
via Imago
Image Courtesy: Mao Saigo, Instagram

via Imago
Image Courtesy: Mao Saigo, Instagram
Mao Saigo’s career trajectory has been lightning fast, and it’s no surprise considering her talent and drive. At just 23 years old, Saigo is one of the most exciting young players on the LPGA Tour today. Her rise through the ranks has been nothing short of impressive, currently poised at No. 37 in the LPGA Tour rankings. Saigo turned professional in 2019 after an impressive amateur career. She gained attention in the Japanese golf scene for her powerful swing and calm demeanor under pressure. By 2021, Saigo was making her presence felt on the LPGA of Japan Tour, finishing fourth on the money list and earning seven runner-up finishes.
Her breakthrough year came in 2022, when Saigo strung together five wins in a 12-week stretch, marking her as one of the brightest young stars on the tour. This dominance helped her climb to 18th in the Women’s World Golf Rankings. In 2024, Saigo took the leap to the LPGA Tour, where she immediately made an impact. She earned the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year Award and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to her impressive ball-striking and composure on the big stage.
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Is Mao Saigo the next big thing in women's golf, or just another fleeting sensation?
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Saigo’s 54-hole record at the 2024 Buick LPGA Shanghai was a statement of her future potential, as she shot an impressive 18-under-par total of 198, setting a new tournament benchmark. This included back-to-back rounds of 65 and a flawless performance with an eagle on the par-5 17th hole, showcasing her ability to compete at the highest level. With such a strong showing, 2025 is shaping up to be another breakout year for the young star.
Currently playing in The Chevron Championship, Saigo is making waves as she continues to build her career. But what about her financial success so far? Let’s dive into her net worth, career earnings, and sponsorships to understand how Mao Saigo is making her mark, both on and off the course.
Saigo’s net worth and career earnings
When it comes to net worth, Mao Saigo is already making a serious financial impact as a rising star in women’s golf. As of April 2025, Saigo’s estimated net worth stands at around $1.86 million, with career earnings totaling approximately $1.8 million. Given her relatively short time on the LPGA Tour, this figure is only expected to grow as she racks up more tournament victories and continues her rise up the world rankings.
One of Saigo’s notable paydays came in 2024, when she secured a significant $166,508 after tying for second place at the prestigious Buick LPGA Shanghai. This event was a turning point, showcasing her ability to compete against some of the world’s best and providing a boost to her career earnings. Additionally, Saigo’s performance in other major tournaments solidified her growing status on the LPGA Tour. At the 2024 AIG Women’s Open, she finished tied for seventh with rounds of 69-72-73-72, earning $236,366. She followed that up with a stellar showing at the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open, finishing second with a brilliant 73-74-61-69, taking home $243,859. Her impressive T7 finish at the 2024 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, with scores of 70-76-73-67, earned her $267,437. These performances added significantly to her career earnings, pushing her net worth higher and establishing her as one of the rising stars in women’s golf. In 2025, Saigo’s earnings are expected to continue climbing with more top finishes and a strong presence in the major tournaments.
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Sponsorships and endorsements
Saigo’s endorsement portfolio includes some of the most recognizable names in the world of golf and beyond. She’s currently sponsored by Puma, one of the most iconic brands in sportswear, which speaks to her appeal to both golf enthusiasts and a wider athletic audience. Puma’s involvement with Saigo is no surprise, given their longstanding association with some of the biggest names in golf, including Rickie Fowler. This endorsement not only brings financial reward to Saigo but also increases her visibility on the global stage, helping to expand her brand. In addition to Puma, Saigo has also partnered with several top-tier companies in other industries. She is backed by Shimadzu, GS Yuasa, and Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley, all of which are Japanese corporations with global reach. These partnerships help bolster her brand, both in her home country and internationally, while providing her with a diverse stream of income outside of her winnings on the course.
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Looking ahead, Mao Saigo’s potential is limitless. With her combination of raw talent, mental toughness, and marketability, she has the chance to become a major player in both golf and sports marketing. For now, her focus remains on the present—fighting for her spot at the top of the LPGA standings, and continuing her quest for major championships. But with her solid start in 2025, it’s clear that Saigo is well on her way to becoming one of the most successful and marketable athletes in women’s golf.
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Is Mao Saigo the next big thing in women's golf, or just another fleeting sensation?