She won the U.S. Women’s Open, but her gestures that followed were telling

During her press conference

The moment Saso stepped into the interview area after the trophy ceremony, she spotted a bottle of water on the interview table. She looked at USGA moderator Julia Pine and asked if she wanted the water. When Pine explained that the water had been placed there specifically for Saso, the champ once again offered it to Pine. “Are you sure you don’t want it?,” she asked. I think she made sure Pine was all set on water about five times before her post-round interview with the media officially began.

The thing that impressed me most about Saso’s presser was just how lovingly she talked about the USGA. Sure, you’re going to like the organization that runs the major you’ve won twice. But she mentioned a handful of USGA employees by name not once, but twice during the interview. First when thanking the governing body, and again when I asked her who she was going to celebrate the victory with.

Most pros are polite and thank people after winning a tournament, but I’ve never seen a player call out specific individuals from the media the way Saso did. You can tell she has gotten to know a handful of people from the USGA and really appreciates them.

Next up we have Saso trying a whoopie pie for the first time. When Saso noticed she’d be trying it in front of about 50 people, she decided to turn around mid-interview to take a bite. Extremely creative! She said it was good, but cut herself off after just one bite to spare her blood sugar. Later, she mentioned that she wanted a caesar salad with bacon. A gal after my own heart!

Meeting some young fans

Some players will return to the fans after their media duties to sign autographs, but Saso took things to another level on Sunday night. She signed some hats and flags between the 17th green and 18th tee during her round on Sunday. Can you imagine? She’s minutes away from claiming a victory, and instead of staying completely dialed in, she took a moment to look up between holes and make a few young fans’ days.

By the time Saso finished up with interviews, it was almost 8 p.m. A handful of young fans were shouting her name, and Saso took a few minutes to introduce herself and sign autographs.

Saso even signed a kid’s cast and told her to feel better as she walked away.

Saso’s golf proved that she’s a worthy two-time major champion, but it was her behavior afterwards that I’ll remember most from this week.

Claire Rogers

Golf.com Editor