BMW LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP

October 23, 2022

Na Yeon Choi

LPGA International Busan

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: What are you most grateful for?

NA YEON CHOI: I am grateful for friends. I think as an occupation, professional golf player is really nice. For the past 15 years I worked hard, and I have made a lot of good memories.

In the video, the first scene showed my first win back in 2009, and that is when the waterworks began. 15 years on the tour flashed through my mind. I fought well and I played well, and I am happy to close out well as well.

THE MODERATOR: Very emotional with fans and friends. What was going through your mind after the final putt?

NA YEON CHOI: I didn't really feel anything because I was fighting back tears from the beginning of the 18th hole. I would tear up anytime I tried to think, so I focused on the game at hand.

After I hit the tee shot, Amy Yang said, "Good job," and started crying, and that is when I started to cry. And that last putt, I couldn't really see the ball because of my tears.

THE MODERATOR: A lot of you want to say, what do you want to say to your fans and friends?

NA YEON CHOI: I would first like to thank my friends for coming all the way from Seoul. My friends really supported me during tough times. To support each other and wish the best for each other whilst playing in the same tour, as professional golfers is actually harder than it looks, but Inbi, Soyeon, Jeongeun have helped greatly with golf and mentally as well. So I am really grateful for the five players who are here today.

Also, today I was joined by fans from abroad and from far away, and I really cannot leave out my fans when I think about my career. They created a fan club early on and supported me making banners and matching clothes. At first it was a bit awkward for me, but now they are my family. I am very grateful for them. I was able to work harder and become the player I am today thanks to them. Thank you.

THE MODERATOR: What immediate plans do you have?

NA YEON CHOI: I wanted to go out drinking with my friends. I don't know if this makes me old, but I am getting dental implants, so I cannot drink alcohol right now. But other than that, I am loving the fact that I no longer have to get up at 4:00 or 5:00 a.m.

THE MODERATOR: Congratulations. Any regrets?

NA YEON CHOI: I do not have any regrets. I tried my very best every moment so as to not have any regrets.

THE MODERATOR: You said you will not cry. Perhaps you are crying because you don't want to retire?

NA YEON CHOI: No, I definitely made the right decision to retire. I was not going to cry, and I don't think I was going to cry, but Amy was sobbing, so that what was got me going.

THE MODERATOR: Today your score is 4-under. Do you have any regrets, or are you happy you're done?

NA YEON CHOI: I made some good shot. I also had an ace yesterday. I had some shots I got right next to the pin, holed some long putts as well.

So just looking at what I did well, I thought if I continue to play, I could definitely garner a win next season. It seems when my mind is thinking of retirement, I always play better. I just really enjoyed myself out there. It was physically tough to walk this course with the chilly weather, but I had fun these past four days. I have no regrets. And I am especially happy with the ace yesterday.