U.S. Women's Open
June 30, 2013
Final Round Notes and Interviews
Inbee Park | I.K. Kim | So Yeon Ryu | Jodi Ewart Shadoff | Paula Creamer | Jessica Korda | Angela Stanford | Brittany Lincicome | Brittany Lang | Karrie Webb | Na Yeon Choi | Casie Cathrea
Sunday’s Final-Round Recap
Rolex Rankings No. 1 Inbee Park became only the second player in LPGA history to win the first three majors in a season with a four-stroke victory over I.K. Kim on Sunday at the U.S. Women’s Open conducted by the USGA. The 24-year-old South Korean fired a final-round 74 at the Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y. to finish at 8-under-par 280.
Today’s victory, Park’s fourth-career LPGA major championship victory and second U.S. Women’s Open triumph, sets her up for a date with destiny in early August at the RICOH Women’s British Open, played at the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. She will attempt to become the first player, male or female, to win four professional major championships in one season.
Park, who won the 2012 LPGA Official Money List and Vare Trophy for lowest scoring average, is the first player in the modern era to win the first three majors in a season. Babe Zaharias, the only other player to accomplish the feat, did it in 1950 when she won all three majors played that year – the Titleholders Championship, the Women’s Western Open and the U.S. Women’s Open. Mickey Wright (1961) and Pat Bradley (1986) are the only other players in LPGA history to win three majors in a season, though not consecutively.
“I am just very honored to put my name by someone like Babe Zaharias,” Park said, after accepting the trophy and a champagne spritz from the last two Open champs, countrywomen So Yeon Ryu and Na Yeon Choi. “I don’t know what I just did today; it’s something very great. It’s scary to think about what I am capable of doing.”
On a hazy day where the clouds cast a shadow over Peconic Bay in eastern Long Island, Park found a way to deliver in the same steady way that she has for most of the past year. Opening the day with a four-stroke lead over I.K. Kim, Park made the turn in 1-over-par 36, but extended that lead to five shots as Kim fired 2-over-par 37 on the same nine. A birdie by Park at the 10th hole extended the lead to six shots before back-to-back bogies at 14 and 15 reduced the lead back to four shots with three holes to play. Both Park (-8) and Kim (-4) closed with pars on the final three holes to become two of three players to finish the week under par.
2011 U.S. Women’s Open champ So Yeon Ryu (-1), who lost to her best friend Park in a one-hole playoff last week in Arkansas, was the third player to finish under par for the week.
“Believe it or not, I was very calm out there,” said Park, who became the 15th player to win multiple U.S Women’s Opens. “It was weird; I didn’t feel much pressure when I was on the golf course. I was nervous last night, but on the golf course, somehow, I felt very calm.”
Park, who led following the second and third rounds this week, was the only player to shoot under par during Saturday’s third round when scoring conditions proved to be very difficult. Her unflappable demeanor and rhythmic putting strokes are gaining wide recognition following her sixth win of the 2013 season.
“You know, it's something I thought Annika would do,” said Angela Stanford. “That's really the only player that I've played with out here that I thought would do it. So I mean, I don't know how she's doing it, but obviously I know she's a great putter and emotionally she really keeps it under control out there. I'm not sure if she hits it sideways. I'm pretty sure she hits it pretty straight. I didn't think ‑‑ after Annika retired I didn't think anybody would ever do it, so it's pretty impressive.”
Watching in the crowd on Sunday at Sebonack Golf Club were Park’s parents: her mom, Sung Kim, and her father, Gun Gyu Park. Her parents were not at the Kraft Nabisco Championship earlier this year when she won the first of these three consecutive major titles. But while her father wasn’t able to take part in the celebratory jump in Poppie’s Pond with Park at the Kraft, she bottled up some of the water for him. During the tournament in Hawaii two weeks after her win, Park celebrated with her father by pouring some of the Poppie’s Pond water over his head.
“But I'm not sure how much she has the pressure, but I think she's managing it really well,” said I.K. Kim. “Not many people can do that. I think she's on the right track. She's happy with her life, you know, not just golf, but she has her family together and friends and all that. So I think that's what works for her.”
One person who has been with Park throughout this amazing ride has been her fiance, Gi Hyeob Nam, a former Korean PGA Tour player. The two have been dating since 2008 and he has been her swing coach since mid-2011.
The South Korean’s ability to deliver victories or runner-up finishes over the past year has been beyond impressive. In her last 24 events, Park has won eight times and finished runner-up five times. So in more than half of the events she’s played over that span, she’s finished first or second.
Park began her run at consecutive major championship titles at the Kraft Nabisco Championship in April where she won by four strokes before leaping into Poppie’s Pond at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif. She continued the streak earlier this month at the Wegmans LPGA Championship, where 36 holes of regulations – and more – were needed on Sunday. Park defeated Catriona Matthew in a three-hole, sudden-death playoff to claim her second major of the season at Locust Hill Country Club in Pittsford, NY.
“I've just done three majors in a row now,” said Park. “I think it's too early to think about the next one. I think I really want to enjoy the moment as it is in the moment. I mean, grand slam is very big. I probably wouldn't get this kind of opportunity ever again. I know this year is a good opportunity for me.”
In 32 days, Park will tee off in the first round of the RICOH Women’s British Open seeking the cement her name in golf’s history books. Only Mickey Wright (1961-62) has won four consecutive majors on the LPGA, and no players has done so in a single season. Tiger Woods is the only male to win four consecutive majors across two seasons, 2000-2001.
“But I think one of my goals for ‑‑ one of my goals for my career was the career grand slam, not the grand slam, but I think career grand slam is good enough for me,” said Park. “I mean, I haven't done that yet. It would mean so much if I could do the grand slam. But takes so much hard work, and it takes a lot to do. I'm just glad that I can give it a try at St. Andrews. That's going to be a great experience. Whether I do it or not, I'm just a very lucky person.”
Inbee Park won her third major of the 2013 season on Sunday. Only three other players in LPGA history have notched three majors in one season and only Babe Zaharias won three in a row. Here are the other players who have won three LPGA Tour majors in one season:
Three consecutive
Babe Zaharias- 1950
Titleholders Championship, March 16-19
Women’s Western Open, June 19-24
U.S. Women’s Open, September 28-30
(three majors played in 1950)
Non-consecutive
Mickey Wright- 1961
Titleholders Championship, April 27-30
U.S. Women’s Open, June 29-July 1
LPGA Championship, October 12-15
(four majors played in 1961; Western Open, June 1-4; won by Mary Lena Faulk)
Pat Bradley- 1986
Nabisco Dinah Shore, April 3-6
LPGA Championship, May 29-June 1
du Maurier Classic, July 24-27
(four majors played in 1986; U.S. Women’s Open, July 10-13; won by Jane Geddes)
Three is the magic number: A victory for Park on Sunday not only gave her the first three majors of the 2013 season but also marked her third-consecutive LPGA Tour win. She won the Wegmans LPGA Championship three weeks ago and then won the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Presented by P&G last week. The last player to win three consecutive tournaments on the LPGA Tour was Lorena Ochoa, who won four-in-a-row in 2008. LPGA and World Golf Halls of Fame member Nancy Lopez holds the LPGA record with five consecutive victories in tournaments participated in 1978. Annika Sorenstam also accomplished the feat across two season in 2004-05.
