COGNIZANT FOUNDERS CUP

May 11, 2022

Nasa Hataoka

Upper Montclair Country Club

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: We have not seen you since your win at the DIO Implant L.A. Open. What have you been up to in your off weeks?

NASA HATAOKA: I flew to Japan and spent time with my family.

THE MODERATOR: What was it like to see your family again, and how did that make you feel?

NASA HATAOKA: It was a fun time being able to see them again.

THE MODERATOR: When you look back on your play during the DIO Implant L.A. Open, what are some positive things you take away from that week that you did well?

NASA HATAOKA: I think my putter was really good.

THE MODERATOR: I believe so as well. As you get ready for this tournament, what have you been working on?

NASA HATAOKA: I met with my trainer in Japan and did some strength training. I'm just being really aware of where I'm putting my ball positioning right now.

THE MODERATOR: In your swing or putting?

NASA HATAOKA: In my swing.

THE MODERATOR: Have you practiced here at Upper Montclair yet, and what do you think of the course?

NASA HATAOKA: Yeah, after seeing the course, I have noticed that the fairways are really narrow and greens are really fast and hard, so I think that the key point for this week is to keep the ball in the fairway and hopefully see some putts drop.

THE MODERATOR: Fantastic. That's I think the game plan for a lot of players this week. What do you like most about being back here for the Founders Cup. This tournament means a lot to the past, the present, and the future of the LPGA. So what does it mean to be back at the Cognizant Founders Cup?

NASA HATAOKA: Obviously, without the Founders and this course, we wouldn't be able to have this tournament, so as I'm playing this week, I'm going to, obviously, be remembering those people that came before me and play my best.

Q. Nasa, have you ever taken two weeks off after a victory?

NASA HATAOKA: I haven't until now.

Q. Why would you do it this time? Just to go home?

NASA HATAOKA: Yeah, I haven't met with my trainer in a while, so I kind of thought it would be a good time to reset with my trainer and get things back in order.

Q. Being a winner coming into this week, is there any additional pressure that you put on yourself?

NASA HATAOKA: I don't really feel much pressure right now. I'm excited to play with Jennifer tomorrow, though, and excited to see what happens.

Q. You've been playing some really good golf lately. We're heading into a really busy stretch of the season with a lot of major championships kind of back-to-back-to-back. How confident are you in your game right now, especially with that win as you head into what's the real meat of the major season?

NASA HATAOKA: Right now with my swing and everything I feel like I'm about 60%, so if I can just kind of raise the bar a little bit and get that going upwards, that would probably be the best thing for me.

Q. You talked about your ball position. What else are you looking for from your golf swing if you are only 60%?

NASA HATAOKA: Recently I've been missing a lot of my shots to the right, so I'm trying to just kind of keep them straight down the fairway and see the ball go straighter.

Q. Obviously, we're honoring all the Founders this week, but Shirley Spork is obviously on everyone's mind with the recent passing. I wanted to ask you if you had any type of reflection of what she's meant to this game and maybe if you have ever had any interaction with her or anything that she's shared with you?

NASA HATAOKA: Last year was the last time I was able to see her before she passed away, so obviously, this week as I'm playing she's going to be on my mind, and I'm really excited for that.

THE MODERATOR: You mentioned before you're working on a lot of things in your swing. You're feeling as your putter is pretty good. What do you think will be the biggest thing you think of as you take on Upper Montclair?

NASA HATAOKA: Obviously, I want to keep my putting, keep the ball rolling in the hole, and just kind of fix the short game stuff so it's a little tighter and hopefully see some more putts drop.

THE MODERATOR: We are close to New York City. Have you been to the city yet this week, or are you planning on visiting?

NASA HATAOKA: When I first arrived, it was kind of rainy, so we didn't get to go around and see the city, but we stopped a couple of times to take some pictures.

Thank you.