Yuka Saso’s valiant effort in the final round could not produce a second LPGA title as she finished at a share of 15th place with 7-under 281 in the 2021 Scottish Women’s Open at the Dumbarnie Links, Fife, Scotland, Sunday.
A wild finish across the field, with 63’s and 64’s flying, saw Saso’s 4-under 68 not enough to even make the top 10. Nonetheless, the 20-year-old gained $21,266 (or 1.075-million pesos) in her earnings.
The U.S. Women’s Open champion had a great start — something she craved for the past three days, carving three birdies to go to 7-under overall after the first seven holes.
Nonetheless, two straight bogeys to close the front nine was something Saso did not need as they brought her down to 5-under with nine holes left to play.
Another birdie in No. 11 brought a lease for life for the world number 8, but a dropped shot in the immediate following hole sealed her fate in the tournament.
With the title out of reach, Saso just focused on ending her campaign strong and did just that after claiming three more birdies in Nos. 13, 15, and 17, for her final score.
Ryann O’Toole, who made her mark on ‘moving day’ the previous round, eventually pocketed the trophy and the $225,000 (11.338-million pesos) winner’s prize after a huge 8-under 64.
Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Lydia Ko was one of the golfers who blasted a 9-under 63 but she came up short of her rally and ended at 14-under 274. Atthaya Thitikul joined her in that second spot.
For her part, Saso looks to use this experience of playing in Scotland as she vies yet again for her second LPGA title — another major at that — in the 2021 AIG Women’s Open on Thursday, August 19, at the Carnoustie Golf Links.
