LOTTE CHAMPIONSHIP

April 15, 2021

Yuka Saso

Kapolei Golf Club

Quick Quotes

Q. All right, here with now the clubhouse leader after day two, Yuka Saso. Yuka, you got off to a hot start. Take us through your front nine.

YUKA SASO: I mean, I think I hit a good tee shots today and holed a lot of birdie putts. Yeah, I got a good shot again on No. 8.

I think I was pretty hitting good the front nine.

Q. That front nine I know. The back nine was a little bit more challenging. We saw a couple more pars than we had seen in the beginning. Was it the winds or what was one of the challenges of the back nine for you today?

YUKA SASO: Yeah, the wind was a little bit of a factor there, but just some shot that I didn't really commit to it just because of the wind and the pin positions.

But it was still okay. I still hit the greens, so I won't complain.

Q. How were you feeling after that front nine when you were able to hole all those birdies?

YUKA SASO: Nothing really. I was focusing on next, so even after I get a birdie I try to reset myself and get ready for the next shot.

Q. How do you feel now, two rounds under your belt at Kapolei Golf Club? Are you liking this course? Do you think you're getting used to it?

YUKA SASO: Not really. Still have like two more days, so maybe -- well, I'm trying to get used to it. The wind is still strong. Like I said yesterday, I don't really like windy conditions. I'm happy I'm able to play good even I don't really like it.

Yeah. I just -- I don't know. I think I'll just do my best again tomorrow.

Q. How do you prepare for these windy conditions? Do you check the weather? What are the conversations like with your caddie?

YUKA SASO: I don't really check the weather, he checks the weather. I'm trying not to change anything because if it's windy I tend to do different things. And then, you know, I'll get confused with my shots.

So I'm trying to do what I always do, so be more consistent. Yeah, that's what I'm doing this week.

Q. You have two wins under your belt for a 19 year old on the JLPGA. What's it like being in contention here on the LPGA?

YUKA SASO: I don't know. I mean, I'm just thankful that I'm here. Sponsors giving me a chance to be here. I'm really happy.

So whatever the outcome is, I'll just accept it and just enjoy the moment.

Q. Do you think those experiences winning in Japan is gonna help you going into the next two rounds?

YUKA SASO: I don't know. I don't really look back. There is no future in the past, so I'll just try to be myself and enjoy every moment.

Q. And is this course similar to similar courses that you've played on the Japan tour?

YUKA SASO: In Japan?

Q. Is this course similar?

YUKA SASO: Not really. The greens are different, and, yeah, it's not the same. We won't really get (indiscernible) in Japan. Sometimes, but not really. So I don't think it's (indiscernible).

Q. How did the sponsor's invite come about? Did you request it or did they come to you?

YUKA SASO: Yes, I requested it, yeah.

Q. And then when did you hear?

YUKA SASO: (Indiscernible). Sorry, I think before ANA. Yeah, two weeks or a week before ANA. Yeah, I think.

Q. One last one from me before we wrap it up here. What are you going to focus on heading into tomorrow? You'll most likely be paired with someone like Lydia Ko who's a veteran out here on the LPGA Tour?

YUKA SASO: I'll just do the same: Try to rest well and eat well and get ready for tomorrow.

Q. Even though she was done for the day and not on the course, she had a really nice number. Were you thinking about that at all or were you just playing your game?

YUKA SASO: Yeah, I was only thinking about my game. I'm more concerned -- like I'm more worried about my game than looking at someone else's scores.

So, yeah.

Q. Is she somebody that you looked up to when you were younger and that she was your age she was doing what you're doing now?

YUKA SASO: Yes. Yeah, when I heard her name she was only -- like she won you U.S. Women's Amateur when she was 16. She was so young.

And, yeah, I know she's a very good player, and, yeah, I look up to her.