Japan’s Mao Saigo clinched her first major title at the Chevron Championship after emerging victorious from a dramatic five-way play-off at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas.
Saigo, who carded a final-round 74, birdied the 18th hole to join Lindy Duncan (USA), Ariya Jutanugarn (Thailand), Hyo-Joo Kim (South Korea), and Yin Ruoning (China) at seven under par, forcing the largest play-off in LPGA major history.
Jutanugarn, a two-time major champion, had led for most of the final day but bogeyed the last hole after a mishit third shot, missing her chance to win in regulation.
At the first play-off hole, the par-five 18th, Saigo stayed composed and sank a five-foot birdie putt to secure her first victory on U.S. soil, while her competitors could only manage par or bogey.
Speaking through a translator, a visibly emotional Saigo said, “It was my dream to earn this major. I was so laser-focused and nervous, but I calmed myself and made the shot.” She added that she now aims to compete for the remaining four majors and ultimately reach world number one.
Final group member Lindy Duncan, who birdied the 18th to make the play-off, reflected positively: “I’ll take so many great memories, but also an internal strength to just keep pushing no matter what.”
