DIO IMPLANT LA OPEN

April 22, 2022

Haeji Kang

Wilshire Country Club

Quick Quotes

Q. Here with Haeji Kang. A 2-under day, and right now you are currently tied for the lead at 4-under overall. Take me through what this day was like and what were some of the differences between today and yesterday?

HAEJI KANG: Today was definitely less windy than yesterday, but towards the end like it started to blow like yesterday. But I definitely hit really good irons into the greens because the greens were very receptive because of last night's rain. So I could definitely go at the flags more than yesterday.

But I think compared to last year's green, it's definitely softer, so I think that's where I could be more aggressive and make the putts.

Q. We had quite a bit of a delay this morning because of the runoff debris on the course. What was it like still being in that competitive mindset but waiting out the delay?

HAEJI KANG: I actually kind of enjoyed it because it was really cold in the morning, and when it's cold, it kind of affects the distance, and you have to adjust. But I could have a cup of tea waiting at the clubhouse, so that kind of actually made me feel better.

Q. You said as the day went on, the winds got a little bit more gustier, but for you your back nine was bogey free. What was working well for you on the front nine, which was your back nine today?

HAEJI KANG: Coming off from Hawai'i, I've been hitting a lot of low shots, and I've been practicing that before I went to Hawai'i with my coach. I just used that, and then I just could keep the ball like in line.

Q. Is that something you took on in practice because of Hawai'i? A lot of people do that specifically for Scotland and in the UK but not a lot of times for when we're in LA.

HAEJI KANG: Yes, true, but actually the wind was blowing like Hawai'i yesterday, so I could be more creative to that, yeah.

Q. You had that birdie on 1 after the up-and-down couple of holes after you made the turn. What was working well there for you?

HAEJI KANG: I stuck it to seven feet and then I made the putt.

Q. One more birdie to close off your day on No. 9; how did that feel to close off with a birdie like that?

HAEJI KANG: Oh, it always feels great to finish with birdie because it makes my lunch taste better. Yeah, I feel great.

Q. What happened there on No. 9?

HAEJI KANG: I stuck it to one foot and then I tapped in.

Q. A lot of close approach shots for you today.

HAEJI KANG: Yes.

Q. I know you say you're working on your low shots, but those approach shots I feel like this course really rewards strategic play in that regard.

HAEJI KANG: Yes, definitely.

Q. You would say so, as well?

HAEJI KANG: Yes, yes.

Q. Going into tomorrow what will you take away from the past two days as we look to the weekend?

HAEJI KANG: I think it's going to be windy the next two days, so I'll just keep the same strategy, keep it low when I have to, and we'll see what happens.

Q. We talked a little bit about you liking LA; how much do you love coming back to this course?

HAEJI KANG: I really enjoy it because definitely there is good Korean restaurants, so I enjoy going to dinners. So I guess I'm getting that Korean power.