Park will go for four in a row when the Tour returns to action in two weeks in Waterloo, Canada at the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic.
A little red, white and blue: Americans are patriotic by nature at their national championship, but there is more than just a major title available for the taking this week at Sebonack Golf Club. The Solheim Cup is only a month and a half away and double points are on the line for those who can finish in the top 20.
At the end of the day on Sunday, nine of the top 10 players on the U.S. Solheim Cup team points list finished in the top-20 at the U.S. Paula Creamer and Angela Stanford shared top American honors after finishing in a tie for fourth and earned 54 points each. Creamer moves into second place on the points list and trails Stacy Lewis by 314 points. Lewis leads the pack with 810.5 points. Players have just three events left to earn points at the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic, the Marathon Classic and the RICOH Women’s British Open.
Player Name Finish Points Earned Total Points Rank
Paula Creamer T4 54 496.5 2nd
Angela Stanford T4 54 351 4th
Jessica Korda T7 45 235.5 6th
Brittany Lang T7 45 226 8th
Brittany Lincicome T9 39 269 5th
Lexi Thompson T13 27 232.5 7th
Cristie Kerr T20 6 484.5 3rd
Lizette Salas T20 6 174 9th
Morgan Pressel T20 6 164.5 10th
The top eight players will automatically qualify on points, spots nine and 10 on the 2013 U.S. Solheim Cup Team will be determined by the highest ranked players in the Rolex Rankings not otherwise qualified. Additionally, U.S. Team Captain Meg Mallon will have two picks to round out the squad.
Golden ticket winners: Jodi Ewart Shadoff, Brittany Lincicome, and Lexi Thompson punched their "Ticket to CME Group Titleholders" at the LPGA LOTTE Championship Presented by J Golf, each earning a spot in the season-ending CME Group Titleholders event, which will be held Nov. 21-24, 2012 in Naples, Fla. The third-annual CME Group Titleholders is a season finale with a field made up of three qualifiers from every LPGA Tour tournament.
Quotable: "I just hope this isn't a dream...I didn't really know what I was doing out there. If I did, I don't know if I could stand." --@InbeePark
Tweets of the Day: “Inbee Park flew under radar winning season's first 2 majors. Today more than ever she deserves your attention going for 3 straight” --@KellyTilghmanGC
“Tiger Woods is like the Inbee Park of men's golf." --@JasonSobelGC
Of Note: Casie Cathera took home low amateur honors, shooting a 2-under 70 on Sunday to finish at 9-over-par for the tournament…2012 U.S. Women’s Open champion Na Yeon Choi shot a 3-over 75 to finish in a tie for 17th at 7-over-par…Rolex Rankings No. 2 Stacy Lewis closed out her week with a 6-over 78 and finished in a tie for 42nd
For more information on this week’s U.S. Women’s Open, you can visit the USGA’s official website: http://www.usga.org/ChampEventSite.aspx?id=2147487117
INBEE PARK
CHRISTINA LANCE: I'm very pleased to welcome our 2013 U.S. Women's Open champion, Inbee Park. Inbee has become the 15th multiple Women's Open winner, having previously won in 2008 at Interlachen in Edina, Minnesota. She's also the first player of the modern era to capture three straight major titles to begin a season. Inbee, congratulations, tell us what's going through your mind right now.
INBEE PARK: I just hope this is not a dream. I don't want to wake up tomorrow and play the final round again. Yeah, it feels great. It feels great to put my name on this trophy twice. That just means so much. Yeah, in this kind of great championship, I just feel very honored to, yeah, put my name on this trophy with some people like who are up here. It's just great.
Yeah, it was a tough day out there. The golf course was playing tough out there. I tried to stay calm, and I think I did. I really stayed calm out there, and I just didn't know what I was doing out there. I mean, if I knew what I was doing, I think I wouldn't be able to stand. Yes, it was a very good day and I'm just very glad that I can put my name in history.
CHRISTINA LANCE: A good day indeed, and I promise you, it's not a dream.
Q. Can you talk about what a grand slam would mean to you and your knowledge of the history? Do you know who Pat Bradley is and Babe Zaharias and those type players? Have you studied that through the years?
INBEE PARK: Well, I've just done three majors in a row now. I think it's too early to think about the next one. I think I really want to enjoy the moment as it is in the moment.
I mean, grand slam is very big. I probably wouldn't get this kind of opportunity ever again. I know this year is a good opportunity for me.
But I think one of my goals for ‑‑ one of my goals for my career was the career grand slam, not the grand slam, but I think career grand slam is good enough for me. I mean, I haven't done that yet. It would mean so much if I could do the grand slam. But takes so much hard work, and it takes a lot to do.
Yeah, I mean, I'm just glad that I can give it a try at St. Andrews. That's going to be a great experience. Whether I do it or not, I'm just a very lucky person.
Q. I think I heard you say that if you knew what you were doing, you wouldn't be able to stand out there. Does that mean you weren't paying attention to the leaderboard? Does that mean you weren't thinking at all about winning? What's that mean exactly?
INBEE PARK: Well, today I just thought I was playing with I.K., pretty much. I know the third place was a little bit further back. So I just thought I had to play better than I.K.
I mean, she was playing great golf, especially on the front nine. She really tried to put pressure on me. She holed the putts that were very hard. And, yeah, I had a couple of bogeys on the front nine.
I mean, just if you think about I'm just trying to write history, I'm trying to break some kind of record that hasn't been broken for over 50 years. Yeah, if you think about all of those things on the golf course, you can't concentrate on golf. So, yeah, it's a good thing that I didn't think about it so much.
I looked at the leaderboard, but I pretty much was looking at what I.K. was doing pretty much. Yeah, I mean, I was lucky that I only got to see one player instead of ten players competing. I think I played very good the first three days to put myself in a position like that.
Q. In the past you've said that having your father here would have made you nervous, and sometimes he didn't come. What made you decide to have him here this week, and what did it mean to you to have your father here this week?
