MARATHON CLASSIC PRESENTED BY DANA

July 10, 2021

Yuka Saso

Quick Quotes

Q. Here with Yuka Saso. What do you think was going on the well for you today?

YUKA SASO: I think my short game and putting was really good today.

Q. Let's start at the beginning. Your front nine you had the eagle on No. 9. Take us through that eagle.

YUKA SASO: So the tee was in the front and we had like 260 to the flag I think, and why not just go for it, so I did. The putt was good pace and happy it went in.

Q. The front to some players is a little bit easier. Would you say so yourself? When you came into the back nine you still were able to notch five more birdies.

YUKA SASO: I think front is I think bit harder for me because it's par-33, 34. Is it 33? 34?

So, yeah, there is a lot of par-3s so it's hard to score. On the back nine I think it is much scorable because it's par 37. So, yeah.

Q. You had two birdies on those closing par-5s. How important was that for you to be able to finish strong like that?

YUKA SASO: 17 I think was really good shot and 18, I think that was just lucky. If that went in, it would have gone somewhere.

But finishing birdie, birdie is I think -- I'll take it. I'm really happy.

Q. What happened there on No. 18? I saw the last couple shots. How long was that final putt for you?

YUKA SASO: I think it was like 36 feet or something. It was downhill right to left. Yeah, it was a not easy putt. But, yeah, it went in.

Q. Is this your first time at Highland Meadows?

YUKA SASO: Yes. This is my first time, and I came here early after KPMG -- wait, give me one second. Who's the tournament director?

Q. Judd Silverman.

YUKA SASO: So Judd -- I was in the driving range and Judd came and welcomed me saying this is like one of the oldest tournament in LPGA.

That day I just found out, so I was really happy and thankful that I was able to come here and able to play. You know, golf course is really in good shape, and the people here is so nice. They're like cheering. There is a lot of people, too.

So I think it'll be one in my memories.

Q. Have you ever been to this part of the United States before?

YUKA SASO: No, first time in Toledo, Ohio. It's pretty good. I like quiet place. It's not quiet on the golf course, but outside it's really nice.

Q. This is your first event since KPMG. What have you been -- what did you work on in that week off that you had before this event?

YUKA SASO: To be honest, I was resting. I wasn't really working on anything. If I did, maybe on the range. My short game I think and my driving as well, because I been working on my drives.

But I think there is still work needed to. (Smiling.)

Q. Now that you've had three competitive days under your belt, what do you think of Highland Meadows Golf Club and what do you like most about this course?

YUKA SASO: First, you know, I really like the grass. It's bent grass, and -- because you get a really good turf. Divots, I really like it. Course is in really good shape.

You know, it's a little tricky because there is a lot of big trees, especially on No. 10. Fairway looks very narrow because of the trees. Those challenging stuff, I really like it, yeah.

Q. I know you played with Inbee in this round here. You played with her also as KPMG.

YUKA SASO: Yeah.

Q. I know you really look up to her as well. What's that like playing with Inbee?

YUKA SASO: You know, she plays like -- I don't know, she's so calm like the whole round. You don't realize, but once we finish her score is like 5-under, 6-under.

So those kind of things, being calm and trying to do your best until the end, I think that is what I'm trying to learn from her. You know, playing with her for three days, including two days in KPMG, one day today, it's been really good experience for me.

Q. What will you take into tomorrow now that you leapt yourself into contention here?

YUKA SASO: I will just do whatever I did last couple days. Just enjoy it and learn from it. Learn again tomorrow.