U.S. GIRLS' JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

July 16, 2021

Katie Li

Columbia Country Club

Quick Quotes

Q. Great match out there today. Congratulations.

KATIE LI: Thank you.

Q. First, can you talk about the 16th hole for you, your tee shot in there, the par-3? It looked like you didn't think you hit a great shot but it turned out pretty good.

KATIE LI: Yeah, I thought I pulled it like 20 yards, and I was like, oh, this is embarrassing. And then I looked back and everybody was like clapping, and I was like, Why is everybody clapping, and I looked at it and it was spinning back, and I was like, Oh, that's fun.

Q. It looked like between the two of you, Bailey and yourself, you had a good rapport out there, you're having a good time, very friendly. What was it like playing in a semifinal match of the Girls' Junior with someone that you're friendly with?

KATIE LI: Honestly I thought it was really fun. It took off a lot of pressure, like it eased a lot of my nerves. It's also like -- even if I lose, it's watching your friend win, so although I'm like crying and I'm upset, like I'm happy she's there, not someone I hate.

But yeah, and being able to play with my friend made it a lot more fun and a lot -- it eased a lot of the tension.

Q. What was it like having your brother out there on the bag?

KATIE LI: Oh, it was so fun. It was so fun. People think we're arguing but we're not. It's like playful banter, and it really helps calm me down, especially when I make like stupid mistakes, which I made a lot of this week.

But it really helps calm me down during my really angry moments.

Q. By reaching the semifinals you're exempt into next year's Girls' Junior, actually the next two. That must be great for you having a couple more years, don't have to go through qualifying anymore?

KATIE LI: Yeah, I know, I was so happy. I actually went into this week with the goal of round of eight just so I could come back. I did reach my goal. I'm still upset that we had a chance and it went by. But that's okay.