INBEE PARK: I think he would have been coming anyway, even if I said he wasn't coming. He was definitely coming this time, and it was planned. He came last week on the weekend, so he saw two weeks in a row that I won. I think it just means a lot that I can show this kind of golf tournament to my parents. Yeah, it just feels great to show them and share the moment like this together.
Q. You mentioned the names on the trophy, what about the name Babe Zaharias who you joined today? How much do you know about her and what she did not only in golf but in all of sports?
INBEE PARK: Yeah, I mean, I think just trying to put my name next to hers means just so much. I would think I would never get there, but it's somewhere that I've never dreamed of, but all of a sudden, I'm there. It's just such an honor to put my name in the history of women's golf.
Q. Inbee, after you got the trophy, you said it's scary to think about what else I can do. Is that your way of saying the best for you, you think is yet to come?
INBEE PARK: I mean, I just said that because I don't know what I can do from now on. I don't know what I'm capable of doing from now on. I didn't expect myself being in this kind of position, breaking some kind of record that hasn't been broken for 50 years. I never dreamed of myself doing that. I mean, not this far, not to this extent. But, yeah, I've done it. I don't know what else I can do.
Q. You said you were nervous last night, but you were not nervous. You were calm on the golf course today. Did you talk to your mental coach last night or this morning? What was the key for you being really calm today?
INBEE PARK: I think it's because I feel the happiest when I'm at the golf course. And I feel calm when I'm on the golf course. I think I'm just a much better person when I'm on the golf course.
Yeah, outside the golf course, I feel the pressure and I feel what everybody else is feeling. But on the golf course, it's just the golf ball and clubs. And when I have that, it just puts a lot of pressure off of me. It just makes me very calm looking at it, yeah.
Q. Just to follow up on the previous question. You just seem so unflappable out there. Your mental approach to the game, what is your secret to your mental approach?
INBEE PARK: I think it's just I'm getting a lot more mature person. I'm getting a lot of experience. Talking to my mental coach definitely helps. I talk to her every week. Yeah, I mean, she's been helping me a lot too. I'm just getting a lot more experience.
I mean, if you've seen this kind of ‑‑ been in this kind of situation before and you're there the second time, it just helps you. I mean, you've been there and you know, you've done that, so I think it's just that kind of thing.
I think because like Yani, Annika, Lorena, what they were doing because they were experienced and they've been in that position so many times that they don't feel that much pressure when they're there, not as much as what other players would feel. I think I'm taking like one step towards them.
I know I have a long ways to go to go somewhere like what Yani or what Annika and what Lorena have achieved. I still have a long ways to go. Yeah, I still have a lot of things to learn. Yeah, I'm still in the learning process.
Q. Can you share anything that your mental coach coaches you on?
INBEE PARK: Yeah, just every week she gives me one thing to concentrate for, and we talk about what we should be working on this week and what I should be thinking about on the golf course.
Q. Can you talk a little bit about what your win means for the popularity of women's golf and perhaps other young girls who are watching you back in Korea and who are looking up to you and possibly wanting to be in your shoes one day?
INBEE PARK: Yeah, I mean, it's just great to give somebody an inspiration. As a person, to inspire some young girls and give them something to look at and give them something to play for, I think is such a great position to be in. I'm glad that I can follow all of the great Korean players' footsteps.
Q. When you won in 2008, you were obviously 19. Do you have a greater appreciation of what it takes to win this championship now?
INBEE PARK: I think so, yeah. This is probably my ninth time playing in the Women's Open. Yeah, I mean, I didn't know what was going on at that time. I played very good golf then, but I didn't know what I was playing for, and that was just my first win. It was a great championship then, but now I think I'm ‑‑ I think I really appreciate more and I really know what this means. Yeah, I think it just means a lot more now to me.
Q. Are you going to play in the two events before the British Open or what is your schedule going to be like until then?
INBEE PARK: I play two before British Open, take a week off, and then I go to British, yes.
Q. Will you have a chance to go home at all to Korea?
INBEE PARK: I go home before the British Open, yes.
Q. What do you think that's going to be like to be home having won three majors, just the welcome you'll receive?
INBEE PARK: Yeah, it will be big back in Korea. Yeah, I mean, it might mean that I might get not much time to myself. But I don't go back to Korea that often, so when I'm there, I want to enjoy my time with all of the people in Korea and all of the fans that were rooting for me all year. It's always very early in the morning in Korea to watch golf, and they always wake up very early in the morning and root for me. So I should be very thankful for that.
Q. Some of the opponents are now saying they really don't know how they're going to beat you. How much of an advantage is that?
INBEE PARK: They can beat me, I think. There are so many players who are playing such good golf out here on the LPGA Tour. Yeah, I have been through situations where I thought I wouldn't beat this person, but just keep working hard and keep looking at your chances and I think you'll get there.
Q. Historically speaking, winning the grand slam means you win four major championships. In your mind when you're going to St. Andrews, if you were to win there, would that be the grand slam or do you think you need to win all five to achieve that?
INBEE PARK: Well, I think I won Evian last year. It wasn't a major, but I won Evian. So I think the British Open is one I have to win. So it would be great if I could win five, but I still think four means a grand slam. I think four out of five is very big (laughing).
CHRISTINA LANCE: Congratulations, Inbee, 2013 U.S. Women's Open champion. Enjoy.
INBEE PARK: Thank you.
Q. Here with the champion, your second win in the U.S. Women's Open. You looked so calm all . How calm were you from start to finish?
INBEE PARK: Fortunately going into Sunday, but you never know what's going to happen out there. I was really nervous. Last night I got home and (inaudible) and as soon as I was on the golf course, it somehow made me feel really calm and somehow...
Q. Tell us about your day, first of all?
I.K. KIM: It was great. Well, just everything was fine. I mean, I started off well. I had a really good up‑and‑down on 1 and made par on 2, and I had a good opportunity. It just was hard to make mistakes.
Yeah, she said she was really comfortable, and I think I made her really comfortable. I shouldn't have done anything like that, but I'm really pleased with how I played on the back nine.
Q. Is there a lot of pressure on your game to play perfect, because she's playing so well, to have any chance to catch her?
I.K. KIM: You know, it's difficult because you know what you have to do, because I want to play my game, but you can't really avoid how many shots I'm behind and things like that. So it's difficult. But I just played with everything I've got, and that's all I can really do.
Q. (No Microphone)?
I.K. KIM: Yeah, I think I had a really good chance out there. I had some really good up‑and‑downs on, I don't know, the one that I chipped out and things like that. But if I putted a little better this week, I think I could have pushed her a little bit more. But I'm, as I said, I'm just happy with how I ‑‑ actually, I putted better on the back nine, which I think is positive for me.
