THE AMUNDI EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

July 21, 2022

Jin Young Ko

Evian Resort Golf Club

Quick Quotes

Q. Here with world No. 1 Jin Young Ko. Nice solid start to the week. 5-under 66 played with Anna Nordqvist and Lydia Ko today. What was going so well for you out there?

JIN YOUNG KO: Well, we play a lot of times together, and, well, we are all past champions, so we know this golf course, how to play.

And, well, I practiced a lot when I going back to Korea with my swing coach. Play wasn't good last couple tournament so I needed to practice a lot. So I did it.

And this course needs to great iron shot and drivers, and putting as well. Well, I played well today, and I look forward next three days.

Q. Quite a few birdies on the card. Any of those stand out above the rest?

JIN YOUNG KO: Pardon?

Q. Any of your birdies really stand out?

JIN YOUNG KO: Yeah. It wasn't easy, but I make a lot of good putts today and lot of one-putt I did today on the front nine, so back nine.

So, yeah, was happy.

Q. So you spent the last three weeks in Korea. How good does it feel to kind of go home, take some time away, get to work on some things that you may not have time to when you're competing every week?

JIN YOUNG KO: Yeah, I practiced every day in two weeks and a half. I rested just two days before leave to here.

And then like went back to Korea, I rested one day, and, well, yeah, I -- this morning I felt, wow, it's been a while to playing tournament I felt.

So I was exciting. Exciting? Yes. And I play well today.

Q. I mean, like you said, taking that time off and it's like, oh, crap I got to play a tournament again. But you're also a player at that doesn't typically take a lot of time off. Even when you're off you're practicing. How have you learned to manage your energy through the years? Because it's a lot of golf in a very short amount of time.

JIN YOUNG KO: Uh-huh. Play less. (Laughter.)

Well, 2018 when I was a rookie season I played over 25 events, so -- 28 maybe. Last year I play just over 19. I manage this year maybe over just 15 or 16.

Well, it's tough to not play the tournament because the tournament prize money is getting higher than last couple years, so it's hard. But if wants to save energy, time off.

Q. And then just last from me in English. 66 today. Obviously, like you said, your ball striking was really good; made some putts. What positives will you carry with you into the next three days?

JIN YOUNG KO: Well, this course is good right now, so I know how can I play next couple days and my caddie knows this golf course. So yeah, just enjoy.