PALOS VERDES CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY BANK OF AMERICA

April 30, 2022

Lydia Ko

Palos Verdes Golf Club

Quick Quotes

Q. All right, Lydia, definitely a grind out there today. Just how do you bounce back after that double bogey and bogey?

LYDIA KO: I have actually been hitting, driving it in particular really well, and that just kind of went out the window today. So I felt like two totally different people with the driver, but I didn't feel uncomfortable.

You know, it's really tough like 4, 5, straight into the wind. I made some good up and downs and obviously probably that birdie putt on 9 was a good momentum.

Then I had a few holes where I felt like was really good birdie opportunities, and I kind of let some go there in the middle, and then making good birdies -- four really good putts coming home.

So it's hard. I think I made it a little harder than it was. But considering how I started, to finish under par for the day, you know, upwards and onwards.

Q. Upwards and onwards. You talk about the driving compared to the first two days out here. Is that what happened on No. 2?

LYDIA KO: Yeah, I just over-cooked it and then the bounce also over-cooked left. So it was going left and then the ball went more left so couldn't see, and then I made a club selection error and wasn't able to make up and down from actually a fairly easy spot from the bunker.

So, yeah, it's kind of -- I made a mess of that hole and I didn't want that to happen on 17. Luckily I was able to save the bogey.

I think this week there has been a couple times where I've just -- like it's not been to that extent, but I've just kind of made it that way just with a mistake after another, and I think that's an aspect that I need to get better at. Hopefully none of that tomorrow.

Yeah, it's still tough. It was really windy. I think there is a huge difference between playing in the morning and the afternoon. Luckily in the last few holes the wind died down, so made it a little bit easier.

But it's hard; firm greens. You know, nothing is really like helping you to some extent. But everyone is playing the same golf course, so you are just trying to stay patient. I think I did that pretty well, even when things weren't going well, not to get too frustrated about it.

Q. The birdie putt on 9, how long was that, and what did that do for you mentally as you reset heading into the final nine holes?

LYDIA KO: I think it was around just under five feet. But No. 9 I've noticed this whole week that the green's been the most pure of all the greens.

Q. Uh-huh.

LYDIA KO: So I felt like it was going to roll really good. Obviously from that distance it's a bit of a bonus, but, no, after being 3-over through 4, you know, to turn at even I think it's good.

And I think there are a few holes into the back nine -- into the front nine that you can take advantage of. I think I did that well. I think the big key for me today was I never really got too excited or too down.

I think when it's especially a bit of a grind you have to be quite even keel.

Q. You talk about also that crucial bogey save on 17. Even here from the bunker that crucial par save on 18 was pretty significant. Talk me through what was going through your mind.

LYDIA KO: Yeah, I only had 9-iron on 17 and 9-iron on 18. I was like, Well, I'm just like making a mess with this. It's a pretty short club both times and two like pretty poor shots.

I would much prefer the left bunker than the right, but of course I hit it in the right one. But I executed my bunker shot well, and I knew that something within 15 feet, you know, I had putted good the last few holes, I just wanted a good run at it.

Yeah, it was a little bit of a swinger uphill, but it rolled nice, and I'm glad that the fourth shot found the bottom of the hole.

Q. With that, up there in contention; going to be playing alongside Hannah again tomorrow. What's your feelings as you head into the final day at Palos Verdes?

LYDIA KO: Yeah, she is obviously a great player. She also never gets so high or so low, and I always enjoy playing with her.

So, yeah, I think it's going to be fun. I'm not really sure -- the wind I think is a big factor. I think you being few shots behind doesn't make you completely out of it. I think the course can be very versatile in the sense of like the tee box options, and that makes holes way more difficult or like more of like a birdieable hole.

So, yeah, I'm intrigued to see how it's going to be set up tomorrow. Yeah, it should be fun. I'm looking forward to it. Always good to be in contention.

See where I will be standing at the end of Sunday.