AUGUSTA NATIONAL WOMEN'S AMATEUR

April 2, 2025

Catherine Rao

Quick Quotes

Q. First question about your experience today of competing at ANWA. It's been a goal. Did it meet the reality?

CATHERINE RAO: What?

Q. Did the reality meet your dreams?

CATHERINE RAO: Yeah, for sure. It was really incredible being out there today, and I had so much fun.

Didn't play the best, but at the same time, just really enjoyed my time out there. It was a great challenge, and I just really enjoyed it.

Q. How about the experience of getting through that round, how does it prepare you for tomorrow when you're in the top 20 of the leaderboard and there's an opportunity to climb up and solidify your standing for the weekend?

CATHERINE RAO: My caddie landed in Atlanta at 6:40 this morning and got here three minutes before my tee time. So I think anything will be less stressful this morning starting off.

It was great to have him on the bag, and got out there and just started to feel really comfortable. I think I got a good read on the course. So should play some good golf tomorrow.

Q. For you personally just being here with other elite amateur women's golfers, what does it say to you about the state of your game and where it's at and where it can go the rest of the season?

CATHERINE RAO: I think I've always trusted my game, and I've always known I can play some really good golf. This feels more than anything, it's like they're my friends and I love seeing them and hanging out with them.

It is really validating, and I'm really proud to be a part of this field and compete with these women.