HONDA LPGA THAILAND

February 22, 2023

Nanna Koerstz Madsen

Siam Country Club Pattaya, Old Course

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: All right, we are here with our defending champion, Nanna Koerstz Madsen, back at the 2023 Honda LPGA Thailand.

I've seen your face around this week. Became a Rolex first-time winner here. What has it been like I guess in the year since your win and being back here and all the memories? And the trophy sitting in front of you, I'm sure kind of coming back, what are you thinking?

NANNA KOERSTZ MADSEN: Well, it was fun coming here yesterday since I haven't been back since the day I won.

I have seen the trophy because I have it at home.

But, yeah, it's just been great. I love being here in Thailand. It's awesome coming back to see 18 and where I won.

Q. That 18th hole last year was incredible. Obviously you and Xiyu in a playoff. Coming down the second hole, you're I'm sure trying to get that win, I mean, what was going through your head when that eagle putt dropped and everything kind of happened?

NANNA KOERSTZ MADSEN: I was just so relieved because I had the two-stroke lead, 72-hole, and messed around on the 18th, so seeing that putt go in, it just -- yeah, I was just so relieved, yeah.

Q. I think people forget your very next start you were in another playoff. That win really, I know middle of the season struggled a little bit, but gave you some confidence I would imagine, and kind of validated some things you were feeling. What were some of the things you really took from that victory or learned about yourself in the process?

NANNA KOERSTZ MADSEN: Yeah, it was definitely a big win to see myself winning out here. Gave me a lot of confidence, yeah, obviously in the playoff the week after.

So a lot of confidence from this tournament, and I just kept some momentum going those weeks after.

Q. You mentioned 18. What are the conditions like out there? Is it familiar to last year? I know we were soggier this time last year. How is the golf course playing differently?

NANNA KOERSTZ MADSEN: The course is in good shape. It's still playing a little softer than '21, so I think we'll still see some very low scores out there.

But that's just fine. A lot of birdies. I'm excited for that.

Q. Obviously figured some things out here last year. What's really the key to this golf course. More short game or more ball striking?

NANNA KOERSTZ MADSEN: Definitely ball striking. Greens are kind of narrow some places. My ball striking last year was really good. Usually that's not my biggest advantages on the course, but ball-striking is important.

Q. Second event of the 2023 season. You made your debut at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. What are you looking for from yourself, your game, and this season?

NANNA KOERSTZ MADSEN: Well, first of all, more consistency. Last year was not good after that good stretch I had.

I do see myself being in contention more this year. That's one of my goals, to be out there and try to play for wins.

Q. Obviously kind of elephant in the room, Solheim Cup year as well. What would it mean to you to make that team again and keep the Cup in Europe this year?

NANNA KOERSTZ MADSEN: That would be amazing. Last time I played the Solheim it was such a great experience. It was so much fun. It was fun being part of a team. So that would be a big goal of mine, to get to play the Solheim.

I know I would have to make some good results, but that would be awesome.

Q. Do you think it will be different this year playing on European soil, on the mainland even?

NANNA KOERSTZ MADSEN: Yeah, for sure, because last year we played was COVID so we didn't even -- there was almost no Europeans so it will be really cool to see how it will be with European fans.

Yeah, I'm sure it will be a great atmosphere.

Q. I'm sure you've watched the Ryder Cup, but seeing how those fans are, how much are you looking forward to that first tee antics of the Euros? They have the most fun it seems like.

NANNA KOERSTZ MADSEN: Well, I went to the Ryder Cup in France when they played there it was so cool. Being able to stand on the first tee in Europe in Solheim would be -- yeah, it would be a dream.

Q. And playing for somebody like Suzann, obviously had that moment all those years ago at Gleneagles, what would that mean? She's done so much for European women's golf.

NANNA KOERSTZ MADSEN: Yeah, I really admire Suzann, what she's accomplished in her career being Scandinavian as well, so being a part of her team would be really, really awesome.

I think she will be a great captain. She's very enthusiastic and really has the Solheim spirit, so it'll be awesome.

Q. Just chat about the off-season. I know we tend to go a little longer than other tours, but what did you do during the off-season? How much rest did you get? Are you feeling kind of fresh now that you're really staring down the schedule?

NANNA KOERSTZ MADSEN: Yeah, I went back to Denmark for a little while. Took some time off and just practiced a bunch to get my swing in the shape for the season.

Hopefully I'm closer to some decent golf. I had two more decent weeks, so I trust my game is getting closer to something I like to be at.

So, yeah, just a lot of practice and a little time off.

Q. What have you been working on specifically that you hope will make a difference?

NANNA KOERSTZ MADSEN: Overall. It was everything that messed up in the middle of the season, but swing, putting mostly.

Q. Just being at a golf course that suits your eye, how excited are you to try to defend the title? What would it mean to be able to do that?

NANNA KOERSTZ MADSEN: It would be awesome. It would be my second win, so I would definitely like to do that.

But right now, just enjoying all the defending champion stuff. It's really cool. It's just great to be back.

Q. What did you learn about yourself in this past year? Like having that win, being a winner, kind of a little bit elevated on the first tee. You're an LPGA winner when they announce you now. Did you learn anything? Did you change?

NANNA KOERSTZ MADSEN: I wouldn't say I changed. I got more confident in winning here and knowing you can win. When you tee it up on the first tee, knowing you can win out here is, yeah, it gives you like a calm. You're more calm out there instead of always having to fight towards that win.

So, yeah, it's just great having a win on your back so you feel you can win. That's probably what changed me the most. I wouldn't say I changed as a person, but more confident being on the course.

Q. We'll end it with a fun one. Favorite Thai food, Thai dish?

NANNA KOERSTZ MADSEN: I love all Thai food, but I like curries. Curries are probably my favorite.