DOW CHAMPIONSHIP

June 9, 2026

Jin Hee Im

Somi Lee

Midland Country Club

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Joining us ahead of the Dow Championship are our reigning champions, Jin Hee Im and Somi Lee. You both became Rolex first-time winners at this event last year, what does that mean to you?

SOMI LEE: Last year after winning I thought I could, I gained the confidence to think that I could also win. And then after winning with Jin Hee I also wanted to win by myself as well. But unfortunately that didn't happen, but I want to do my best and finish off my season well.

JIN HEE IM: I had a tough start last year, and after winning with Somi I think the confidence improved and I had a pretty good season of golf. I also wanted to win by myself as well, and although that didn't happen, I wanted to take this opportunity to restart that confidence boost.

THE MODERATOR: What did you learn from last year that you're going to use during this year's tournament?

SOMI LEE: Last year, from last year we talked about it and we said we should trust each other. What that means is let's not put pressure on one another and do our best to focus on ourselves and our play. I think that's what worked best.

THE MODERATOR: Why does this partnership work for you on the golf course specifically?

SOMI LEE: At first I wanted to play with Jin Hee because our lengths are similar and our golf game is similar. When we play with one ball I thought, what is the best way to play with one ball, and it's because our styles are similar.

THE MODERATOR: What about this golf course setup suits your game and what is going to be important to capitalize on?

SOMI LEE: The golf course greens are very hard to read, so reading the greens will be very important. We can't be burning the same holes. So I think Jin Hee and I work well with that.

THE MODERATOR: Last one, there's always a lot of fans at this event, how does that help with the energy and making you want to play well?

JIN HEE IM: I'm always so grateful for every fan that comes out. At this tournament, unlike other tournaments, it's partner play, so I'm able tot see and look around at the fans more, and I'm able to appreciate how they cheer us on.