JTBC CLASSIC PRESENTED BY BARBASOL

March 26, 2022

Maude-Aimee Leblanc

Aviara Golf Club

Quick Quotes

Q. Here with Maude-Aimee LeBlanc. Another good round, 70 today here at Aviara Golf Club. We were just talking about it. You hit the ball a long way: 301.5 for your driving distance today. How much has that been key for you this week?

MAUDE-AIMEE LEBLANC: Yeah, I mean it's always -- I don't want to say always, but it's an advantage whenever I can use my length. I don't hit many drivers out here, maybe two or three, so, I mean, I have to take advantage of the fact that I'm hitting shorter irons into the greens.

Q. Where was that key for you today? I know you had four birdies on the card. Were any of those because of your ability to hit it close or hit it long?

MAUDE-AIMEE LEBLANC: Let me think. I have a very --

Q. All good.

MAUDE-AIMEE LEBLANC: -- short memory.

Q. 8, 9 10, three in a row too, which is pretty solid.

MAUDE-AIMEE LEBLANC: Oh, yeah, that's right. They were mostly I think -- yeah, they were mostly just good second shots into the green. Yeah, today my -- yeah, tee to green was really good.

Q. What were you hitting on some of those second shots? Is it more wedges for you?

MAUDE-AIMEE LEBLANC: A lot of wedges, yeah. A lot of wedges. Yeah, 50 degrees a lot.

Q. Hitting a lot the greens, too: 15 of 18. We've talked about the ball striking. Having 31 putts today after 29 and 29 the first two rounds, you're still figuring out these greens pretty well, huh?

MAUDE-AIMEE LEBLANC: Yeah, today I feel like I left a lot of putts out there today, but I don't think it was because of bad strokes. I think it's just because that's the way it is here.

So I try not to let it affect my confidence too much. But, yeah, it's nice to know that even if I'm, well, contending, is that the right word?

Q. Uh-huh.

MAUDE-AIMEE LEBLANC: And I've left a lot of putts out there, it's a good feeling.

Q. Speaking of that, you're a player that's been around the block; been out here quite a bit. You're four back likely heading into the weekend. How good does it feel to be in contention again on the LPGA?

MAUDE-AIMEE LEBLANC: I wouldn't say again because I think it's the first time, but it feels good. Yeah, it's a feeling that I could definitely get used to.

Q. What would it mean for to you nab a win and join Brooke Henderson we all know, and then Lorie Kane is the third Canadian to win on the LPGA Tour.

MAUDE-AIMEE LEBLANC: That would mean a lot. It's always been a goal of mine to win out here, but not just once, to consistently play well.

So it would mean a lot for sure. Going into next week, which is a major, I think it's going to give me a lot of confidence for next week as well. I think next week I can take more advantage of my length.

Q. As somebody playing a lot on Epson last year, how much did that experiences give you some confidence coming into this season, like, yeah, I can contend, I belong out here, this is where I should be?

MAUDE-AIMEE LEBLANC: Yeah, I did contend last year on the Epson Tour. It's a similar feeling. I mean, it's not the same, but you learn to play under that kind of pressure.

That's something I could definitely take out here.

Q. What positives will you carry with you into tomorrow? You got to have something.

MAUDE-AIMEE LEBLANC: Yeah, there has got to be something. Hold on. Just good ball striking. I mean I gave myself a lot of birdie opportunities today and the last couple days, so, yeah, that is something I'll try to take with me tomorrow.

Q. And last question from me: Are you a player that likes to chase in those situations, or would you rather be in the lead, and why?

MAUDE-AIMEE LEBLANC: I've never been in the lead so I don't know. I'm sure it would be nice. Yeah, I don't know. We'll find out. Ask me again tomorrow.

Q. Will do. Chasing-wise are you more of a player that attacks in the final round with nothing to lose? What's the mindset there?

MAUDE-AIMEE LEBLANC: Yeah, I mean, I would say playing smart offensive, like attack when I can and play middle of the green when -- because my putting is good, so I know I can make putts from wherever.

So I don't have that pressure of trying to be close all the time.