Little Goals Lead To Big Results for O'Toole

Co-leader Ryann O’Toole entered her three events in the Asia swing with a few short term goals.

“I’ve had a couple of short term goals and making CME is definitely one of them,” O’Toole said. “Before the Asia swing started I was sitting on the bubble and when I got into China I knew that if I just played my game, my game’s there, and just keep plugging along I would keep my spot in CME. I also have a goal to finish high enough to get myself into that U.S. Open field and not have to qualify for that next year. So I’m trying to set these tiny goals along the way which help me in the bigger picture.”

The approach has been paying off as O’Toole is coming off back-to-back top-20 finishes at Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia and Blue Bay LPGA.

“I just think it’s been consistency,” O’Toole said of the key to her recent success. “I used to be missing cuts and had to go back to Q-School last year and this year early I was still all over the place but then I started making cuts and then I was in the top-40 and then top-30s and now top-20s are coming. Last week when I finished 15th I was upset but I have to look at the bigger picture and realize last year at this time I was prepping for Q-School. I feel like it’s building blocks and that I’m building a solid foundation. I’m showing my face on the top of the leaderboard, playing consistent and making birdies so I trust where my game is.”

Stacy Lewis and Lexi Thompson Sit Two Back

Stacy Lewis and Lexi Thompson enter the weekend at the TOTO JAPAN CLASSIC tied for eighth, two-shots back of the lead. The American duo will be paired together in tomorrow’s second round.

“I feel good,” Thompson said of her first round play. “It was a steady round. I didn’t hit it that great off the tee and got in the rough a little bit more than I wanted to but I made some good putts so there were some positives coming from today.”

While conditions were ideal for the first round, the forecast for Saturday calls for cooler temperatures and more wind, something that would be just fine with Lewis.

“It’s nice to play it calm because you can shoot a low number but I would prefer it playing harder,” Lewis explained. “I would prefer it windy. I think we’re going to get that here later in the week so I don’t have to ask for it.”

Regardless of the conditions one can bet that the group will feature a large gallery.

“The Japanese fans have been great,” Thompson said. “They’ve been rooting me on after every hole saying good shot or good putt or good birdie so it’s an amazing feeling.”

2015 TOTO JAPAN CLASSIC Round 1 Notes and Interviews

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