Q. Can you talk about how tough it is to win a major? (No Microphone) can you talk about what Inbee's done, winning three straight on three totally different types of courses?
I.K. KIM: I think it's very impressive. Even at the ceremony she said she doesn't want to think about the British Open and things like that. But I'm not sure how much she has the pressure, but I think she's managing it really well. Not many people can do that, you know?
But, yeah, I think she's on the right track. She's happy with her life, you know, not just golf, but she has her family together and friends and all that. So I think that's what works for her.
Q. When you say you made her comfortable, do you play with her all the time in practice rounds or something? Is that why she got comfortable?
I.K. KIM: No, I think from that I think I could push her a little bit more. I just felt like I had some momentum. All the fans were great. They were just rooting for me because, you know, they do that. But I just wanted ‑‑ as even other people said, I wanted to go out and make some drama, and I thought I had a good opportunity. Four shots, you don't really know in a major any other tournament, but how she's playing and putting, it's just difficult.
I think that's what I couldn't really get over on the front nine that I had to do something. If I just played my game, it would have been fine.
Q. (No Microphone)?
I.K. KIM: I'm not sure. I kind of like playing in the final group. I think it's going to be a good experience. It's my first time actually finishing in the second, and I didn't know I would get this thing. I think it's a nice souvenir. So I'm very happy, you know? Just little disappointed because, I mean, it's the U.S. Open. But I'm really happy with everything. So I just want to thank everybody.
Like she was thanking her parents and everything, and I was like, me too, you know? So, yeah, because I'm not here by myself. There are a lot of my friends and fans and even my coach and everybody, they were just rooting for me and wished me all the best, and I'm just grateful for everything.
Q. (No Microphone)?
I.K. KIM: Yeah, to be honest, yeah, it's time to win it, but I think things have to come naturally, and it's great to play with Inbee, and she's doing so well. Seeing her doing it, it just makes me want it more.
Q. (No Microphone)?
I.K. KIM: I think it's ‑‑ we don't really think about it. We don't really talk about it. It just happens, and, it's just all the hard work. And you know, we don't go back to Korea very often, and we move here. It's different kind of thing. You know, you travel, and you don't get to see your family all the time. I think it just gives us a little bit of an edge, you know, from my perspective.
Q. (No Microphone)?
I.K. KIM: I'm very pleased with everything that I'm doing. I played really well last week, and this week I feel like I had a chance to win this tournament. And I just need to keep doing what I'm doing. You know, just gradually better a little at a time. It's going ‑‑ I'm going to have a good career if I do that, but it's difficult, you know?
Q. Did you talk to anybody back in Korea? Like how big is it doing what she's doing? I mean she's all over the newspaper. But something like this, do you hear anything back there? Is it really big? If she goes back, will she get a good reception?
I.K. KIM: I think this is really huge this week, because I mean, Se Ri Pak did such big things. I mean, there are a lot of Korean players, but winning doesn't really give us a lot of credit, but I just think that what Inbee has done, I think that will really show a lot of Korean fans in Korea. Because they can't really come and cheer for us all the time, but they wake up, and even my dad wakes up at 2 a.m. and watches it. So there are a lot of fans out there that are rooting for all of us.
Q. How difficult was it out there today and the week overall?
SO YEON RYU: Well, today's pin location was so tough. Even, you know, this green is really, really big and levels so different. So actually I was struggle with my distance control and the green. But my par putt was pretty well. So I think today my putt really great, just the middle putt and short putt, just not with long putt.
The thing is this week my shot was really great, so that's why I finish really well. So also I really proud of myself, but I think Inbee is just playing another golf course. I'm pretty sure she's playing the 16th hole or she's playing another hole or whatever. So I mean, I finish 3rd, it's a really great score and great result, so I'm happy.
Q. Can you tell us the importance or how proud you are that Koreans finished 1, 2, 3 in the U.S. Open?
SO YEON RYU: Oh, yeah. Also when Inbee won the tournament, I was playoff with one of the Korean players. Also this week we finish first, second, and third as Korean.
So first of all, I have to really thank Se‑Ri because Se‑Ri opened up the road for us. That's why Inbee could play really well.
Also, Se‑Ri is a really great role model to Inbee in every LPGA tournament. I think this is quite the effect of Se‑Ri Park. So I really want to say thank you to Se‑Ri.
Q. You've won a major before, a USA event. Inbee has now won three majors in a row on three different courses. Can you talk about how difficult that is?
SO YEON RYU: I heard of it. She is the first time won three in a row at a major tournament since 1950, a long, long time ago. I'm pretty sure at that moment was a lot of great player was in the field, but I think pretty much this season has been more ‑‑ a lot of players in this field has been more strong, but she won the major tournament three in a row.
I think that thing with Inbee, she just ready. You know, after she won the U.S. Open in 2008, she was a bit struggle with her game. But she never stop it, she never gave up. So it is right deserve to her.
Q. Is it her game, is it her demeanor that just makes her so dominant?
SO YEON RYU: The first were her game, I mean the golf skill these days are perfect.
Well, honestly last year her shot was not really best shot of the Tour, I think. This year she is bit stronger than last year. Also her putting was always perfect. That is why she could play real well. Also she traveling with her fiancé. So now she really enjoy her LPGA traveling, and she really enjoy just playing golf. So I think everything is just happening. It's just perfect.
Q. It was obviously very important for you to be down there to celebrate with her. Why has that become a tradition with the Koreans? Where did that start?
SO YEON RYU: Well, you know, it's really to hard, on the Tour, the oversees, we are Korean, we live in the state, we speak the different language, different culture. It's really tough. We really help each other. If we know about the really great restaurant, we always going together and have some great time.
Also, we teach some golf skill to every player. So it's ‑‑ I think we have to do. Also, Inbee, you know, last year I was rookie and Inbee gave me a lot of great advice. Also she helped me like to rent the house, and how can transfer the airport like that. So also I have to thank a lot to Inbee, so I really want to celebrate Inbee's win.
Q. Can you tell us also, you know, if she goes to visit Korea now, what would the treatment be like there after winning three majors in a row?
SO YEON RYU: I think now she is already here, but I think it's a bit different than Se‑Ri. When Se‑Ri won the tournament, Korea was during the IMF season. It was really tough days. But also these days the economy is not really well. But Inbee playing so well.
Also Inbee have a really a lot of sponsors. So sponsors really happy with it. Then I think still golf is a bit like wealthy sport in Korea, so I really wanted to ‑‑ want to break that kind of, how can I say, feeling. So just I want to be Se‑Ri ‑‑ I mean, Inbee can be like a hero, like a (indiscernible) Kim.
