17-year-old Saki Baba, who became the first Japanese player in 37 years to win the U.S. Women's Amateur Championship, the pinnacle of women's golf amateurs, returned to Japan on the 16th, saying, "I finally feel like I've won. I'm so happy." I told
Baba, a 17-year-old high school sophomore, defeated a Canadian player in match play in the final of the U.S. Women's Amateur Golf Championship held in the United States on the 14th, becoming the first Japanese player since Michiko Hattori in 1985. It was the second victory in 37 years.
On the afternoon of the 16th, Baba, who returned to Japan, was greeted by a large number of people at Narita Airport, and was handed a bouquet by her childhood acquaintances and related parties.
In response to interviews with the press, Baba said, "It was the first time that so many people had gathered, so I was a little nervous. Finally, I felt like I had won. I'm very happy."
By winning this tournament, Baba has earned the right to participate in next year's major overseas tournaments, the Women's U.S. Open and the Women's British Open. I used to say that I'm good at drivers, but from now on, I want to improve my iron accuracy and do my best," he said about his enthusiasm for the future.
Baba said that she plans to participate in the World Women's Amateur Team Championships in France from the 24th of this month as a representative of Japan, and she said, "She wants to win and just enjoy it."