WOMEN’S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

June 13, 2025

Caterina Don

Quick Quotes

Q. The last eight of the Women's Amateur Championships. Is that above the expectations?

CATERINA DON: Yeah, definitely. I mean, I haven't played much competitive golf this year. I actually played one event only, and before that it was regionals in May of '24. I came here just trying to play golf and have fun, and now I'm standing in the last eight. It feels pretty special.

It's actually up to now my best result in the Women's Am in my career.

Q. How many times have you played in this?

CATERINA DON: I think three or two, but my last one was in 2018 or '19.

Q. I take it the kind of less-is-more approach is obviously working; has there been just commitments with work or whatever that's not allowed you to play a lot?

CATERINA DON: I don't play that much. I have a job, so that's my first job, and then when I get time, I practise. I watch a lot of golf because I'm an assistant coach in college, so I learned a lot from other people and I see a lot more shots now, even when I'm on the course, and I think just when I'm on the course I have nothing to lose. I'm just free to hit. I try to go out and have as much fun as I can. I kind of feel basically no pressure. It's just about my internal drive to keep forward, but there's no pressure.

Q. I take it you have no ambitions to turn professional, though?

CATERINA DON: I don't think so. I tore my labrum last year, so I've got to figure that one out before I make a statement on that. But I enjoy amateur golf. I think it's a lot of fun. We'll see.

Q. Given that you're up against essentially full-time players, it makes this kind of campaign even better, doesn't it, the fact you've got to this stage?

CATERINA DON: Yeah, I have a lot of experience. I've been playing golf for so long. I feel like a lot of people say you lose the feeling quickly. I don't think so. I think if you practise correctly for a couple of weeks, you can regain them. That's what I did before coming here.

I just try to do my best every time I go out.

Q. And I believe you have to change your travel arrangements now?

CATERINA DON: Yeah, I do. I have a flight tomorrow at noon, so I'm going to have to change that. I'm going to have to find a hotel hopefully for tomorrow night in the area and stick around a little longer. I told my parents -- I haven't been home in a year and a half, but I've got to delay a couple days, but I don't think they'll complain. They're pretty happy.

Q. It would be nice if you can get another three nights or whatever but coming back with a trophy --

CATERINA DON: They'll be super happy.

Q. Is it Turin you're --

CATERINA DON: Yeah, Turin, yeah.

Q. Hopefully you'll find somewhere to stay tonight.

CATERINA DON: Oh, I have a room for tonight. I'm sure there's plenty of places around here, especially for tomorrow.

Q. Hopefully the hassle is all worth it.

CATERINA DON: Yeah, it's already worth it. I'm enjoying this a lot.