Wegmans LPGA
Locust Hill Country Club
Pittsford, N.Y.
June 25, 2009

First-round interviews: Sandra Gal | Jiyai Shin | Kristy McPherson | Stacy Lewis | Brandi Jackson | Diana D'Alessio | Michelle Wie | Amanda Blumenherst | Cheyenne Woods

First-round notes

Opening round suspended due to darkness. At 8:35 p.m., first round action of the 33rd playing of the Wegmans LPGA was suspended due to darkness, and play will resume first thing in the morning. The opening round of the event in Pittsford, N.Y. started under sunny skies and blazing temperatures, but due to late afternoon thunderstorms, play was stopped at 2:38 p.m. Then at 5:34 p.m., precisely two hours and 56 minutes later, the horns blew again to signal resumed play. At the time of the delay, 72 players were still on the course, and once darkness came, 30 players were left. So, on Friday morning beginning at 7:00 a.m., 30 competitors will have to finish their round before starting round two.

Gal is the unofficial leader after day one of Wegmans LPGA. Second-year LPGA Tour player Sandra Gal fired an impressive 8-under-par 64 (31-33) on the opening day on Pittsford, N.Y., and that is good for a one-stroke lead over rookie Jiyai Shin's 7-under-par 65 (34-31). Starting on the back nine holes, the 24-year-old fired five birdies on a row on holes 11 through 15, before tallying additional birds on 17, making the turn at 6-under-par, then birdying number one. After playing in 33 events since joining the LPGA Tour officially a year ago, the German player has a tied for fifth-place best-finish, which she earned earlier this year at the LPGA Corning Classic.

LPGA Tour rookie one stroke back after opening round. Jiyai Shin, a 2009 LPGA Tour rookie player out of South Korea, sits just one stroke back from round-one unofficial leader Sandra Gal at 7-under-par 65 (34-31). On a bogey-free day that started hot and sunny and ended muggy and rainy, Shin recorded seven birdies on holes one, three, four, eight, 10, 11 and 13 to just complete her round of the Wegmans LPGA. Earlier in the day, at 2:38 to be exact, play was delayed due to inclement weather. Roughly two hours and fifty-six minutes later, first-round action resumed, and Shin was lucky enough to be in one of the groups to finish before darkness fell upon Locust Hill Country Club.

With only one official win under her belt as an LPGA Tour member, Shin has a total of four victories all-together. Last year in 2008 as a non-member, the 21-year-old won three events on the LPGA Tour schedule, including the major championship RICOH Women's British Open, Mizuno Classic, and the season-ending ADT Championship, where she earned the $1 million first-place prize.

McPherson fires 67 in opening round, three-strokes back of leader Gal. Once play at the 2009 Wegmans LPGA was delayed at 2:38 p.m. due to inclement weather, Kristy McPherson was towards the top of the leaderboard. McPherson finished at 5-under-par 67 (34-33) via birdies on holes three, four, nine, 10, 11 and 17, with just one bogey on the par 4, 439-yard sixth hole. This week is the University of South Carolina graduate's 13th official tournament of her 2009 season, and six of those have resulted in top-20 finishes, including a pair of top-5s. Those actually came at the two major championships, the Kraft Nabisco Championship (T2nd) and the McDonald's LPGA Championship Presented by Coca-Cola (T5th). In three years of being a member of the LPGA Tour, McPherson, a native of Conway, South Carolina, has started in 56 official tournaments, with 40 cuts made. Since the 2008 Corona Championship, where she finished tied for seventh, she has finished in the top-10 eight times, as she continues to play for her first career victory.

U.S. Women's Open spots for the taking. Any player who has not already qualified for the 2009 U.S. Women's Open, July 16-19 at Saucon Valley Country Club, would need to win the Wegmans LPGA or the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic Presented by Kroger to earn a spot in the field. All other exemption categories have closed and sectional qualifying has concluded.

First-round interviews: Sandra Gal | Jiyai Shin | Kristy McPherson | Stacy Lewis | Brandi Jackson | Diana D'Alessio | Michelle Wie | Amanda Blumenherst | Cheyenne Woods

Sandra Gal, 31-33=64, -8
Hole 11, 509-yard par 5: birdie, lob-wedge to 20 feet
Hole 12, 361-yard par 4: birdie, sand-wedge to five feet
Hole 13, 386-yard par 4: birdie, pitching wedge to six feet
Hole 14, 381-yard par 4: birdie, 9-iron to two feet
Hole 15, 150-yard par 3: birdie, 9-iron to four feet
Hole 17, 468-yard par 5: birdie, two-putt to three feet
Hole 1, 386-yard par 4: birdie, 9-iron to 12 feet
Hole 9, 161-yard par 3: birdie, 9-iron to 15 feet

JASON TAYLOR: If you would just talk a little bit about the day you had with the delay in there, made it a little longer, but talk about how it went.
SANDRA GAL: It was a really fun day. I didn't hit it very good yesterday but I just went out and played confidently. I had a good run on the front 9, the real back 9 actually, and then we had the delay which was, you know, a little bit not as nice for me because I was just going on a run. But then I said I'll just take it as positive and start a fresh round and see how low we can go after that. I think that mindset kind of helped me for the back 9.