Q. How difficult was it out there this week, the conditions and the course?
JODI EWART SHADOFF: It was really difficult. The wind was a huge factor. And the greens with the wind is just, you know, you've really got to be on point with your ball striking. So probably one of the most difficult golf courses I've played out on Tour.
Q. You played with Inbee yesterday and she's four ahead right now. Can you talk about her game and make playing with her that would have led you to believe she was going to go 8‑under here this week?
JODI EWART SHADOFF: I mean, everybody talks about her putting, but it is ‑‑ I definitely compare myself ball striking, off the tee, tee to green, you know, I'm up there with the best in the world. But her putting, she has just got one up on everybody else. It's definitely made the difference here and every other tournament.
Q. Talk about your play today. You know, was it more difficult today than yesterday or was it gettable?
JODI EWART SHADOFF: I think the wind was in the slight different direction today. It was playing slightly different the past three days. Obviously there's a couple of Sundays pins out there that were rather difficult too. But overall I think it was gettable, and I just got off to a slow start. I shot myself in the foot right from the get‑go.
This golf course will beat you to your knees if you don't, you know, get going quick and I definitely didn't get going quick today.
Q. Would you rank this course as one of the tougher ones you've played?
JODI EWART SHADOFF: Yeah, definitely on Tour, throughout the season I think it's one of the most difficult, as so it should be being the U.S. Open.
Q. That was a hard 14.
PAULA CREAMER: I was very excited about 14 today. That was my moment out on the golf course was two‑putting that hole today.
Q. In general, how about your day?
PAULA CREAMER: I started off really strong. I only had one bad swing, really, almost the whole day and it happened on 8 with that 5‑wood over those trees. It was a downhill lie, and I had to hit a good shot. But if I would go back, sure, would I aim a little farther left? Of course.
But I played great. My caddie, Colin, did such a great job with all the numbers and everything. I mean, we just stayed so focused out there. It was out there. You definitely could have moved up the board. That kind of took some wind out of my sails, but still finished strong.
Q. I was talking before to some of the Americans about how in some ways with Inbee being so good, the American public, we expect to win. This is America. It's almost like it's unfair not only to the American players, but to the Asian players that they don't realize what a global sport it is. Do you have some thoughts about that?
PAULA CREAMER: We are a global sport. I mean, golf is obviously played all around the world. But when you have your National Championship, of course, everybody in America is rooting for an American. And that's when we go over to the British Open, it's the opposite for that one and that kind of thing. We're used to that.
You know, you still can't take away what Inbee's doing. She's just playing so good. It's elevating the game right now. You know, you just have to keep on going with her and we'll see what happens.
Q. Probably kind of had a taste of this, but is it an important thing for the publicity and the vision of the Tour to have an American champion?
PAULA CREAMER: Oh, a hundred percent, sure. An American champion, obviously being here in the states, is something that we all look at with the U.S. Open. But golf is played all over the world, and there are so many great golfers from other countries, and we're lucky enough that this is our home base to be able to play out of. You know, the American girls, I mean, I played with Angela today in the last couple groups. It was her and I as the Americans there.
But it's coming. I think that it's just really about junior golf and giving little kids the opportunity to play the game, and they do that in every other country, and I think we need to kind of get a little bit better at that for the future of women's golf and men's golf.
Q. Almost all of the non‑Americans live here?
PAULA CREAMER: Uh‑huh, yes.
Q. It's tough.
PAULA CREAMER: Exactly.
Q. Talking about Inbee a little bit. I mean, Annika came close. She won the first two. Yani was pretty dominant, but she couldn't do it. What Inbee's doing and in such a dominant fashion, she's about to win by four, to come into third with all that pressure. Can you put that into context? You've been up there and you know the pressure?
PAULA CREAMER: Yeah, it's impressive. I wish I could sit there and ask her that question and listen to what she was really thinking and what she would really say. It's amazing when anybody dominates any sport. Right now that's what she's doing.
To do it three majors in a row, that's pretty awesome. That's something that you're on a very short list there in men and women's golf. And I think that is definitely something that ‑‑ do I wish it was me? Sure, hundred percent. Does it make me work harder? Even more.
But to be able to have played junior golf with her and grown up with her in a sense, it's nice to see someone that you know, and she works really hard and it's paying off.
Q. Like you said, you have played with her a lot. Is there something in her game, in her demeanor, that would have led you to believe?
Everybody sees her demeanor out there. She's the most ‑‑ you don't even know if she has a pulse out there half the time. Doesn't matter if it's a good shot or a bad shot, I think I've seen her actually smile maybe ten times. But that's just who she is and that's how she plays. You can't take that away from her.
You watch me, and I wear my heart on my sleeve. Everybody's different. Does that mean I have to do what she does? No, not necessarily. But I think that her demeanor is obviously something that's very important to her. She's one of the best putters I've ever seen. And she just literally makes everything. When you go against somebody like that, it's tough to beat.
Q. All things considered, an okay tournament for you? How did you feel?
JESSICA KORDA: Yeah, it's a top 10, so I'm not going to complain about that. Definitely a little bit disappointed with the bogey on the last hole, but it happens for a reason, so it will keep me motivated for next time.
Q. How did you compare this course in difficulty to most of the other courses on Tour and most of the other major venues?
JESSICA KORDA: Well, this is my sixth U.S. Open, so I would say that this one had, by far, the hardest greens and it was the windiest out of all of them, playing Oakmont and stuff like that, but I only got to play 36. That was the only cut I missed.
I would say by far I had so many in‑between clubs these last two days, and you're just standing there and you're like you don't know what this ball's going to do. Is it going to sit? Is it going to go? Is the wind going to take it? It's pretty mentally draining out there?
Q. So you see Inbee shooting 9‑ or 10‑under. Did you even see that out there?
JESSICA KORDA: No, I thought 6 would win it, definitely. Out here, if you hit it on the right spots and you can roll some putts in, I mean, I've played so much golf this year with Inbee. She hit it's in the right spots and she rolls those putts so well. Then her short game is unbelievable.
Q. You are a very international person, a global person, and you understand how global this game is. What do you think about the importance of a U.S. Women's champion to getting more of a spotlight on the LPGA?
JESSICA KORDA: I think the LPGA now considers themselves a global Tour. We have a bunch of events out in Asia and a couple in Europe, a lot of our players are from around the world. It's not just U.S. players anymore. So in terms of growing the game of golf worldwide, I think that everybody's doing a great job just promoting golf and playing great golf, you see Inbee ‑‑ you know, all I can say is you can see Inbee.
But I think, definitely, if an American were to win a major, it would spark probably magazine in the younger juniors. Regardless, I hope this still sparks something in junior golfers. We're all trying to do our best out there, and having fun with the game of golf. It's a game at the end of the day, and you want to be able to go out and kind of call this your job and let it be a game.
