AUGUSTA NATIONAL WOMEN'S AMATEUR

April 1, 2022

Alexa Pano

Quick Quotes

Q. Is there something in particular that you were trying to learn today? You have had experience on the golf course before. Was there something in particular you were trying to learn today different to prepare for tomorrow?

ALEXA PANO: I think definitely this was the first time playing this course that I actually kind of took it seriously and hit some different chips and different putts.

Every time I played here in the past I was obviously upset about the day before. Today was definitely a lot more serious, but so much more fun when you know that you're playing on Saturday.

Q. What's the most challenging hole out there?

ALEXA PANO: I'm not sure. There is a lot. Maybe 3 just because of the green is so hard to hold and the chips are so difficult coming back. It's definitely a challenge on every hole.

Got to hit fairways and make some solid shots into the greens.

Q. How have you grown on and off the golf course from your first time coming out here?

ALEXA PANO: It's kind of crazy. I mean, to think that I was playing out here four years ago is insane.

But I feel like I've grown a lot on the course. My game has improved so much. I feel like I've got definitely a lot shorter yardages than I used to, but feel like I've always grown up a lot off the course.

Four years is a long time. I'm a senior in high school now versus being a freshman, so that's kind of crazy. But glad that I could finally make it to Saturday in that time.

Q. And you Amari have experienced similar trajectories of your career, even back when you guys were seven or eight. What do you think she's feeling tomorrow being in the second-to-last group with the expectations on her?

ALEXA PANO: I mean, yeah, I know the scores are super tight throughout the entire field, so I think every group out there someone has got a chance.

But I'm super happy for her and how she's played. Yeah, wishing her the best tomorrow.

Q. You said that there is a little bit of relief obviously having now advanced to Saturday here. How do you think that will translate tomorrow? Is it almost like, okay, I'm here, now let me see what I can do? I'm curious if that relief will help you tomorrow.

ALEXA PANO: Yeah, like I said, I think every group going out on that golf course has a chance. This is Augusta National and I think anything can happen. Even for the first group going out scores are really tight.

So I think just being relaxed and enjoying the walk out there is going to be a big thing, and trying to make as many birdies as I can per usual.

But definitely just enjoy it. Getting to play Augusta National in competition isn't something I'm going to get to do every day.

Q. You had a complete overhaul of your golf game last year. Coming into this week, how have those I guess...

ALEXA PANO: Yeah, I guess I wouldn't say a complete overhaul. There were some minor changes to make me a little more confident.

But I don't know. I feel really good. I felt really good over every drive this week. I felt confident over most of my decisions. Yesterday I wasn't felt great with how I strategized on the course and how I made decisions.

But I was really happy with how I went out and played this morning so feeling good going into tomorrow.