Ariya Jutanugarn’s Stunning Collapse Hands Mao Saigo Chevron Championship Victory
In a dramatic turn of events, Ariya Jutanugarn’s fortunes took a nosedive on the 72nd hole of the Chevron Championship, as she stubbed her chip shot and made bogey to relinquish a one-shot lead and ultimately lose out in a five-way playoff to Mao Saigo.
According to NBC Sports, Jutanugarn, needing to par the final hole to preserve her advantage, narrowly missed a tree off the tee on the par-5 18th, hooking her 3-wood into the fairway. She then played her second shot over the green and off the grandstand. The situation quickly took a turn for the worse when Jutanugarn’s third shot, a chip from behind the green, was mishit, with an overhead shot showing that she stubbed her wedge into the ground, her ball only slightly moving.
As reported by NBC Sports, Jutanugarn then chipped well past the hole and missed the comebacker for par, dropping her to 7 under (after shooting 71), tied for the lead with Hyo Joo Kim (70) and Ruoning Yin (71). The trio was joined by Lindy Duncan (73) and Mao Saigo (74) in sudden death.
The LPGA’s official Twitter account captured the drama on the 72nd hole, tweeting: "Scenes on the 72nd hole. Ariya Jutanugarn struggles on her final hole and finishes with bogey to join the clubhouse leaders at 7-under. Watch now on NBC."
In the playoff, Jutanugarn’s woes continued as she horseshoed a 6-foot birdie on the first extra hole, the par-5 18th, and lost out to Saigo, who converted her winning effort from 4 feet. As NBC Sports noted, Saigo’s victory marked a stunning comeback, with the Japanese golfer carding a 74 in the final round to force a playoff.
The Chevron Championship, the LPGA’s first major of the season, had been shaping up to be a thrilling contest, with several players in contention. However, it was Jutanugarn’s misfortune on the 72nd hole that ultimately decided the outcome. As NBC Sports reported, Jutanugarn’s collapse handed Saigo the opportunity to claim the title, which she seized with aplomb.
In reaction to her victory, Saigo expressed her delight at securing her first major title. As quoted by NBC Sports, Saigo said: "I’m so happy to win my first major. It was a tough week, but I played well and made some great shots when it mattered most."
The Chevron Championship is one of the most prestigious events on the LPGA calendar, and Saigo’s victory marks a significant milestone in her career. As reported by NBC Sports, the win is expected to propel Saigo up the world rankings and cement her position as one of the leading golfers on the LPGA tour.
For Jutanugarn, the loss will be a bitter pill to swallow, having dominated much of the tournament. As NBC Sports noted, Jutanugarn’s error on the 72nd hole will be remembered as one of the most pivotal moments of the season.
The dramatic conclusion to the Chevron Championship is a testament to the unpredictable nature of golf, where fortunes can change in an instant. As NBC Sports concluded, "It was a stunning collapse by Jutanugarn, but a remarkable victory for Saigo, who will take home the winner’s trophy."