Q. You were sitting third quite a bit today. Were you aware of that?
JESSICA KORDA: No.
Q. Not looking at the board at all?
JESSICA KORDA: I still have no idea where I'm at. It's tough to kind of look to the side when it's blowing quite hard and you're trying to concentrate on where the wind is coming from and what yardage you want to grab. It's not easy out there today or yesterday.
Q. I know this is an individual sport, but are you a pretty proud big sister with what your little sister was able to do making the cut and everything?
JESSICA KORDA: Yeah, I'm just so proud she made the cut. I think that was one of her goals coming in. She had a great group. She had so much fun out here. Every day she brought some story back, and she was like this is so cool. And today she made an eagle on the 4th hole, and I came up to the 4th hole thinking oh, yeah, it's going to be a nice 3‑wood into there, and I hit driver and didn't even come close to the green. So I was like, okay, she hit that pretty good.
But I'm just glad that she had a great time out here, and hopefully it's the first of many for her.
Q. You have a stretch now with another major and then Solheim coming up. Can you maybe talk about the next five to six weeks and how big that still is for you?
JESSICA KORDA: I think rest is going to play a huge impact in that. Rest, practice, eat, sleep, enjoy it.
Q. How difficult was it out there today and this week, the course?
ANGELA STANFORD: I thought it was really tough. I think they were really generous to us the first couple of days, and then I think they showed a little bit what this course can do on the weekend. But they could have been a lot meaner, so it was good.
Q. How impressive is it that Inbee is currently at 8‑under? Would you have thought anyone would have reached that?
ANGELA STANFORD: I didn't see that ‑‑ thinking what they have done to the golf course, I didn't think they were going to let anybody get that low, so it's pretty good.
Q. You have won tournaments before. Obviously sometimes certain players are meant for certain courses. Can you put into context Inbee winning the first three grand slams three different courses?
ANGELA STANFORD: You know, it's something I thought Annika would do. That's really the only player that I've played with out here that I thought would do it. So I mean, I don't know how she's doing it, but obviously I know she's a great putter and emotionally she really keeps it under control out there. I'm not sure if she hits it sideways. I'm pretty sure she hits it pretty straight.
I didn't think ‑‑ after Annika retired I didn't think anybody would ever do it, so it's pretty impressive.
Q. Do you feel like no matter how hard you tried you weren't going to go anywhere?
ANGELA STANFORD: Today?
Q. Yeah.
ANGELA STANFORD: Well, I dug a hole early and that kind of made me mad. I just won't give up, so I was trying to get it to at least level for the tournament, trying to get back to even for the day. At the same time, you know, try to hit quality shots and not just keep going backwards, you know.
Q. You said yesterday when you tried to be aggressive you paid for it. Did that play a little bit to what you were trying to do today?
ANGELA STANFORD: Not early on. I actually tried to be conservative, and it got me in trouble. This course can do it to you. Just when you think you are doing the right thing, you just never know here.
Q. You have played U.S. Opens before, how would you compare this course to other ones? Obviously USGA likes to set up courses tough. Where does this fall in difficulty?
ANGELA STANFORD: This is one of my favorites. Difficulty, it could have been a lot harder, but it was still pretty tough. This is by far one of my favorites. They got an A with the golf course. And I'm not going to comment on everything else, but the golf course was magnificent. Couldn't ask for a better venue for the USGA.
Q. Given how good Park has been, and obviously it's getting attention for the game, but there's always talk about if we had an American superstar out there. Some of your thoughts on that?
ANGELA STANFORD: Well, you know, our Tour is such ‑‑ it's just a global Tour. I've just heard it so much and it just makes me so mad because it's not like the Americans aren't trying. I mean, we're working our tails off. And you know, to say that ‑‑ I mean, at some point it makes me mad for the Asians, because it's like so what are you saying they don't belong here, they don't belong on our ‑‑ so, you know, players don't see it that way. The media does and it makes it tough for players and really tough on the Americans because we go home thinking, well, gosh, they are just pounding us but we're doing our best.
Q. Almost like we're kind of a country which we think about we're winners, and everything else gets dismissed. There's almost like there's not an awareness of how global the sport is and has been for a while?
ANGELA STANFORD: Well, and I think once you see it more on the PGA Tour more people will be more accepting of it. Because the PGA Tour hasn't seen it the our extent yet. Once they do everybody will see it, I think.
Q. Ultimately do you kind of feel like you are game your and your fellow American's games are under‑appreciated? You go out there and play a good round, but you didn't win?
ANGELA STANFORD: Yeah, I it seems like it. I don't know how many Americans we had in the top 20 this week. But I know people say you are not winning, but top 20, I mean, we counted last night there were eight in the top 15 maybe.
So, I mean, I can't wait for August and the Solheim Cup, because we're going to have a strong team. That will give people a chance to say, man, the Americans aren't too bad. Just don't see it as much as we see it.
Q. Inbee aside, that wasn't really a bad score today.
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Yeah, it was a little depressing. I drove two of the par‑5s today, and three‑putted both of them. So, that obviously hurts a little bit being a long hitter. I obviously need to take advantage of the par‑5s and I didn't.
The only silly mistake, I think, was going for number 4, which I knew better. I've been driving the ball so well. I think I missed one fairway every day, but hitting 13 fairways is pretty darn good at the U.S. Open.
I felt really good about it and just tried to step up my confidence and made a horrible golf swing and a silly bogey. So that would probably be the only mistake I made out there other than obviously three‑putting, but, oh, well.
Q. Brittany Lang was just talking about the importance of this stretch over the next month and a half. You have another major and then Solheim coming up. Can you talk about what your goals are in the next five weeks or so?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Yeah, next week I'm actually going to go fishing, maybe take a day or two off. I have a buddy that I told to take the week off so we could fish together and practice together. It's nice to have somebody at home to practice with a, so that would be nice. Obviously, we still have a long way to go for the season, and this is nothing but a confidence booster. I felt like I hit the ball so well, and obviously, these greens are super tricky. Even when you felt like you hit a great shot, you didn't get rewarded sometimes, so you have to look past that, but I feel like I did a lot of great things this week.
Finishing where I did this week, I don't have to qualify next year, which is nice, so I've got one less thing to worry about next year. But we have the British coming up, a lot of good events coming up. I actually wish I could play next week. I feel like I'm playing so well this week, that I kind of just want to keep going.
