KPMG WOMEN'S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

June 22, 2023

Ayaka Furue

Baltusrol Golf Club

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Ayaka, coming off the course, one of only a few people under par. What were some of the keys to your successful round today?

AYAKA FURUE: It was a rainy morning with a bogey start, but I was able to settle down afterwards and play with confidence.

Q. The last hole we saw the shot into the bunker. Being able to get through those two closing par-5s, what were they like for you today?

AYAKA FURUE: I had a very makeable uphill putt on 17 for birdie, but I couldn't convert it. That kind of led, I think, to the par on 18, also.

Q. Can you take us through your three birdies out there at 7, 10 and 12.

AYAKA FURUE: The birdie on 7, I hit a great second shot to the front edge, and I was able to putt from there and convert for birdie. On 10, I hit an 8-iron for my second shot. Hit it very close to the pin, to about three feet. On 12, it was a long putt, say about 12 meters. It was a fortunate putt, but glad that it went in.

Q. You've been playing such good golf lately. How have you managed to stay patient when you haven't found a win just yet?

AYAKA FURUE: For about two weeks, I have been in contention but haven't been able to close it out. I feel like I'm dropping my scores on the last day, and that I feel is a result of my mental strength. I'm maybe not strong enough yet.

I also feel that my putting needs to be better, so that's what I've been working on this week.

Q. What was your strategy coming into this kind of a golf course? I know it's been playing firm and fast, which is kind of what you want. What was your strategy as you came into Baltusrol?

AYAKA FURUE: You're right, this golf course is firm and fast greens, so my strategy is to obviously hit fairways, make good contact with my approach shots to the green so that I can spin the ball, and that's my strategy.