PINE NEEDLES, N.C. – Defending U.S. Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso was a little taken aback when she arrived at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club, site for the 77th U.S. Women’s Open.
Everywhere she looked, there she was. Posters, billboard and monitors, all of Saso hoisting the U.S. Women’s Open trophy, which she claimed a year ago at Olympic Club in San Francisco, California.
“Doesn't it make you tired looking at me?” Saso jokingly asked the media on Tuesday. “Yeah, it feels great. I just feel shy a little. But yeah, I'm grateful.”
Returning as defending champion can add additional pressure and expectations on a player, especially at a major.