AIG WOMEN'S OPEN

August 18, 2021

Patty Tavatanakit

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Welcome to the AIG Women's Open. How much are you looking forward to playing in the AIG Women's Open and also the challenge that Carnoustie presents.

PATTY TAVATANAKIT: Really looking forward to it. I feel like this is the most excited I've been to play an event just because I played in it last year, my first time playing links, and just being in Europe and play.

You know, I went back, I didn't do so well last year and I told my coach, I want to be better hitting these shots and be better around the green. I developed a lot in terms of working my game to fit in the course conditions to play in the wind and to control my flight. You know, it's a little bit more wholesome. I'm just looking forward to play this week.

Had a really good practise in the wind last week, too. So coming into this week, I feel like I'm a little bit more prepared than last year.

THE MODERATOR: What are your initial impressions of Carnoustie and what challenge does it set for the players?

PATTY TAVATANAKIT: It's pretty narrow. You've got to hit it pretty solid. I feel like it's a ball-striking course. If you get your way around the green, just keep hitting fairways and greens, you're going to be in a good position.

Q. Would you give us a little more details into the particular shots that you went back to Grant and said you wanted to work on and which one do you feel more comfortable with now?

PATTY TAVATANAKIT: Mainly control my trajectory, you know, which shots I feel like you can move it left or right with the right trajectories and at appropriate amounts of spin rates and stuff.

Q. Did Grant give you any tips on Carnoustie or tell you the history of the place or anything?

PATTY TAVATANAKIT: It is a pretty historical venue, just being here, you already feel pretty -- I mean, I'm proud to be here and just the history of it and having a woman's major championship here, it's just been an honor.

But other than that, preparing to come here and playing the course, Grant was just saying you have to be minority and just be patient with playing in the wind. Every course is pretty simple and straightforward and you strike the ball well and stay out of trouble. But obviously like that's an ideal situation. You're just not going to have that like perfect round every single day out here, especially in these tough conditions.

Q. Curious if you can describe a little bit more what that first Women's Open experience was like for you and what you were feeling out there.

PATTY TAVATANAKIT: It was definitely different golf. I feel like I was trying to be perfect too much, and you know, you can't really be like that on links course. You've just got to be yourself and just embrace all chances and play, play like you own the course. Be brave and just no fear, and just play, and you know, if you hit one bad shot, you've got to take your medicine and good hit the next one. Keep hitting shot after shot, just basically be present and hope for the best.

Q. I know you had an extended break that was longer than you anticipated with paperwork issues, I understand. Was it refreshing still to have that break and what did you do that maybe you wouldn't have been able to do otherwise?

PATTY TAVATANAKIT: You know, not taking a rest time or some time off of golf for granted at all. I feel like I wish I played more. Wished I stay in it and keep my momentum going because I was playing really well up until KPMG and then obviously I was supposed to play two weeks in a row. I didn't feel too good before Marathon and I pulled out. Just had some health issue that was concerning.

Then I got to Michigan and the mini got there, had to go and try to get to Evian, and that also didn't happen. It was just something out of control, and I feel like I wouldn't change a thing. Everything happens for a reason, and I'm really grateful for my time at home and just to rest, and anything on top of that, I feel really fresh finishing off this season with how many tournaments we have left, like eight, ten. I'm fresh and I feel like I have a little bit more energy than other girls.

Q. So did the health issue resolve itself?

PATTY TAVATANAKIT: It did. I've been seeing my trainer that whole week and the week of marathon, and I felt a lot better and I got my strength up and I feel like that week off was much needed and then was ready to play Michigan and then couldn't play and hopefully I make it to Evian and didn't make it there. Started back at the Olympics.

It is what it is. You know, like I'm here to play and feel more refreshed than ever.