Mao Saigo of Japan won her first LPGA Tour title and major championship Sunday, sinking a 3-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to emerge from a historic five-way sudden-death playoff at the 2025 Chevron Championship, held at The Club at Carlton Woods.
The 23-year-old Saigo, the 2024 LPGA Rookie of the Year, finished regulation at 7-under 281 alongside Hyo Joo Kim, Ruoning Yin, Ariya Jutanugarn, and Lindy Duncan after carding a 2-under 74 in the final round. Saigo’s birdie on the par-5 18th in regulation forced the playoff, the largest in LPGA major history. In the playoff on the 18th, Saigo’s steady approach and clutch putt outshone Yin and Jutanugarn, whose birdie attempts lipped out, and Duncan, who bogeyed. Kim also parred, securing Saigo the victory.
“I was shaking, so nervous,” Saigo said through an interpreter. “I did my best to calm down, and it went in. This is like a dream.”
Saigo, the first Japanese winner of the event and Japan’s fifth major champion, claimed $1.2 million from the $8 million purse. Her victory followed runner-up finishes at the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open and Buick LPGA Shanghai.
“Last year, I was so close but couldn’t make it,” she said. “This year, I’m extremely excited.”
The final round was marked by dramatic swings. Saigo, tied with Haeran Ryu at 9-under entering Sunday, bogeyed five holes but rallied with a birdie on 18. Jutanugarn, who led much of the day after an eagle and two birdies on the front nine, stumbled with a bogey on 18 after stubbing a chip shot inches forward, dropping her into the playoff. Yin’s aggressive hybrid to 10 feet in the playoff set up an eagle chance, but a three-putt cost her.
Saigo’s win capped a chaotic finish, followed by a harrowing leap into the water by the 18th green, a tradition carried over from the event’s Mission Hills days. A non-swimmer, Saigo struggled in the deep water, briefly fearing she might drown before emerging safely with her team. “It was deep, and I got pulled under,” she said, laughing. “But I’m okay now.”
Top-ranked Nelly Korda, the defending champion, shot a 70 to tie for 14th at 2-under, winless in 2025 after her record-tying five straight victories last year. Minjee Lee of Australia faltered with a 74, tying for 16th at 1-under.
Saigo, mentored by Japanese golf legend Jumbo Ozaki, set her sights on more. “I have four more majors to go, and I want to shoot for No. 1 in the world,” she said. The LPGA season continues with the JM Eagle LA Championship next week.
