BANK OF HOPE LPGA MATCH-PLAY

May 29, 2022

Eun-Hee Ji

Shadow Creek

Press Conference

Translation of answers to Korean interview questions

Putting was really big for me this week. If my putting did go well, it would have been tough to come this far. This week, there were lot of mounds around the greens and it was difficult, but my chipping was good too. I wasn’t successful in all of them, but I got a lot of par saves and that helped with my overall game. Also, the only way I could make it to next week’s U.S. Women’s Open was to win this week, and that certainly made me focus more.

There was a lot of physical and mental pressure of playing so many rounds in a match-play event. It helped that yesterday’s game ended early. And this morning match ended early too so I was able to rest and conserve my energy. My feet really hurt, but my caddie cheered me on throughout and I was able to finish it well.

The caddie actually called the yardage a little bit short (in hole 9 eagle). When I used a rangefinder, I saw it was 92 yards. So I pulled my 58 degree and changed to 52 degree. It hit well, but I had no idea it would go in. It was certainly exciting and that gave me a lot of confidence.

I really didn’t think I’d be able to make it (US Women’s Open). I don’t know. It’s still surreal and hasn’t sunk in. I think it’ll hit me once I go there next week. Hopefully I can continue this week’s momentum into next week.

I enjoy hitting approaches on the rough and around the green and using technical shots. I’d like to think that was a little bit advantageous to me

Hyo Joo and I were staying in the same place this week. She was eliminated earlier but stayed another day after to cheer me on. I’m really thankful for that. Even just now right after I won, she called me on FaceTime. Chella and Mi Hyang were cheering me on a lot in our group chat too.

I really wanted to make it this year (US women’s open). My rankings dropped and I was a bit sad I couldn’t go to more tournaments earlier in the season because of COVID. But I won this this week, and secured the ticket to next week. I feel good.

Not yet (when asked if she purchased flight to Pine Needles)