https://www.lpga.com/news/2025/mao-saigo-becomes-fourth-rolex-first-time-winner-of-2025-season-at-the-chevron-championship
[Recap generated by ChatGPT]
In a Chevron Championship finale that could have been scripted by Hollywood, Japan’s Mao Saigo clinched her first LPGA major title in a dramatic five-way playoff—the largest in the tournament’s history.
After a challenging final round where Saigo carded a two-over 74, she found herself tied at seven-under 281 with four formidable competitors: China’s Yin Ruoning, South Korea’s Kim Hyo-joo, Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn, and American Lindy Duncan . A clutch birdie on the par-5 18th hole in regulation play secured her spot in the sudden-death playoff.
Returning to the 18th for the playoff, Saigo demonstrated remarkable composure, sinking a three-foot birdie putt. Her competitors, Yin and Jutanugarn, narrowly missed their birdie attempts, allowing Saigo to emerge victorious.
This triumph not only marks Saigo’s first LPGA Tour win but also makes her the first Japanese golfer to win the Chevron Championship . The victory earned her a $1.2 million share of the $8 million purse.
Embracing tradition, Saigo celebrated by leaping into Poppie’s Pond—a moment made more memorable by her admission that she’s not a strong swimmer. “When I went inside, it was deep, and at first, I thought I was going to drown,” she recounted with a laugh.
At just 23, Saigo’s victory at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas, signifies a significant milestone in her burgeoning career, positioning her as a rising star on the global golf stage.
Huge par save from Mao Saigo to remain just one back from the lead 😳
Watch now on NBC pic.twitter.com/nafyWxV0ZC
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 27, 2025
Make that four players in the playoff 👊
Mao Saigo sinks birdie on 18 to join the lead at -7 pic.twitter.com/iR8fZRuhPZ
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 27, 2025
The Leap of a Champion 🏆 pic.twitter.com/K4gXlzerd6
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 27, 2025
👋 Hey Mao! 👋 #LPGAWinnerSelfie pic.twitter.com/4SZ5aOvrg3
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 28, 2025
In the LPGA Golf Pool, Christian Micallef and Nelson Pacheco each at 26 points to have the best week.
Points for Chevron Championship
| Place | Player | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mao Saigo | 15 |
| 2 | Ruoning Yin | 10 |
| 2 | Hyo Joo Kim | 10 |
| 2 | Lindy Duncan | 10 |
| 2 | Ariya Jutanugarn | 10 |
| 6 | Jin Young Ko | 6 |
| 6 | Haeran Ryu | 6 |
| 6 | Sarah Schmelzel | 6 |
| 9 | Carlota Ciganda | 3 |
| 9 | Hye-Jin Choi | 3 |
| 9 | Manon Del Roey | 3 |
| 9 | Yan Liu | 3 |
Here are the final round highlights from the LPGA’s Youtube page: