U.S. GIRLS' JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

July 22, 2022

Nicole Gal

The Club at Olde Stone

Press Conference

Q. Congratulations on such a fantastic run at this championship.

NICOLE GAL: Thank you.

Q. What are some of your thoughts right now in general?

NICOLE GAL: I think I'm pretty proud of myself. This was my second USGA event but my first one individually because the first one was my four-ball. I don't know, I just wanted to enjoy the week because I thought it was going to be my last junior event, as well, but I actually can play next year if I decide to do that. But still, I just wanted to have the most fun I could.

I had a great caddie who helped me stay loose on the course, and I enjoyed every single round I played. Even though it was really challenging -- like the course was really challenging, I had so much fun out there.

Q. What was your caddie's name?

NICOLE GAL: Erin. I don't know how to pronounce her last name. I can get it for you.

Q. What was one of your favorite moments from this week?

NICOLE GAL: I'd say -- oh, I have so many. I think just winning my first match was a good confidence boost. She was a great player, and I came out strong. I was like 3-up through 3, and that was just good momentum for that round but also for the next few matches I had.

Q. What is next for you?

NICOLE GAL: Next is just college for me. I don't have any more tournaments. I'm starting at Ole Miss in a few weeks, I guess. Our first day of classes is August 22.

I'm just going to practice and enjoy some time with my family before then, but I'm so excited for that. My roommate was also here this week, so it was nice to see her and the coaches, as well.

Q. What is your roommate's name?

NICOLE GAL: Molly Hardwick. She missed the cut but she still had such a great mindset, too, and that helped me, too, because I was like, okay, no matter what happens, as long as we stay positive, everything is good, and we're going to have so much fun.

Q. You had a great group following you out there today, too. Who else is here with you supporting you?

NICOLE GAL: Well, both my parents are here, which is unusual. Usually only one of them is with me because they're both so busy. Then my grandpa was also here. He's like my bigger supporter ever. He comes to just as many tournaments as my parents do, and he enjoys it so much.

The Levinsons that are members here, they live on hole 9, they were out watching, and his daughter Erin is who my caddie is.

So having all of their support was just amazing, but I knew they would have been proud of me no matter how I did. But it just turned out to be a pretty good week.

Q. What are your thoughts on the course in general?

NICOLE GAL: I think it's probably one of my favorite courses I've ever played. Obviously I have good memories, but still, even on the days where I wasn't playing well, I was just in awe of every hole. Every hole is different, and it challenges you because you have to be a little strategic sometimes. But I love courses like that, and I just -- it was in amazing shape, like probably one of the nicest layouts and nicely kept courses despite the situation with the water. But it was still phenomenal.