DOW GREAT LAKES BAY INVITATIONAL

July 19, 2023

Yu Liu

Ruixin Liu

Midland Country Club

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Here with Yu Liu and Ruixin Liu after their first round at the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational. A great day for you guys coming from right on the back, lots of birdies. Tell me what was the best part of the day today, any shots that stood out, or what was going so well?

RUIXIN LUI: I just feel like we have a great vibe going on all day long. We're great friends, and it's just playing like we're having fun. That's the whole thing.

I don't think there's anything that really stood out, but it's shot-by-shot, and we stay very focused and patient. It just plays out at the end, so we're very, very happy.

THE MODERATOR: Yu, what part of your game compliments Ruixin's and vice versa, do you think?

YU LIU: I think we both are pretty consistent players, pretty decent ball-striker.

But coming into today I was a little skeptical about my putting because I haven't been putting very well, so I just spent lots of hours yesterday, and I feel like it sort of paid off yesterday.

RUIXIN LUI: I just feel like her iron, it's so good. Like, so good. Whenever she has an iron in her hand, I know it's going to be good.

I am more confident in my driver, so I think it's a great combination, yeah.

THE MODERATOR: Have you guys played together at this event before?

RUIXIN LUI: No, this is our first time, but we played together in the International Crown this year.

THE MODERATOR: That's right. I remember. How did that team experience sort of help you, and how much do guys like playing together as a team? I know you mentioned being good friends.

YU LIU: I think we actually committed before that to play together.

RUIXIN LUI: Yeah. But, you know, I think that event -- we remained friends after that. That means we get along. We will do very good together, you know.

THE MODERATOR: Coming from China, you guys don't play a lot of team events really.

RUIXIN LUI: Yeah.

YU LIU: Yeah.

THE MODERATOR: How much fun is it to have this event out on tour where you get to play with a partner?

RUIXIN LUI: Well, it just feels like someone has your back. That will give you more confidence because somebody says, well, I will have more pressure, but in our mind I think somebody having your back means a lot.

So to have a partner you're not fighting alone, and I think that's the biggest strength we can have out here, yeah.

THE MODERATOR: So obviously played well today in the alternate shot format. Tomorrow will be four-ball. How does that change strategy-wise? What is your strategy for four-ball?

YU LIU: I just feel like, if anything, we can play a little freer, maybe a little more aggressive on the putts.

RUIXIN LUI: Yeah.

YU LIU: Just today, for instance, that last hole the pin was pretty tucked, and then I was

RUIXIN LUI: Yeah, we talked about it, and we were, like, we don't want to go anywhere near the water. Just going play in the middle of the green.

YU LIU: Yeah, having a 60-feet putt away from the hazard (laughing), but it worked out I guess.

RUIXIN LUI: Tomorrow we're going to play more towards the pin for sure.

THE MODERATOR: Last question. What is your team name?

RUIXIN LUI: Team 66.

THE MODERATOR: Can you explain it to me?

RUIXIN LUI: Well, Liu in Chinese is very close to number 6.

THE MODERATOR: Okay.

RUIXIN LUI: So Liu-Liu, Liu-Liu.

YU LIU: 66 is actually a pretty --

RUIXIN LUI: Good number --

YU LIU: -- lucky number.

RUIXIN LUI: -- in China.

THE MODERATOR: I like that. Thank you for sharing. Thanks, ladies.