Yuka Saso was only 19 years old when she won her first U.S. Women¡¯s Open back in 2021, a moment that changed her life. Saso was asked Tuesday what winning the major for the second time did for her.

¡°It was also life-changing,¡± Saso said with a laugh.

The Philippines-born Japanese golfer is gearing up for the U.S. Women¡¯s Open this week at Erin Hills in Wisconsin, and she¡¯ll do so as the defending champion after pulling out a three-stroke victory last year at Pennsylvania¡¯s Lancaster Country Club.