Q. So where did this come from today? Had you felt it coming, or sit it just one of those days?
SANDRA GAL: No, I played well in the U.S. Open qualifier a week back from now on Monday. I had a 66 in the afternoon. It's kind of like playing free and not worrying where the misses are. That's really helping me shoot low scores and that's what I did today.

Q. You got one top10 in your career that was at the LPGA Corning Classic last month, has it been a struggle for you so far or are you just finding your way out here?
SANDRA GAL: I wouldn't say it's a struggle. Last year was tough. It was my first year as a professional. I just kind of jumped out here. This year I think I'm improving every month. You know, it's just a way up there. Sometimes it doesn't go quick, and you got to take one step at a time.

Q. First off, could you talk about the start, you start so hot, and I am sure you saw the clouds darkening, you must have been thinking, please don't stop it now. How did you deal with the delay, was it tougher to get back into the groove physically or mentally after the break?
SANDRA GAL: Yes, as I said, first I thought it's a pity we are stopping but then I said, come on, it's just a new start, fresh round, see how low we can go. Unfortunately I shot 3under after the delay, I'm happy with it. Yes, it's definitely a challenge. But you just take everything positively and that really helps.

Q. What did you do during the break? How did you keep yourself focused for three hours?
SANDRA GAL: Actually, I had a really funny caddy next to me and he was just talking my ear off so I was just laughing a lot. That was the first half. The second half I just played chess with my dad. That's what I've been doing.

Jiyai Shin, 34-31=65, -7

Q. You just finished your round. Were you worried that it was getting dark and you wouldn't be able to finish tonight?
JIYAI SHIN: Well, after the rain delay, the fairways and greens were softer, and the wind was gone. So, I did play simpler, because of the wind not being there.

Q. Was it easier after the delay for you?
JIYAI SHIN: Actually the first couple of holes of the round, I felt kind of heavy, because there was more time, and too much time to rest. But, I just felt really confident because my putter was very good today.

Q. So overall today, how do you think you played?
JIYAI SHIN: I would say perfect. I missed fairways a little with my driver, but my iron shots and my outing was great. Actually before the tournament on Tuesday, I spent four or five hours of putting. So that was working today; good practice.

Q. What did you do during the rain delay?
JIYAI SHIN: I just got something to eat and just talked to a few people. I was just ready to get back out and play.

Kristy McPherson, 34-33=67, -5
Hole 10, 383-yard par 4: birdie, 8-iron to six feet
Hole 11, 509-yard par 5: birdie, 60-degree wedge to 14 feet
Hole 17, 468-yard par 5: birdie, hybrid to three feet, chip in
Hole 3, 359-yard par 4: birdie, sand-wedge to eight feet
Hole 4, 514-yard par 5: birdie, 60-degree to 10 feet
Hole 6, 439-yard par 4: bogey, missed green, two-putt, chip in
Hole 9, 161-yard par 3: 9-iron to seven feet

JASON TAYLOR: Thanks for visiting the media center here at the Wegmans LPGA. You just finished at 5under, a nice birdie finish on your final hole of the day, number nine, so, talk about the day.
KRISTY McPHERSON: It was a good day, a solid day. I started off missing the first three fairways left but I got out of trouble and made a couple of birdies out of that.

I started hitting the ball well. I hit a lot of fairways and gave myself a lot of opportunities and really felt like I'm putting the ball well. You feel like you are going to make the putts, you're going to make the field.

Q. Why have you been playing better lately? Do you feel like 67 is a nice round here? Was this coming, did you feel this coming?
KRISTY McPHERSON: Yes, I have been hitting the ball really well. You just looking for the confidence in the putting stroke. Even my bad rounds I've been able to keep them at a couple under. Today and this week, here on these greens, I feel like I see the ball really well on the greens and I feel like I got a great feel for the greens.

Q. Do you think about it, does it bother you?
KRISTY McPHERSON: No, it doesn't bother me one bit. Obviously who doesn't want to win a Major and the first of the year. I gave myself a oneshot lead going into tie final hole and didn't blow it. It's not like I 3putted or made the mistake. She just hit an amazing golf shot. You can't do anything but say, great shot, action she is one of my best friends. I was just as happy for her as I could have been for myself.

