US Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso headlines LPGA’s Toto Japan Classic

LPGA This week Toto continues its Asian swing with the Japan Classic, the last event before the tour returns to the United States.

Yuka Saso, the 23-year-old who conquered Lancaster Country Club And Won this year’s US Women’s Open For the second time, the region is in the spotlight this week. She is currently ranked 16th in the world, although she has reached the top 10 only once since her win in Central Pennsylvania. Still, Sasso is moving in the right direction after the T-18 in Malaysia last week. She also feels at home at the Seta Golf Course, located just outside the beautiful city of Kyoto.

“I think it’s always been a favorite stop for all of us,” Sasso said Wednesday.

“Eat good food, and I guess the weather isn’t that nice this week, but, yeah, I think it’s great to be back. Grateful to the Japanese fans and enjoy the crowd.

Another Japanese extraordinaire, ayaka furueWho has had an amazing season, comes to Japan as one of the other fans’ favourites. She won her first major title at the Amundi Evian Championships in France in July and has not missed a cut since. Furu has 10 top-10 finishes this season – one more than World No. 1 Nelly Korda And he has six wins. Only South Korea’s Heron Ryu and Thailand’s Jino Thitikul have more top 10 finishes than Furu this season.

“My game has been very consistent, so I’m trying to maintain what I’m doing and hopefully I can get a good result,” Furu said.

“This is the area I’m from, so I’m looking forward to playing. Plus, it’s one of the only tournaments on the LPGA, so I’m happy to be here.”

Other notables in the field this week include Canadian Brooke Henderson, South Korean Jin Young Ko and Swede Lynn Grant. Coverage of the first round will begin on Golf Channel in the United States on Wednesday at 11 p.m. ET.

Jack Milko is the golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. be sure to check @_PlayingThrough For more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko Too.