LPGA Q-SERIES

December 7, 2021

Sarah Jane Smith

Magnolia Grove

Quick Quotes

Q. So welcome to the second week of Q-Series. I know it's kind of like, I don't want to be here. At the same time, what was it like getting through the first week for you?

SARAH JANE SMITH: I mean, it was really nice obviously. I felt confident going into the week, but at the same time, there is still a cut, and it's something that's in the back of your mind. It's not a lot of girls that get cut, but at the same time, you really got to play well and get yourself in a good position for this week, too.

So, yeah, it was really nice to be here now.

Q. What was it like preparing for this two-week event for you? And this is I want to say the first time you've done this as a mom.

SARAH JANE SMITH: Yes.

Q. So there is a lot more that goes into it.

SARAH JANE SMITH: I haven't done it for 13 years, so it's been a while since I've been to Q-School fortunately. It was a lot, but at the same time, I was -- I felt like a little weight came off once we got there.

I had had a rough year and it was kind of from probably July onwards it was in the back of my mind. If I don't start playing better, I'm going to be back at Q-School.

I feel like it was always over my head, and then once Tampa was finished it was like, Right, this is what we're doing. There is no ifs and buts. I'm going to Q-School. Let's get ready.

It was kind of weird, because if you look at my season you would think I wouldn't come in feeling that great. Actually had a year where I hit it pretty good but just hasn't all coming together. There has been lots of things that happened that were out of the usual and fear.

Q. Yeah.

SARAH JANE SMITH: So there has been a lot that had happened, and I wouldn't change any of it for anything. So we're here, and we're just going to make the most of being here, so...

Q. That's a very I want to say positive outlook. Not only are you focusing on retaining your card, but you've also got Theo back with you this week in Alabama. What's it like bringing him here to this grueling two-week process?

SARAH JANE SMITH: It's funny, we are so lucky to have so many amazing people in our life considering that we're not at home with family and no one could really be here for us of our family.

But Azahara Munoz and her husband were like, Bring him down that way you can sleep and you can just focus on yourself for two weeks. And then Dan and Pernilla, same thing. We'll help out any way we can.

And he loves them all, but when Aza said it to me like my heart started beating faster. I was like, I just can't. Like the sleep I would get from him not being here perhaps just doesn't make up for him being here and being together as a family.

I was like -- we actually brought Joy with us, and Joy is -- Theo absolutely adores her. I think we're having like two stressful weeks and he's having the best two weeks of his life. He's got Joy all to himself. They're doing arts and crafts. He's loving it.

Q. Like you said, it's been 13 years since you embarked on what Q-School is and what it's like. Lucky for you. What is it like for you now as opposed to 13 years ago, and how do you go into it differently?

SARAH JANE SMITH: I think obviously experience helps, and, I mean, when you first -- I unfortunately did it a few times, but I never did that well in Q-School. I think I was -- especially then, I think I've changed a lot as a person -- I was very shy and reserved.

I think just wasn't a good concept for me. Showing up I didn't know anybody. I felt uncomfortable, like I didn't belong.

Now having a lot of years on the LPGA, I don't want to sound like in a bad way, but it's girls coming out that either have little experience, or -- obviously they're amazing golfers, bur -- or girls that have struggled.

So we're all here for different reasons, some good and some not good. You just got remember everyone is here for a reason and make sure you stay in your lane.

Q. What's also is interesting is your not the only Australian in this year's field. There are some young up-and-coming Australian, Steph Kyriacou. You just said hi to her as she passed us. She's doing pretty well, too. What's what like to see other younger Australian golfers come up and succeed.

SARAH JANE SMITH: Oh, it's been amazing. I mean, Steph has had an incredible couple years on LET, so I think the natural progression is that she's going to do incredible on the LPGA. I have no doubt that she's going to do well this week, and then obviously played incredible on Sunday.

But it's so nice to have Aussies around you in any capacity. Golf Australia set up a house in Orlando, so really spent a lot of time with the up-and-coming young girls and guys.

It's just nice to be surrounded by that. It's easy to get out of it once you get a little bit older and you don't really know who the up-and-coming players are anymore. I think that base being in Orlando has given us that chance to get back involved a little bit more.

The young golfers coming through are really impressive, so it's going to be fun to watch.

Q. So we went from Mobile, but here we are in Dothan. What are some of the biggest differences between these two courses? I know you were out today a little bit. What's the difference for you?

SARAH JANE SMITH: Well, I mean, obviously there is a lot of similarities, which is great. If we were going crazy extremes it would be hard, I think. Staying with the Robert Trent Jones golf course, for me, I love it. That's been some of my best finishes on LPGA.

I think there is more similarities than differences. Big greens, and these roll beautifully just the same as last week. Differences so far is just that it's raining.

Q. Got that right.

SARAH JANE SMITH: Yeah, but hopefully as the week dries up a little bit I think it'll play really good. Maybe greens are a little firmer. Greens were pretty soft last week. So maybe just a little more attention to that around the greens.

I think it's going to be pretty similar playing golf courses, and I think that that's great.

Q. How many times have you played RTJ on tour?

SARAH JANE SMITH: Goodness, I think I played every time we played in Mobile and played a lot in Prattville as well and U.S. Open was -- had a couple there.

I mean, a lot.

Q. So you do have the experience.

SARAH JANE SMITH: Yeah, yeah, I really always like the feel of these golf courses, so...