J-RO TELLS SASO: ‘STAY GROUNDED, WORK HARDER’
Jennifer Rosales, whose breakthrough in the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour helped revolutionize women’s golf in the country, joined the nation in congratulating Yuka Saso for winning the US Women’s Open championship on Sunday.
“I’m so proud of her,” said the retired Filipina golf legend.
“Finally, a breakthrough. It was really meant for her.”
Rosales was one of millions of Filipinos here and abroad who glued themselves on television Monday as the 19-year-old Filipino-Japanese drained a six-foot birdie putt to beat Japanese No. 1 Nasa Hataoka via playoff.
Asked about what was probably going in Saso’s mind at the time she was putting for the win, Rosales said nothing.
“In that moment, you’re in a zone. You hear nothing,” said Rosales who won two LPGA titles and teamed up with Dorothy Delasin to win the Women’s World in 2008. Rosales, who now spends her time teaching kids, said she saw great potential from Saso whom she met when she was just 13 years old.
“I told coach Bong (Lopez) about that. I can spot a talent from a mile,” she said.
Rosales said she saw herself in the young Saso. “Just her athleticism and the way she gives everything when she swings,” she said. “She’s young and fearless.”
Saso completed what Rosales failed to do in 2004 when she led the US Women’s Open by three shots only to finish fourth.
Playing in the final flight, Rosales was left numb after Meg Mallon shot seven-under par to win the tournament. “There’s really nothing I could do,” she admitted. Rosales said it would take a while before the US Women’s Open victory will sink in.
“This is really a good win for the Philippines,” she said.
Saso visited Rosales at Wack Wack last year before she flew to Japan to pick her mind on how to end her struggle.
Rosales taught Saso how to handle pressure. “I know what pressure feels like when you’re out there playing,” Rosales told Saso in their exchange of messages.
Just her athleticism and the way she gives everything when she swings.
“You have to learn how to handle that and control your emotions. We all want to perform well but you can’t put too much pressure on yourself to the point that you’re not having fun anymore.”
Rosales advised Saso to go out there and play, just give her best.
“Good or bad game, learn from it and grow as a player,” Rosales told Saso.
“You learn more from bad games. This game is all about consistency, especially when you’re a professional player. You can’t win all the time but always give yourself chances.”
Rosales also advised Saso to have a go-to shot, a shot that she can execute down the stretch when it matters.
“My advice for her is to stay grounded and surround herself with the people she trusts. Now that she’s on her way to the top, she needs to work harder than ever,” she said.