Q. With that in mind, does it make you, I know your motivated to win, after having that happen, do you want to make amends as soon and you say can and get that win?
KRISTY McPHERSON: We are doing our best, buddy, we are working at it. It's just one of those, I know I'm close. I put myself in the final group tied for the lead going in State Farm. I had myself up there last week at McDonald's. I'm playing solid golf right now. I haven't done anything spectacular. Just enough to keep me out of the winner's circle and enough to give me opportunities. I just figure if I could keep putting myself up there, eventually it will happen.

Q. Where is the carryover for momentum, do you think about it or is it a general feeling that you have because you played well a couple of weeks ago at the McDonald's LPGA Championship, when you go out there today is that just a general feeling, or are there specific things you build on or you think about, hey, I've been playing well, it's coming, is it a conscious thing or more of a feeling?
KRISTY McPHERSON: I think it's more of a feeling. If you know you're playing well, and out here you're hitting the ball well, fairways are key out here. This rough will kill you. Not worrying about where not to hit it, and not worrying about what could happened, what could go wrong, I feel like I'm seeing everything better, getting up on the tee, I'm seeing my targets and not thinking about anything else. That's a lot of things, just getting out of your own way, and I feel like I've been doing that a lot better lately and just allowing myself to score.

Stacy Lewis, 34-34=68, -4

JASON TAYLOR: Stacy, thanks for coming in. Not the best finish that you were looking for, but if you can look past that, and you had a very nice round and finished 4under-par. A good score for the first round here at the Wegmans LPGA, so can you would talk about today.
STACY LEWIS: Yes, I mean it's hard to really dwell on the last hole. I hit a great bunker shot from where I was and, you know, just missed a little put. Overall the day was really good. I'm hitting the ball good. I'm putting it well. I don't know, yes, you want to be upset about it, but I just got to move on. Move on, tomorrow is another day. I'm doing too many good things to really just dwell on that last hole.

Q. Could you explain what happened from tee to green, what exactly happened?
STACY LEWIS: Well, I hit a great drive and then middle of the fairway I just hit an 8iron and kind of on the side of the lot.

Q. How far?
STACY LEWIS: About 140, and then just kind of came out of it. I was lucky it's didn't bury. It landed on the edge of the bunker. I was on the side slope.

Q. On the right?
STACY LEWIS: On the right, yes, down in the bottom back of the bunker. Bunker shot almost flew in the hole, just went passed it probably six or seven feet coming back, I just wanted to putt. So it was good. And then I hit a good putt. It couldn't have been more than a foot and just missed it. I don't know what I did. I don't know. It happens.

Q. You were pretty emotional about it?
STACY LEWIS: Yes, you are kind of kicking yourself. When you see your name on the leaderboard in that position, every shot really matters. So to throw one away like that, it makes me pretty mad. I made so many putts today, five birdies on the back. I don't know. I can't really complain.

Brandi Jackson, 33-35=68, -4

Q. Nice round Brandi. Can you talk a little bit about today?
BRANDI JACKSON : I did. I hit 16 greens, and I had five birdies and just one bogey coming in. So it was a good day.

Q. Do you like where you are right now?
BRANDI JACKSON: Of course, I do. You can't not like it shooting 4-under on the first day. It's nice to get out there early and get a good round it. And just relax the rest of the day.

Q. Talk a little bit about playing with Cheyenne Woods, was she nervous?
BRANDI JACKSON: She didn't seem to be. She was a pleasure to play with, lots of fun and hits the ball pretty good. And if she putted, she would have scored a lot better than she did today. Very fun to play with, she has a very good future ahead of her, I think.

Q. Have you been playing well lately or is this round coming out of nowhere?
BRANDI JACKSON: I haven't been playing bad, just not scoring well. Just little things here and there kept costing me a few shots every day. But I knew it was there, I just need to keep it together for all 18 holes.

Q. What's the attitude going into round two now?
BRANDI JACKSON: Just keep the same as I did today, just stay real relaxed; play one shot at a time and just hopefully hitting fairways and greens.

Diana D'Alessio, 35-33=68, -4

Q. Nice day Diana. Can you talk about how it went for you today?
DIANA D'ALESSIO: I hit the ball pretty well, I started off a little bit slow. I bogeyed my first hole, but I birdied a few on the back 9 to kind of steady my ship. But I hit my driver better today which I did not do on Tuesday. I was a little bit concerned. It was fun out there.

Q. It's early, any time you are up near the top it's got to be a good feeling, right?
DIANA D'ALESISO: Yes, definitely, I have not had a stellar year so far this year. It's nice just to shoot under par. A friend of mine and I we decided to do like 18 holes of match play, so every hole I played it was match play against par because sometimes I make some bogeys and I just keep making bogeys. I finally got my emotions under control.

