AUGUSTA NATIONAL WOMEN'S AMATEUR

April 1, 2022

Lauren Walsh

Quick Quotes

Q. Explain the experience of this week so far and how does it compare to any expectations you had?

LAUREN WALSH: Honestly, the experience has just been incredible. I grew up watching -- well, the last two years ANWA and grew up watching the Masters, and just to be able to walk the fairways out here and have my dad and coach here watching as well, it's been absolutely incredible.

Even the past few days at Champions Retreat all my family and friends were out supporting. Yeah, it's been such a special week.

Q. What makes it such a special event for you?

LAUREN WALSH: I think it's like so difficult to even just qualify to play, so you know as soon as that invitation arrives it's very exciting. It's an honor to be here.

Yeah, a lot of kind of hard work and good results go into getting that invitation. Yeah, it's very special.

Q. Can you explain your feeling driving down Magnolia Lane?

LAUREN WALSH: Yeah, the first time was for the dinner the other night and I was beside one of my friends and I was like a little kid on Christmas morning.

It was very cool and very surreal. You know, everybody always says about Augusta National there is nothing out of place. That's exactly what it is. There is not a single piece of grass out here that's out of place.

Yeah, just getting to experience the whole thing, I'll have a completely new perspective watching the Masters this year.

Q. Third player from Ireland to compete at this event. What would you say to young girls watching you who want to join that list in the future?

LAUREN WALSH: I think go out, work hard, and anything is possible.

There has been three of us here now, and many more to come hopefully. Just keep working hard and keep practicing, and, yeah, you can do it.

Q. What are you going to remember most from this week?

LAUREN WALSH: I think definitely walking down 11, and I took the first look at 12, and, yeah, it was very special. You know, you see it so many times. You see photos and videos on TV, but, yeah, nothing compares to seeing it in person and being able to stand up and hit the shot on 12 as well, and finally shoot the green too, so that's always a plus.

Q. What's the hardest hole out there, do you think, and the most challenging?

LAUREN WALSH: Most challenging? The 1st is tough. The drive is so tight that for a first tee shot it's -- you know, it's difficult because you don't want to play back too far and then leave yourself like a 5-iron in.

So I think that's definitely a tough opening hole to start with.

Q. Sets the scene for what you're about to...

LAUREN WALSH: Yes, I think so. (Laughter.) Yes.

Q. What was it like to be able to have your dad out here? I know you're really good friends with your teammates. Some of them are out here as well. To be able to experience this week with them here, too, to share with them, what was that like?

LAUREN WALSH: It was really cool. Being able to have my dad out here, you know, he's helped me along the way a lot. It was fun to have him here.

I had a bunch of family and friends and my coach over, too, so, yeah, it was great to have all the support out here this week.

You know, as you said, there was four of us from Wake here as well. We've been talking about this week for a couple months now. Yeah, we'll all be cheering on Rachel tomorrow.