FM CHAMPIONSHIP

August 26, 2026

Kiara Romero

TPC Boston

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: All right, we are pleased to be joined by Kiara Romero ahead of the FM Championship. First event in the field. Technically you were a sponsor invite last week. So what does it mean to be out here at TPC Boston?

KIARA ROMERO: Yeah, I'm really excited to be out here. It's just a great opportunity, and I'm just really grateful that I was able to get my card through the LEAP.

And it's been such an amazing experience so far, so I'm just really happy and excited to be out here.

Q. Yeah, and then top 25 finish in your first professional start last week at CPKC Women's Open. What are some of your takeaways from that event and having that first professional start in your sleeve?

KIARA ROMERO: Yeah, I feel like I played that tournament like super stress-free and just kind of went out there and just tried to learn as much as possible and just tried to ground my feet out there and just get used to the Tour life.

So it was really fun experience, and I think I did great. There is a lot to take from it.

Q. Then you mentioned just getting used to Tour life. You were competing all summer as well. You are now around so many talented players. Is there anyone that you maybe had some specific conversations with or any pieces of advice that maybe stuck out to you so far?

KIARA ROMERO: Yeah, I feel like the biggest thing is getting used to the travel. With amateur golf we obviously traveled a lot, but it's definitely not as much as this, so just trying to get used to that.

And just have your group of people out here to make it fun. It can be kind of lonely sometimes, so really grateful to have my brother on the bag. May family is able to come out as well, so it's a lot of fun, yeah.

Q. Just some initial thoughts that you might have practicing here at TPC Boston and thoughts how the course is playing.

KIARA ROMERO: Yeah, I think it's a little bit soft out there just with the rain and stuff. It's going to rain in couple days or so, so just try to get used to that.

Yeah, I feel like the drives are not rolling out as much, so keeping that in mind and setting up a good game plan for that.

But it's a really nice course, so I enjoy it.

Q. What was were the feelings on the first tee last week to just finally have achieved a lifelong dream of yours?

KIARA ROMERO: Honestly, I was just really excited to be up there. A little bit nerve-wracking for the first few holes, but I think I got over that pretty quickly.

Like I said, like the summer golf that I've been playing a bunch of LPGA Tours over the summer, so I'm kind of used to the crowd and the TV and everything by now.

But, yeah, just super excited to hit that first tee shot.

Q. What did you learn from last week that maybe you'll apply to this week and as you look ahead to the rest of the season?

KIARA ROMERO: I think just getting used to playing four rounds for every tournament. Like with amateur golf it's usually just three rounds. So if you start off strong, you just got to stay patient and stick with the game plan. And same thing other way around. If you start off rough there is plenty of golf to play.

Q. I know your sister Kaleiya has been crushing it on Epson this year and might have a chance to join you out here next year. Have you two talked about that at all, what it would be like to have your first full season together on the LPGA?

KIARA ROMERO: Yeah. It would definitely make traveling a lot more fun. Ever since we were little we always dreamed up us two playing on Tour together, and every time I timeout thought about it I never wanted it to just be me.

Yeah, growing up playing golf together and getting a little bit of glimpse of that from the U.S. Open, us playing that same week, it was a lot of fun. We had our family out there and it's just like a dream, yeah.

Q. Your brother is on your bag. What's his greatest strength and weakness when he's caddieing for you?

KIARA ROMERO: Greatest strength is just being really happy out there. Just having a lot of fun. We know each other really well. We went to college together and we're super close. Just keeps the pressure light and keeps it fun out there.

Greatest weakness, I think sometimes he can think he's right all the time, but we're working on that one. (Smiling.)

Q. We hear your 48-degree is your favorite club. Can you take us why you have the name Gary stamped on that wedge? Just the back story behind that.

KIARA ROMERO: Oh, my gosh. It's a nickname from my brother and sister and some of our close friends back home. It's not the best nickname. There is a reason behind it. There is a story, but I'm not going to explain that.

It's really funny. When I have that 115 shot I'll be like, all right, give me Gary. So, yeah.

THE MODERATOR: Thanks so much for your time.

KIARA ROMERO: Thank you.