.
THE MODERATOR: I would like to introduce the CEO of the USGA, Mike Whan.
MIKE WHAN: Thank you. 1900 women from 44 states and 39 countries had one dream: Make it to Lancaster Country Club and compete in our national championship.
For you folks from Lancaster, first, you taught us how to say your name correctly.
[Applause.]
Well, sometimes we said it correctly. But then you won our respect, you earned our friendship, and I can tell you on behalf of every USGA employee, we can't wait to come back to this place.
I will apologize, however, because you lost something this week, and I'm sorry for that. You lost the word "hidden." When people talk about Lancaster, they say, man, that's a hidden gem. Well, you ain't hidden anymore. You are a gem.
To Jerry Hostetter, the LCC membership, 2,500 volunteers, committee members, USGA managing director Dennis Baggett, championship director Brian McGee, and our new partner Ally, together with this town, you guys nailed it and you make this week a lasting memory for the players, the staff, and most importantly the people who love this game.
At the USGA, we rely on local knowledge and expertise, especially when it comes to building championship venues and getting golf courses ready for the best athletes in the world.
I don't know if you all know it living here, but you have a special gem all to your own named Josh Saunders, the director of golf course operations. At the USGA, our highest honor, the highest honor we give for golf course preparation is called the EJ Marshall Platter. We got together this week and voted unanimously to make sure that Josh and the team from LCC are on that platter forever.
Kevin, do the honors.
[Applause.]
You guys are truly amazing. Enjoy your 47 hours of sleep that are probably coming soon.
Last year at the USGA we started a brand new tradition: Watching these championships take place, you realize what an incredible teamwork effort that it takes. So we created the USGA Caddie Award to recognize the caddie of the United States Women's Open champion.
If you would join me in congratulating the 2024 USGA Caddie award winner, Dylan Vallequette.
[Applause.]
Now to recognize our three low amateurs and our U.S. Women's Open champion, I give you the USGA president, Fred Perpall.
FRED PERPALL: Thank you, Mike. This year's U.S. Women's Open field included 22 amateurs, four who made the cut, and three whom tied for low amateur honors with a score of 292. Join me in congratulating Catherine Park of Irvine, California, Megan Schofill of Monticello, Florida; Asterisk Talley of Chowchilla, California.
Congratulations to you all.
Now it is my honor to welcome the champion of the 79th United States Women's Open with a score of 276, the Mickey Wright Gold Medal for the winner of the 79th U.S. Women's Open goes to Yuka Saso of Japan.
[Applause.]
We are thrilled to present the Harden S. Semple Trophy given annually to the champion of the U.S. Women's Open.
Q. Yuka, congratulations, the second time that you're hoisted this trophy. How did you do it? How did you conquer this difficult golf course this week?
YUKA SASO: First, I would like to thank USGA for hosting another great event, and of course Lancaster Country Club, all the staff. Thank you so much. You guys came early to get ready this golf course to be this difficult. I really appreciate it. Obviously my caddie, as well, thank you so much. Appreciate all the patience and everything.
My family. I wouldn't be here without their support. Thank you so much if you guys are watching.
To all the fans who came to support all of us, thank you so much. Appreciate all your support and hope to see you guys again soon.
Q. Yuka, what is it about these difficult tests that brings out the best in you?
YUKA SASO: I don't know. I just try to be very patient out there. I think that's what you need to win a major like this. Just have fun playing with the playing partners and enjoy the challenge.
Q. When we were watching the coverage today, you had a mishap at the 6th hole. You had a four-putt. What did you tell yourself to turn things around and then at the end of the day you're the champion?
YUKA SASO: Well, that hole is very difficult. The pin position that they put in, it was very difficult. I learned so much about that hole. Thank you. I'll try not to do that again.
I think it's one of the experience that you get in Lancaster, and I think it's good to experience it so I can hopefully put that in my future game.
Q. There was a moment here on this 72nd hole that I know you won't forget, the chip shot that you hit from short of the green. Talk us through that one.
YUKA SASO: I chipped from the front yesterday, too, and I left it more than 10 feet, and I just told myself, be aggressive and not to be short 10 feet, and I'm glad that I was able to do it.
Q. You represent Japan, also the Philippines, as well. But you play under the Japanese flag. You're the fourth player, man or woman, to win a championship from Japan. What does that mean to you?
YUKA SASO: It feels great. I think winning in 2021 I represented the Philippines. I feel like I was able to give back to my mom. This year I was able to represent Japan, and I think I was able to give back to my dad. I'm very happy that I was able to do it.
It's just a wonderful feeling that I was able to give back to my parents in the same way.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports