PURE SILK CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY VISIT WILLIAMSBURG

May 22, 2021

Lauren Stephenson

Kingsmill River Course

Quick Quotes

Q. How was the putter today?

LAUREN STEPHENSON: It was good. I actually made a lot of long-distance putts. It's funny, I three-putted 17 and then made a really long one for eagle on 18, so kind of made up for it.

Q. About how far was that on 18?

LAUREN STEPHENSON: Josh said it was 13 yards, so whatever that is.

Q. Somebody can do the math out there.

LAUREN STEPHENSON: Yeah.

Q. Just how do you feel being in this position coming into the final day?

LAUREN STEPHENSON: I feel great. I kind of thought I would feel a little nervous today. I was a little nervous on the range; didn't have the best warmup session.

But as soon as I get on the course and get target focused I just feel super comfortable. So I really didn't have any nerves all day; just felt normal.

Q. We talked yesterday about firm and fast and you love it. Does that help you be more target focused?

LAUREN STEPHENSON: Yeah, I think I'm really focused especially on my approach shots, like the exact number I want to land it for it to roll out. I always think that helps me as like ball-striker, because I'm so focused on one number that I tend to hit any targets better versus if, Oh, I have 100 yards, just fling it up there. Just makes me and my brain more focused I feel like.

Q. You had five other birdies today. Any of those help launch the day for you?

LAUREN STEPHENSON: I started out with a birdie, so I felt like that just kind of like calmed me and sat me right back in the groove from yesterday. Felt like after the first hole I was ready to go for the day.

Q. I feel like I've always read that whenever you struggle on the -- or some of the best rounds have come from those who didn't have the best range session in the morning.

LAUREN STEPHENSON: Yeah, that's 100% fact.

Q. Yeah?

LAUREN STEPHENSON: Yeah.

Q. You felt that kind of today?

LAUREN STEPHENSON: I had my worst range sessions ever turn into the best rounds, so the range you just have to completely view as like a warmup and that's it, and just go out there and play golf.

Q. Seeing all the I guess unfamiliar names to the winner's circle near the top of the leaderboard, and you being one of them in terms of someone who hasn't won out here yet, does that make it more exciting, to know there are so many new faces chasing a title?

LAUREN STEPHENSON: Yeah, I mean, everyone is going to feel the nerves or pressure, but I feel like for me it's like familiarity. Like I played golf at a high level in college and so I know what it's like to win.

It's the same feeling no matter what stage you're on. You feel the same pressure. But I feel like I'm in a good headspace, and if I just keep doing the same thing I'm doing every day I'll have a chance to win. That's all you want at the end of every day.

Q. Yeah. Inspired by Phil Mickelson a little bit?

LAUREN STEPHENSON: I guess.

Q. He's up by four.