NW ARKANSAS CHAMPIONSHIP

September 24, 2021

Nasa Hataoka

Pinnacle Country Club

Quick Quotes

Q. Nasa, great first round at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship. Bogey-free, including the hole-in-one on No. 11. Take us through the hole-in-one from your perspective, what you saw, the excitement, and exactly what happened out there.

NASA HATAOKA: When I actually hit it, it didn't get very good contact, but I thought it would kind of stop at the top but kind of got on the slope and came down and got the hole-in-one.

Q. How did that hole and shot propel you to such an outstanding first round score?

NASA HATAOKA: Actually, besides the hole-in-one I was only able to make four birdies. My putting wasn't too good, so I think if I could get my putting going it would be better.

Q. In addition, the hole-in-one, the LPGA will donate $20,000 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on your behalf. What does it mean to you to contribute with your skills on the course to a great cause for the LPGA Tour and St. Jude, giving back to them?

NASA HATAOKA: I'm really glad that it's really helping out the St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Besides me being happy with my hole-in-one, it's really wonderful.

Q. You have a good history here at Pinnacle Country Club. What is it about the course that you particularly like and that suits your game?

NASA HATAOKA: Being a three-day tournament, I would need to get a lot of the birdies, but this course kind of matches what I was playing in when I was very young, so that is really helping me out.