HONDA LPGA THAILAND

February 24, 2023

Maja Stark

Siam Country Club Pattaya, Old Course

Quick Quotes

Q. Here with Maja Stark. Bogey-free on Friday here at Honda LPGA Thailand. Another solid day. Played really well yesterday. Probably going to be hard to top it today, but that has to be a solid round.

MAJA STARK: Yeah, actually felt like I played better today. I think it was just luck yesterday that I made few shots.

But it was very steady. I think I only really had to safe one par. Solid irons. I caught myself earlier when I felt like I had low energy because it's so hot out there. It's easy to just be a little bit lazy with the decisions and everything.

So better.

Q. I know finished with a few pars, but early in that back nine were playing some pretty good golf. What was going through your head in that four, five hole stretch. Made like three birdies, I think.

MAJA STARK: I just said actually on the fairway or on the tee box on 14, I said to my caddie, let's make a birdie.

Then I made one.

Then I made another one.

Then on 17 I said, let's make a long putt.

Then I made it.

So I should just keep saying, let's make a birdie, because then it usually happens.

Q. I know some players struggle to put the pedal down and really go for things. You seem like a player that is pretty good at doing that.

MAJA STARK: I've been getting better. I feel like this week -- no, I don't feel like it's been that great. I caught myself earlier than I usually do, but I do feel myself getting a little bit more defensive I guess.

Q. How do you counteract that and let yourself continue to play free?

MAJA STARK: I just focus more on the pins I guess. It was kind of easy yesterday because seeing Yuka just absolutely bomb it and absolutely give it her all every time and not hold back, that kind of helped me realize what I had to do.

So it was, I don't know, just focus on the pins, actually trust my swing.

Q. Heading into the weekend, right in the mix, one back of Natthakritta. What is the mindset heading into the weekend? I know probably more of the same, but is there anything that changes for you when you're really in contention?

MAJA STARK: I've been trying to get better at handling nerves, but I feel like I'm going to have nerves the whole weekend, so I'm just going to keep playing aggressively anyway.

Yeah, just, yeah, keep putting my foot on the pedal as I said and try to go low. Not compare myself to other people. Just try to make as many birdies as I can do because can't affect the way they're playing.