MARATHON CLASSIC PRESENTED BY DANA

July 8, 2021

Yealimi Noh

Quick Quotes

Q. Yealimi, solid day here at Highland Meadows. Take us through the front nine first, because I know you had that singular birdie. Were you just starting to feel what Highland Meadows had to offer in that front nine?

YEALIMI NOH: Yeah, well, I played here two years and I missed the cut both events, both years, so I really wanted to play well this year. Glad that I got off to a pretty good start.

Yeah, that front nine I was just -- I told myself to be patient, because I actually was like missing a couple greens from like -- I missed a lot of greens today from a lot of easy spots and it was frustrating.

I stayed patient and got a lot up and downs. When I got on the green I was able to make the putt, so I was just telling myself, Just hit the green.

Q. And then that back nine you were ferocious with the birdies. What made you feel so comfortable on the back nine?

YEALIMI NOH: I think just hit more greens. Maybe the same amount. I missed three on both sides.

Yeah, I was just kind of getting them closer. I think they were a little shorter holes. And especially the par-5s helped, too. I knew they were there the last two holes, so just wanted to keep it going until I had those birdie opportunities. But, yeah.

Q. You said that the last couple times you've played here you have missed the cut. What was the mindset as you prepared for this week's tournament then?

YEALIMI NOH: I didn't really want to think of it any differently. Just another event. Like any tournament, just want to hit fairways and greens and make putts. So didn't want to think too much about that.

But I definitely do want to play well here, so, yeah.

Q. We were just talking about also coming off last week in Texas and the craziness that was the storms there. Did you have weather in mind as you began today?

YEALIMI NOH: Yeah, for sure. I think we were really lucky actually because it wasn't too hot. We got a little rain but nothing too bad.

Yeah, I thought we were lucky to finish and just get it going. It warmed up a little bit. It was definitely softer than two days ago. When I played my practice round it was pretty firm and got a lot softer today.

Q. What have you been working on in your game as you have become more comfortable in the last couple events?

YEALIMI NOH: Just hitting fairways and greens, just keeping it simple, trying to hit more greens. I definitely didn't do that today, but I did hit a lot of fairways.

Yeah, just I really hope to hit more greens tomorrow and the rest of the week.

Q. We were just talking about last year we talked about it a lot, you finally got your permit.

YEALIMI NOH: Yes, I good. I finally -- I think I missed two questions, so pretty proud of myself because I don't remember -- yeah, anyway, I got it finally.

I was like super nervous actually. Like I was really parade. I studied a bunch before like you should, but I was really nervous. But I got through it and literally my heart was beating so fast. Like each question I knew I knew the right answer, but I'm just glad I got it.

Q. Did you get it in between events?

YEALIMI NOH: I think I got it when I was home right before the Open maybe. Yeah, right before the Open, so when I was home.

Q. What a time to get it, thinking of major championship pressure and at the same time getting your permit.

YEALIMI NOH: Yeah. Yeah, I was more excited though because I knew I got it this time.