AIG WOMEN'S OPEN

August 21, 2021

Lizette Salas

Press Conference

Q. Nice round. Can we talk first about the conditions and what the battle was like out there?

LIZETTE SALAS: Well, it wasn't like the first two days. I think at some point we were -- you had to mentally prepare for conditions like this and I think it really forced me to go back to boring golf instead of trying to be aggressive and try to make a move. I think -- I think the wet conditions really kind of settled everything and got off to a really -- a little shaky start and after 5, I think the momentum switched and I was able to hit really good shots coming down the stretch to give myself good looks.

You have to mentally prepare for conditions like this.

Q. Is this where experience comes into play in terms of being patient?

LIZETTE SALAS: I think so. I think, you know, Gleneagles wasn't easy back in 2019. Kingsbarns wasn't easy back in 2017. You know, this championship isn't meant to be easy and we have to battle all different kind of elements and I think that's what makes this championship so exciting.

Yeah, ten years out here, I should have some experience in playing in these conditions and I think that just really fits my game as far as hitting fairways and greens, and yeah, I think it helped.

Q. It's a super bunched-up board. What do you think it's going to feel like out there tomorrow with so many players seemingly within striking distance, and will you try to look at boards?

LIZETTE SALAS: Probably not. I'll probably not look at boards. I haven't looked at it much. Just trying to build some momentum going into tomorrow, and yeah, there's a lot of big names, girls that tee off earlier can take advantage of the calm conditions. I think everyone has a different game plan but as far as mine goes, I'm just going to play some boring golf and just really take advantage of the opportunities that I can get.

Q. How would you describe how you're feeling with your emotions as well as your game compared to when we saw you at KPMG?

LIZETTE SALAS: Oh, yeah, this is a different ballgame. I think this week requires a different type of mental toughness. This is my fifth week in Europe and I think I slept maybe 11 hours last night. I've been pretty tired but I think this championship brings out something in me that, you know, I'm getting the job done as far as hitting good shots and putting well.

Been really focusing on changing my attitude as far as focusing on the positive and really just trying to peak at the right time. We've got a big event in two weeks, but at the same time I do want to win this tournament. So just really just trying to check myself whenever I get down, and we're going to hit bad shots this week and it's just how I can recover as far as my attitude and just thinking more positive.

Q. You've been a fixture more and more in these major championships, and giving yourself an opportunity. Is there one of those experiences in particular that you kind of point to or you feel like you learned most from that can kind of help you here tomorrow?

LIZETTE SALAS: I think both championships where I was -- had a really good chance of winning. I think both can help going into tomorrow. You know, battling in that final group with Nelly back in KPMG, I learned a lot. Also in 2019, coming back from a few shots back at the British Open, that just shows that I can make a move; I could play.

I think just looking back on those experiences is going to help me just kind of stay calm and be patient tomorrow. I think this is a whole new ballgame and a whole new challenge, and I think we're ready.

Q. A lot of bombers on the board. Do you think this course gives long hitters an advantage, or no?

LIZETTE SALAS: If you hit the fairway, yes. I feel like I found a way to get around this golf course, and again, I'm relying on my accuracy. I've been hitting my woods fairly well. My 3-wood's been pretty solid and you know, length could be an advantage. But at the same time, there's also trouble when there's -- when girls get off-line or too far through the fairway.

So yeah, I think there's an advantage, disadvantage. Everyone has a different game plan and I'm just sticking to mine and I know what my capabilities are and what I can hit and what I can't hit.

Yeah, I feel pretty good.