Mao Saigo’s rapid rise in women’s golf has captured fans around the world. In 2025, the 23-year-old Japanese phenom boasts a major championship, Rookie of the Year honors, and a growing financial portfolio.
This article breaks down her personal background, early and professional journey, relationship status, net worth and earnings, endorsements, and key career statistics.
Mao Saigo’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mao Saigo |
| Date of Birth | October 8, 2001 |
| Age | 23 years |
| Education | Nihon Wellness Sports University |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (159 cm) |
| Weight | 126 lbs (57 kg) |
| Turned Professional | 2019 |
| Net Worth | $1.86 million |
| Career Earnings | ~$1.8 million |
| Spouse/Partner | None |
| Instagram Profile | @maomao_golf |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Mao Saigo began playing golf at age five after accompanying her father to local courses in Funabashi, Chiba. Her natural swing and composure drew attention, earning her a spot at Mizuno Golf Academy by fourth grade.
In high school, she shone at Reitaku High’s renowned golf program and captured the 2019 Japan Women’s Amateur Championship at 17. Her amateur success laid the groundwork for a professional career when she turned pro in January 2020.
In her rookie season on the LPGA of Japan Tour, Saigo quickly made an impact. By 2021, she finished fourth on the money list thanks to seven runner-up finishes. Her breakthrough came in 2022, when she won five tournaments in just 12 weeks—an unprecedented run that vaulted her into the world’s top 20 rankings by midyear.
Those early victories showcased her powerful ball-striking, mental toughness, and ability to perform under pressure, all traits that would carry into her LPGA Tour debut.
Professional Career
After dominating the JLPGA, Saigo secured LPGA Tour status through Q-School in late 2023. She made an immediate splash in her 2024 rookie season, making 24 cuts in 29 starts and recording seven top-10 finishes, including runner-up placements at the CPKC Women’s Open and Buick LPGA Shanghai.
Her consistent play earned her the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year Award, making her only the second Japanese player to claim that honor.
In April 2025, Saigo captured her first LPGA victory in stunning fashion at the Chevron Championship, one of golf’s five majors. She outlasted four other competitors in a dramatic five-way playoff, sinking a decisive birdie on the first extra hole.
That win not only marked her entry into major champions but also added a seven-figure payday to her earnings. Her focus now shifts to climbing the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings and contending for more majors throughout the season.
Caddie
Mao Saigo’s caddie is Jeffrey Snow, an American loop who began carrying her bag at the end of 2024 after filling in during the Dow Championship pro-am last year. Snow, who has previously worked for Marina Alex and Celine Boutier, recognized Saigo’s meticulous preparation and has been guiding her yardage and strategy ever since. His insights and support have helped Saigo secure Rookie of the Year honors and major victories on the LPGA Tour.
Mao Saigo’s Net Worth Details
Mao Saigo’s net worth is estimated to be $1.86 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Tour | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | LPGA Tour | $1,422,258 |
| 2025 | LPGA Tour | $1,800,000 (est.) |
Endorsements
Saigo’s on-course success and calm demeanor have attracted major brands. She partners with sportswear leader Puma, which outfits her apparel and footwear. Her Japanese corporate backers include Shimadzu Corporation, GS Yuasa, and Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley, supplying financial backing and elevating her presence in Asia.
Additional equipment and apparel endorsements with Mizuno Golf and Fila round out her sponsorship portfolio. These partnerships diversify her income beyond prize money and position her as one of the most marketable young athletes in women’s golf.
Career Stats
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Professional Wins | 7 |
| – LPGA Tour Wins | 1 |
| – JLPGA Tour Wins | 6 |
| Major Championships | 1 |
| Career Top-10 Finishes | 10 |
| Career Top-25 Finishes | 18 |
| Official Career Earnings | $3.0 million |
FAQs
1. What is Mao Saigo’s nationality and on which professional tour does she compete?
Saigo is a Japanese professional golfer who competes primarily on the LPGA of Japan Tour, earning recognition as one of the rising stars in women’s golf.
2. What notable achievements has Saigo earned early in her professional golf career?
She has collected multiple LPGA of Japan Tour victories, quickly establishing herself near the top of the season money list and drawing attention with a series of strong finishes against top competition.
3. At what age did Saigo turn professional, and how did her amateur career end?
Saigo turned professional as a teenager after a decorated amateur career in Japan, capped by wins at national junior tournaments and impressive performances at prestigious amateur events.
4. What type of style and strengths define Saigo’s approach to golf?
Saigo is known for a technically sound swing, steady ball striking, and calm demeanor under pressure, helping her excel in both regular season and playoff situations.
5. Has Saigo competed in major championships or international events?
She has participated in major championships, including the U.S. Women’s Open and the Evian Championship, gaining valuable experience and breaking into the spotlight with strong showings.
6. What is Saigo’s reputation among fellow players, coaches, and analysts?
Coaches praise her dedication and maturity, fellow players respect her composure and sportsmanship, and analysts see her as a future contender on the global stage.
7. Has Saigo represented Japan in team competitions or global tournaments?
Saigo has been selected to represent Japan in global amateur competitions and continues to be a candidate for future Olympic and team competitions based on her rapid progress.
8. What challenges or learning moments has Saigo faced so far in her career?
She has overcome pressure situations and occasional missed cuts, using each experience to refine her technique and mental game to stay in contention week after week.
9. How do media and sponsors view Saigo’s marketability and potential?
Saigo is considered highly marketable due to her early success, positive image, and widespread popularity in Japan, attracting support from sponsors across multiple sporting and non-sporting industries.
10. What goals and ambitions drive Saigo as her career develops?
Saigo aims to become the top golfer in Japan, win major championships internationally, and inspire young athletes in Japan to pursue golf at the highest level.