Q. About the British, I know it's a few weeks off, but what are your thoughts about going back to St. Andrews?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Super excited. That's where golf, you know, started. And my dad has already said he wants to come with me that week, so we're going to go. There is just so much history at that golf tournament. The British Open ‑‑ thank goodness I'm not on the European Tour, because if I had to play golf like that every week, I'd pull my hair out, I think because it's super challenging. It kind of felt like here, when the fog rolled in and it's super windy and had you to hit different, low shots. It kind of gave the British Open feeling, actually. So maybe this is a good test to get ready for it.
But just being at St. Andrews, there is nothing like it. It's such a wonderful venue, and I can't wait to get there.
Q. You live in a country that people expect we win everything, and yet you go out and you played really good golf today ask you're happy with the way you played. But somebody would say to you, you didn't win; what is wrong with the Americans?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Yeah, we get that question all the time. Being an American, I want to do really well to represent us. I felt like I had some really good chances out there and didn't capitalize on them. Like I said, I hit almost every fairway every day and just couldn't get that second shot close enough. I felt like I was putting really well too. But just hasn't been consistent for me this year. So I'm trying to just build on that and hopefully keep it going and get more consistent.
Q. Do you think like the regular person out there that doesn't pay a lot of attention and doesn't realize how global your sport is, it's not just us guys?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Absolutely. They don't realize how much our traveling ‑‑ they think, oh, you're here in New York. You're on vacation. You get to go see the sights. You get to go to the British. I see my hotel room and I see the golf course, that's it. Outside of that, I literally have not left my house one time this week to go to dinner. I've either ordered takeout or I've made dinner. It's just been a very low‑key, kind of relaxed setting this week, which is actually kind of nice for me.
They don't realize that half of our tournaments are out of the country. It's obviously, taxing on your body, and the jet lag sets in, and then tough play golf.
Q. You talk about that, Inbee Park is from Korea. She goes back and forth. She's in a country where she doesn't really know the language when she first got here. Can you talk about what she's doing being in a foreign country? It's tough enough when you live here.
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Yeah, absolutely. I could not imagine playing on the Korean Tour and having to learn Korean and adapt to their cultures. Inbee and I have played junior golf together, so I've known her for a very long time. Even back then she was a phenomenal player. So it's great to see her stepping up and doing so well. Obviously, going to win three in a row, and being a major, I didn't see 10‑under out there.
Everybody asked me at the beginning of the week, what do you think the score is going to be? And normally the USGA likes to keep it around even par, so I said even par. When I first played it I thought, oh, my goodness, if I shot a couple over every day, I'd be really satisfied with my game.
But she's a phenomenal athlete. She's making the shots she needs to hit. Not super long, but dread straight every single time and making 30 footers like we saw on 14 yesterday down the hill, that was incredible.
Q. You said you played junior golf with her. Did you ever see this out of her? Obviously, growing up, there are a lot of great golfers in your era. If she wins three in a row here, she'll be compared to Babe Zaharias?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Yeah, that's incredible. Back then I remember her being a phenomenal junior player. She was always on the top of the leaderboard and one of those players you're always gunning for. Paula creamer and I played together, so her and Paula were always up there and I was kind of chasing both of them. But it's great to see that she can put her emotions in check, and she's out here every week doing what she does best.
Q. Karrie was joking that the difference between Inbee and everybody else is everybody else has a pulse, and Inbee ‑‑ can you talk about that calmness she has about her how that seems to carry her through?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Yeah, I remember watching Annika when I was younger playing, and she'd make a birdie, and she'd be like, okay, great, no big deal. Her emotion never changed. She never got high and she never got low, which you need to play good golf. I'm the exact opposite. I make a birdie and I'm grinning ear to ear, super excited.
Maybe I should learn that from her. She's very low‑key, and goes with the flow. That's what you need out here. She doesn't get rattled too easily. She's not making doubles or triples out there so that helps. But she's a very go‑with‑the‑flow kind of a gal, and that definitely helps in this game.
Q. Can you put in perspective what it's going to mean to the LPGA if she wins here, which it looks like? She's going to be going for the grand slam at the British Open and what that means in terms of how people will be paying a lot of attention I think to the British?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Yeah, that's going to be incredible. I don't know how she played this week. I win a tournament and the next week I'm so frazzled doing so many media interviews. My phone is vibrating in my pocket right now just people congratulating me after this week. She handles that very, very well.
She puts it behind her and goes into the week and says I'm on a mission, this is what I'm going to do. It's great to see when we have an Annika Sorenstam or Lorena Ochoa that dominated the Tour. Obviously, I wish it was an American player, but it's nice to see somebody has stepped up to plate and is doing that.
When somebody sets their mind to something, it's incredible to see the hard work she's putting in is paying off. It's great.
Q. Overall, how did you feel?
BRITTANY LANG: I played really well today. I didn't make many putts. I hit it great. Again, I had a lot of chances and I really didn't make the putts like I made Friday and Saturday. But I don't think the course was playing that difficult today.
Q. Sort of fun to play with your fellow Brittany. You guys have known each other for such a long time just to have a final round together?
BRITTANY LANG: I was really pleased. I played with her Saturday and Sunday. I love Brittany to death. She's a really good friend of mine. She'll be in my wedding in January.
And she is always a blast because she has such a good attitude and spirit, so it kind of makes you have the same. I'm always so happy to play with her.
Q. You guys have a month and a half before Solheim. Can you talk about the stretch leading up, there are a couple more events and another major before Solheim Cup?
BRITTANY LANG: Yeah, for me especially, you know, I haven't played great this year. I haven't gotten many points. I've been working really hard. And yeah, I've kind of put a lot of pressure on myself for these events to ‑‑ you know, you get double points for the Solheim and the major. I've been working extremely hard to get back there because I very much want to be on that team.
Like you said, this is a huge stretch starting in Arkansas with the British and the Open, so you need to be focus and ready for the challenges.
Q. I know it's a little ways off, but your thoughts on playing in St. Andrews again for the British and how special is just that whole environment?
BRITTANY LANG: Yeah, I love going to play the British. It's a very, very different style of golf. You really have to learn how to play it. We don't learn that over here in the U.S. It's so firm and so many different shots. I always look forward to it. It's fun. Kind of a crazy week. You get weird bounces. But I always look forward to playing in it.
Q. Obviously it's an individual sport, but the spotlight on the U.S. women, you think about the Americans. How are the Americans doing?
BRITTANY LANG: I think they are doing good. I saw a lot of American flags up there on the leaderboards these last couple of days, which is good. I don't know if one of them is good to win, but there is a lot up there, which is a start, which is good. I know the girls are working hard and they want to represent the United States well, but obviously they need to work a little bit harder.
Q. We need to adopt Inbee?
BRITTANY LANG: That's exactly right. Go over to Korea and practice with her.
