U.S. GIRLS' JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

July 20, 2022

Samantha Olson

The Club at Olde Stone

Press Conference

Q. Are you ready to jump in a pool after playing 23 holes in this heat?

SAMANTHA OLSON: Oh, my gosh, yeah. I'm ready to go sleep a little.

Q. That's grueling to play that many holes in any conditions, but especially today. How tough was that?

SAMANTHA OLSON: Yeah, it was hard. I played a tournament in Tennessee a couple weeks ago and it was 118 heat index, so this felt -- it wasn't quite as bad as that, so I'm very thankful for that tournament because it kind of helped me prepare for this. But yeah, it was grueling, definitely.

Q. How do you stay patient, focused when there's so much else going on with the elements?

SAMANTHA OLSON: Yeah, I had to train my brain, and it took a long time to get to where I am today. I don't know, I'm just really good at keeping myself calm, and I know I can make birdies, make pars, make what I need to to play well, and I trust that as much as I can, and I keep myself patient and just trust my game.

Q. What happened on the last hole for you to win?

SAMANTHA OLSON: Yeah, so it was on No. 5, and we both hit good drives. We were in good position. She ended up hitting it over the green into the rough and the pin was back right. 150 yards exactly what my 8-iron should be, just faded it a little bit, and I stuck it to probably two feet and made the putt.

Q. Did you have to make the putt?

SAMANTHA OLSON: No, actually I didn't.

Q. She conceded?

SAMANTHA OLSON: Yeah.

Q. Was it a relief?

SAMANTHA OLSON: Yeah. I was glad to not have to worry about that last putt, but I was pretty sure I was going to make it.

Q. Potentially another long day tomorrow, so you probably want to get back to wherever you're staying --

SAMANTHA OLSON: Yes.

Q. Sleep for about 10 hours?

SAMANTHA OLSON: Sounds like a good plan.

Q. Have you ever played a match like that before?

SAMANTHA OLSON: No, not that long. They've all ended on 18.

Q. Is this your first Girls' Junior?

SAMANTHA OLSON: It is.