Mao Saigo becomes second Japanese player to win LPGA Rookie of the Year

NAPLES, Fla. – Japan's Mao Saigo became only the second player in LPGA history to clinch the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year Award. Hiromi Kobayashi became the first in 1990.

While Saigo didn't win on the LPGA this year, her consistent play was highlighted by seven top-10 finishes. She edged South Korea's Jin Hee Im by 86 points. She tied for 25th at the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship.

Saigo finished runner-up at the CPKC Women's Open and took a share of second at the Buick LPGA Shanghai.

"I'm like extremely happy," she said.

Prior to joining the LPGA, the 23-year-old won six times on the JLPGA.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Mao Saigo becomes second Japanese player to win LPGA Rookie of the Year