THE CHEVRON CHAMPIONSHIP

April 21, 2026

Mao Saigo

The Club at Carlton Woods

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: All right, joining us ahead of the The Chevron Championship is our defending champion, Mao Saigo. Mao, can you just talk about what it was like to win The Chevron Championship as your first win last year?

MAO SAIGO: (Through translation.) So I was really looking forward to win my first win. It turned to be the major tournament, so I was really happy to be able to win in this tournament.

Q. We're at a new venue this year, new golf course. Have you played the course and what are your first impressions?

MAO SAIGO: (Through translation.) So the first thinking I notice was the distance is pretty long compared to other tournament. The greens slope is pretty strong, too. And there is some holes with water, so tee shot will be the key to be able to shoot good scores.

Q. Is there a little disappointment that you don't get to defend at the club at Carlton Woods?

MAO SAIGO: (Through translation.) Yes, definitely a little bit of disappointment because I like the course at the last tournament. So, yes, there was a little bit disappointment. Still trying ^ to the my best on this course.

Q. Obviously the water feature is a little different have you seen it and would you jump in if you won again?

MAO SAIGO: (Through translation.) I haven't look at the water yet, but I love to jump in to follow the traditional if I have a chance to again.

Q. Obviously in Japan golf is huge, I think women's sports is continuing to grow in the U.S. What does this tournament do for women's sports?

MAO SAIGO: (Through translation.) So obviously this is one of the major tournament, and this is big one. This tournament, to be able to win this tournament, my golf life has been like changed a lot. So this was definitely the turning point for me, too.

And for to tournament I see lots of amateur can play in, too, so the junior golfers can have their better future to be able to play in a professional tournament. They have the promise tournament, too. So I think this is really good tournament oops.

To open up the future for those girls.

Q. Obviously there is five majors throughout the year. What makes this one unique?

MAO SAIGO: (Through translation.) So this year the course has been changed, but every year the course setting is very challenging.

The condition is super nice to play in, so that's kind of one of the things that makes unique for this tournament.

Q. Just wanted to have you talk about your Champions Dinner last night and your menu.

MAO SAIGO: (Through translation.) I was communicating with Chef Keller to ask him to put a little bit of Japanese taste into the course menu, and we exchanged few emails. Yesterday they had sushi chef came in and the Wagyu beef. That was kind of the things that I was like really looking for. And all the players liked them too, so I was really happy to be there with them.