THE AMUNDI EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

July 21, 2022

Ayaka Furue

Evian Resort Golf Club

Quick Quotes

Q. Here with Ayaka Furue. 8-under. What a way to kick off the Evian this week. It's a golf course you like. You finished fourth here last year. Did you have a lot of positive memories heading into this week?

AYAKA FURUE: I like the course, and with the good vibes from last year I thought I would play good, and I played very well today.

Q. What was the key in your game? Was it ball striking? Was it putting? What was so important to you today?

AYAKA FURUE: I had good rhythm. I hit it close a lot. My putting was very good also today.

Q. What did you work on ahead of this week knowing what you know about this golf course, all the sidehill lies, slopey greens? What were you working on to prepare for this week?

AYAKA FURUE: I didn't particularly work on anything.

Q. How much confidence does a round like this give you? Again, you played well here before. Finished high at this event. Getting off to that start, how much confidence does that give you going forward?

AYAKA FURUE: I returned to Japan and worked with my dad and gained a lot of confidence to come and play here again.

Q. Is your dad your coach?

AYAKA FURUE: Only me.

Q. Again, just heading into the rest of the week, what's the mindset sleeping on this big of a lead this early?

AYAKA FURUE: Overall I just want to enjoy my play. Had a good day, and keep going every day one day at a time.

Q. I know you had quite the career on the JLPGA, but you're a rookie this year, and for a rookie to be leading a major after the first round is a pretty big deal. Does that make you feel any certain kind of way?

AYAKA FURUE: I'm very happy. I'm not worried about where I'm standing right now. Tomorrow is tomorrow, and we'll go at it again tomorrow.

Q. Final question: Being so comfortable here, how much did that help you to that low number?

AYAKA FURUE: I'm very good image, positive vibes from the golf course, so hopefully I can keep going every day.