Q. Can you put into context what Inbee is doing? I mean, 10‑under, would you even have thought at the beginning of the week that could be achieved?
BRITTANY LANG: If there was no wind, yes, absolutely. But with the two days of strong wind, no way. I would have never guessed that.
Like I said, today I didn't think it played that tough. Thursday didn't play that tough. Friday and Saturday played tough, so being 10‑under is quite an achievement.
Q. People talked about the last time a player has won three major in a row. Can you believe someone could potentially do it today?
BRITTANY LANG: That is unbelievable, yeah, but you know, she's played so good for so many years, so consistently that, I mean, yes, it is hard to believe because you have got to peak at all those times. But she wins all the time anyway, so obviously she knows how to control that.
I guess it's not that shocking being Inbee just because what she's done these last three years.
Q. Players like Annika I would have thought the same thing. Yani, I would have thought the same thing. It's so hard like you said. Annika did the first two and then couldn't really do it at the Women's Open. They're different types of courses, the major venues. Is there something about Inbee's game that you could kind of relate to her, how she is doing this?
BRITTANY LANG: Well, I mean, she plays good everywhere. Like I said, yesterday she hits it straight and long. She is one of the best putters I've ever seen hands down. That is where it's at. If you are hitting the ball straight and making putts, she doesn't miss. She is just an unbelievable putter and green reader too, obviously. But it doesn't surprise me that she is doing this, no.
Q. I know this is way in the future. Next year this event is going to back to back with the men's Open at Pinehurst No. 2. What are you thoughts on what that's going to be like to both be at Pinehurst and then go back to back with the men?
BRITTANY LANG: I don't know how that course is going to wear. That is going to be very tricky. I will definitely be on the couch watching the whole week to learn, kind of like my practice round. But I think the course will take a little bit of beating in the heat there with all that play, so I'm anxious to see what they do and how much they are watering.
KARRIE WEBB: I mean, one of the greatest athletes, female athletes of all time, and Inbee's in the same bracket as that.
Q. You were in that position of being the top player of the year. You know how tough is it to win one, but I mean, three in a year, I guess, what is the sense there?
KARRIE WEBB: I think I have a heartbeat. I don't know. I don't know if Inbee has one.
Q. What about the fact that she's at 10‑under on this course?
KARRIE WEBB: Yeah, well, I didn't see that. You can obviously feel for someone like I.K. Kim who would be winning any other U.S. Open on this golf course if it weren't for Inbee. So, you know, she's played great too. Sometimes it's just not good enough when someone is as hot as Inbee is.
Q. First of all, tell us about you day.
NA YEON CHOI: I didn't have any birdie today, you know, it was tough. I mean, yesterday was tough, too, but I got four birdies out there yesterday.
But I think I putt 19 on back nine for my putt. I men, my birdie never did go in. So I mean, I did my best until the last hole and just my putt didn't work well, so now I know what I have to do for practice. So just prepare for the next tournament.
Q. Talk about being the ‑‑ enjoying a year as the U.S. Women's Open champion. Did you have fun?
NA YEON CHOI: Last four days, four rounds, every first hole I heard the announcement I won, you know, 2012 U.S. Women's Open champion. I feel great.
I mean, like if I compare this year and last year, I mean, the result is a big different still I'm very proud of myself playing in this tournament.
The course was very tough, but I love to play this golf course. I think all the players learn a lot, and I think this is good golf.
Q. Talk about shooting 70 on this course.
CASIE CATHREA: I started out pretty good. I lit up the front nine with about five birdies. And then I bogeyed 9 and kind of just tried to stay in my own little zone the last nine holes, just trying to finish out. Par was pretty much my friend.
Q. Were you thinking of a pretty low number when you were 5‑under through 8 today?
CASIE CATHREA: I was just trying to stay in my own bubble, not get ahead of myself. I know I had the tendency to do that earlier this week. I tried to just stay in my own little mindset.
Q. Aside from the weather, do you have much playing experience up here in the northeast?
CASIE CATHREA: No. The Women's Porter Cup is the first time that I had ever been up here.
Q. How much did that decision play into qualifying for the U.S. Open?
CASIE CATHREA: I would have played in it no matter what. My coach, Coach Bratton, actually told me about it. I questioned him. I was like, isn't that a boy's tournament?
He was like, no, they have it for girls.
I was like, okay, I trust you. I got it.
Q. What was the biggest adjustment you had to make?
CASIE CATHREA: Just not firing at the pins. I tried to do that yesterday and I shot a lovely 7‑over. So I figured today just to go out and play the sections of the green and act like the pin wasn't there.
I practiced in the fog this morning, and it was basically like there was no pins on the range for me.
Q. Are you disappointed?
CASIE CATHREA: I'm a little disappointed. I'm also at the U.S. Open and I made the cut. So that was my only goal and to be low amateur, and I think I accomplished that.
Q. (Inaudible)?
CASIE CATHREA: I just tried to play my own game basically. My goal going to this tournament was try to below amateur. My goal going into the qualifier was to try to be low qualifier, so I accomplished both of those goals.
Q. That's not bad for this is your first Women's Open experience. I know you played in an LPGA event when you were 13. Describe the differences in those.
CASIE CATHREA: The nerves definitely. There's a lot more nerves. I started out yesterday and my legs were shaking. I was like, dude, relax. You are fine. Basically it was just the nerves. I definitely learned what I can and can't do on golf courses this week.
Q. Is this the second time you have played with the LPGA players?
CASIE CATHREA: Fourth.
Q. You played the CVS?
CASIE CATHREA: I played the Bell Micro, and then I attempted to qualify for what used to be Bell Micro, which is the Avnet now. I think it's one before Lexi won.
Q. Did you play in the Canadian Open or Canadian Am?
CASIE CATHREA: Am.
Q. What is on the rest of your schedule this summer?
CASIE CATHREA: I have the Junior Girls. I'm thinking about doing the Trans, which is about two hours from my house. We will see how that goes. I think my dad said I got on the Junior Solheim Cup team. That is on the list right before school starts.
Q. That's not a bad accomplishment for the summer, huh?
CASIE CATHREA: No, not at all.
Q. (Inaudible)?
CASIE CATHREA: We are all very proud of him. We all know that he wanted to go back and coach the boys. None of us took it personally. He told me earlier this week that he'll still be there and he'll still be there if I need help or anything that I need. It's not that he's leaving in general, he's just not my coach anymore. So I will help Coach Jones out as much as I possibly can.
Q. What is your most memorable moment of this week?
CASIE CATHREA: I can't pick one. I got to play with a former OSU player Caroline in my practice round. I got to play with Laura Diaz and Brittany Lang as well. So that was pretty fun.
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