BANK OF HOPE LPGA MATCH-PLAY

May 28, 2023

Pajaree Anannarukarn

Shadow Creek

Quick Quotes

Q. We're here with our finalist, Pajaree. How do you feel?

PAJAREE ANANNARUKARN: Happy. (Laughter.)

I played really, really well today, and I have to say Linn played great golf today too as well.

You know, I think I got a little excited again to start off playing with her, and, you know, first time to finally play with her, so it's a great round of golf.

Q. Held the lead from the jump. Was there any extra motivation today come into this round?

PAJAREE ANANNARUKARN: I think just a chance, the opportunity. So, again, I got into a playoff and I won in a playoff, and there is another chance for me round of 16.

Again, I played some good golf that day and got me through the other round, so I just really try to focus in the present moment and then just grateful for the opportunities.

Q. You played a lot of golf this week. It's been hot out. What's been the secret or key to the success for you to conserving energy and allowing you to play as many holes as you have?

PAJAREE ANANNARUKARN: I'm still learning, like trying to figure out.

So I think just stay hydrated out there and try to drink -- I think I sipped water, like keep drinking every single shot that I can. Just, you know, I think that cools me down a little bit, so maybe that works for me.

Q. Going up against Ayaka in this championship match, she was in the championship match last year. What's your thoughts or any extra motivation there?

PAJAREE ANANNARUKARN: I think she's the beast here. Like she did really well last year and she played, I mean, very consistent golf.

You know, I think it's just going to be a fun afternoon and I'm looking forward to play with her.

Q. Just a couple questions. I wanted to ask you when you start out with the four birdies, yet you were still only 2-up after four holes, what did you say to yourself to, you know, keep it going and know that Linn was playing such great golf, too?

PAJAREE ANANNARUKARN: To be honest, I was really focusing on my game. You know, it's fun to watch and, you know, like she playing brilliant golf again, starting like birdie in four holes or fifth holes.

But, I mean, we started off really good and we just -- I just really tried to stay in my zone and stay in the zone, because that was a really good start for me.

I was a little bit shocked on that fourth birdie, so, yeah, it was fun.

Q. And lastly, you work with Claude Harmon. How long have you worked with him and what have been a couple key things that you've worked on this year that is leading to some good play right now?

PAJAREE ANANNARUKARN: I started working with him November 2019. Seen each other couple times a year. He always traveling a lot and we're on a different schedule, but I try to see him as much as I can.

But we saw each other once early this year, but I still try to work on my backswing and my after -- like my follow through. Just couple things that I've been working on my swing and my rotation.

You know, that is the main key for me, because my rotation isn't that on (indiscernible), so I'm still working on it.

Yeah, we been doing good together.