nervous when she saw McIlroy that when the title was being played in the US Women’s Open: «Knowing Roryshe was undoubtedly much more nervous. I didn’t even know how to say hello. But he was very nice, very friendly and very open. And when I asked him a question, he answered honestly. I look forward to asking you for more advice in the future.
The emotion of the moment made Yuka forget all the things you planned to ask McIlroy: “I forget everything. He told me I swing well, but maybe I can ask him for advice one day. I only followed him for three holes and didn’t want to disturb. He is preparing for a very important tournament. Maybe later, if you have time, we can talk more. And then I will take the opportunity to ask him ».
But in addition to enjoying the swing of his idol Rory, Yuka Saso ‘hallucinated’ with Mickelson: «In women’s golf the speed of the ball is different, here it comes out so fast that when I see it it is already halfway there. I saw Phil On the 1st tee. There’s a bunker to the left and a bunker to the right and I heard him say they were about 260 yards away. For us it is unthinkable to reach them, but he hit the ball as if nothing had happened. What is a short shot for them is too long a shot for us. It’s strange”.
