Back home, Yuka Saso reaches out to jungolfers through clinic

Philippines’ Yuka Saso watches her drive from the 4th tee in round 2 of the women’s golf individual stroke play during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kasumigaseki Country Club in Kawagoe on August 5, 2021. (Photo by YOSHI IWAMOTO / AFP)

Yuka Saso wants to shatter the gap between junior golfers and professionals like her.

“I just hope they don’t feel that gap between us. As I always say I want them to feel close and not feel like I’m so distant, the Filipino-Japanese ace said on Wednesday.

Hosting a clinic for the country’s top Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) campaigners is certainly an ideal way to strengthen that link.

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“My experience (with Yuka) was filled with fun,” said Quincy Pilac, who bagged the girls’ 9-10 trophy in the JPGT National Finals. “I got to learn so much more, especially in pitching and bunker shots. I hope I can see her soon again and get to learn more from her.”

“She’s really good and it’s nice to see a pro play, someone you look up to,” said Lisa Sarines, a golfer in the girls’ 11-12 age group.

Other participants in the two-day clinic backed by ICTSI at The Country Club were ecstatic at the opportunity to learn from the world No. 27, who now represents Japan but still flies back to the country when she can.

Belief in program

Maurysse Abalos, another campaigner in the girls’ 9-10 division, said Saso taught her “how to be confident and powerful.”

“I got to learn lots of things from her especially in chipping, about using the bounce of the club (wedges),” said Javy Bautista, who campaigns in the boys’ 11-12 division. “I hope to get this opportunity again.”

“My experience was really fun, I learned so much things and it was so nice to see ate Yuka play,” said Mona Sarines, Lisa’s sister. “The way she acts on the course, she taught us some tips and gave us some advice and a lot of things. They’re added information and knowledge for me and my golf.”

Saso, who reached a career-best No. 6 in the world rankings in 2021, lauded JPGT, a season-long circuit held at various championship courses.

“I believe the program works because I played a lot of events as a junior (golfer). I’ve been watching the JPGT and have seen what they’ve been doing, giving the kids the best experience. I think it’s a great opportunity playing in the JPGT,” said the Tokyo Olympian.

Saso pledged her full support to the JPGT program, committing to conduct clinics whenever her schedule allows.

“I’ve been supported by ICTSI and without the Ladies PGT, I won’t be a person where I am right now,” she said. “Just trying to give back as much as possible because that’s what I received as a junior golfer. I’ve looked up to a lot of pro golfers, including kuya Miguel (Tabuena), Princess (Superal) and ate Dottie (Ardina). I just want to do what they’ve been doing.”