Q. Is this the first tournament you've been playing like that or have you been doing it for a while?
DIANA D'ALESSIO: No, today was the first day to try it and it was good, it was fun, I had a good time.

Q. How about going in tomorrow, you ought to feel pretty good?
DIANA D'ALESSIO: Yes, it was finally good to make some putts. I haven't putted very well this year. I've hit the ball well but just haven't capitalized. So it's good to see some good things go in finally.

Q. How do you keep it in perspective and just concentrate on shot per shot?
DIANA D'ALESSIO: That was a good thing about the match play scenario. You know, what you did two holes ago, or the last hole, doesn't matter because now you are focussing on playing this particular match on that hole. So I'm just trying to go with that. Sometimes you catch yourself thinking about, oh, I'm 4-under, let's make another birdie. But I got myself back in the present pretty good.

Michelle Wie, 38-31=69, -3

Q. Can we just talk about your round today?
MICHELLE WIE: Well, you know, it was tough getting started. Obviously I had to get a bogey on the first hole, but I just kept missing my iron shots here and there and missed putts. I was trying to be patient out there. It's a tight golf course, you got to hit fairways and greens. It's tricky greens, so you've got to leave yourself in the right spot. I had some putts that broke a lot and were really quick, so hopefully tomorrow I'll have some more uphill putts.

Q. How are you enjoying your rookie season?
MICHELLE WIE: It's a lot of fun. I'm playing in a lot of tournaments, going to different places every week. I'm going to places where I haven't been before. I'm only playing like six a year but it's a lot of fun.

Q. Is it different than you expected?
MICHELLE WIE: Not really, it's much harder than I expected but it's a lot of fun.

Q. Can you talk about your finish here, you finished strong, does that give you confidence going into the weekend here?
MICHELLE WIE: Yes, for sure, I was being patient all day, things didn't go where I wanted them to go. Like I said, I will just look over some things, give myself some easier chances, keep hitting fairways and that will be really good.

Q. When you talk about greens and being tricky and you got to be in the right place, how is that on a course that is new to you?
MICHELLE WIE: I played it last year, and you kind of expect the same thing. You just have to hit the right shots, hit the right shots and get good distances.

Amanda Blumenherst, 36-34=70, -2

JASON TAYLOR: Amanda, let's talk about how the week has been for you so far, the first round today, not a bad round one. So, talk about how you're feeling.
AMANDA BLUMENHERST: I played really consistent. I missed a few fairways, but I was able to cut it pretty well and I really only missed hitting one shot. So I was pleased with how I played, a few more putts could go in. I'm happy how the week has been going and the ProAm has been a lot of fun and I had some good practice the first few days.

Q. You made your first cut here as an amateur a few years ago? Does it give you a good feeling just showing up at this place?
AMANDA BLUMENHERST: I did. I played the course three years ago, so I had a really good feeling coming into this one. I knew what it was like a little bit except for a few holes. I absolutely love playing here and the fans and the volunteers so I was really looking forward to the Wegmans LPGA tournament.

Q. With these conditions, do you think it's going to be tougher to go low this afternoon or easier?
AMANDA BLUMENHERST: Well, the fairways are going to be drying out which will help with length, but it is getting a lot windier which is going to make holding the greens a little bit tougher, and you want to be below the hole on many of these holes.

Q. Is this like Arizona, hot at all?
AMANDA BLUMENHERST: Actually I'm very comfortable. I hear a lot of people saying it's so hot. I didn't really notice until I finished. I'm very comfortable.

Cheyenne Woods, 39-36=75, +3

Q. What do you think? How was your first round of your first LPGA tournament?
CHEYENNE WOODS: It was really a great experience playing with Brandi and Taylor. I had a lot of fun. I played pretty well. I left a couple of shots out there?

Q. What's the difference playing in a professional tournament as opposed to what you've played in previously?
CHEYENNE WOODS: Well, the difference is definitely the crowds, the media and the competition is a lot tougher. I don't know, it was really fun out there.

Q. What was the feeling like on the first tee?
CHEYENNE WOODS: I was a little nervous with all of the people there. I kind of got used to it with the pro-am, I had that so it wasn't too bad.

Q. Can you learn anything from one round? And also for tomorrow and as you get into the weekend and subsequent tournaments?
CHEYENNE WOODS: Yes, I think I learned a lot today. Tomorrow I definitely can do a little bit better. But it's a really good course, it's tough, I had a couple of shots I didn't adjust to the wind, or the elevation. I will make those adjustments tomorrow.

Q. What was the reaction like out here?
CHEYENNE WOODS: Everyone out here is really supportive. If I missed the green, they'll be going, “Go Cheyenne!”