LPGA DRIVE ON CHAMPIONSHIP

March 23, 2023

Lilia Vu

Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club

Quick Quotes

Q. Here with Lilia Vu; one of the first times we've seen you since you won in Thailand. You're playing well; 5-under 67 today; few birdies on the card; eagle on 18. Walk me through the front nine and the last couple holes on the front nine, 17, 18.

LILIA VU: After Singapore on the final round I kind of hurt my toe, so I basically had to limp in on 18. That toe pain came back again this week, so I've been playing around with different ways of taping my feet with my physio.

Today I think I was just focusing on just having fun and just trying not to be hurt while walking and playing.

And then by my 12th hole my ankle started hurting instead of my toe, so we had her come out and just tape up my leg, my calf.

I was just worried about just finishing the round honestly and having fun. I had a good group today, so that also helped.

Q. Tell me about that eagle on 18.

LILIA VU: Yeah, I hit in the fairway and I hit my hybrid and ended up kind of in the dirt patch right between the bunker and the green.

I figured, okay, I'm just going to just bump and run it and just hit it on my spot, and then whatever happens, happens. Rolled out and went in.

Q. Nothing wring with that. Obviously got the first win in Thailand. I know sometimes for people those expectations go up. How are you feeling after all of that happening and coming in really now into the meat of the season?

LILIA VU: I think I was saying the other day I don't really feel different. I still have that drive to come out here and have fun.

I'm just going to remain the same way and try to win again each week.

Q. Obviously not playing 100% with the body, but what in the game was working so well for you today?

LILIA VU: Today was putting. I actually spent almost two hours yesterday on the putting green. Just didn't feel good with my putter. Couldn't figure out the break. It's really subtle around here and trying to figure out where the you mountain is and where it breaks from and away from.

Yeah, I was really frustrated after yesterday's practice; then came in today with no expectations. Just have fun.

Q. You think that's really where the teeth of this golf course is, in the speed of the greens? I feel like there is not a lot to it off the tees, but seems like the greens is where it defends itself?

LILIA VU: Yeah, that's where the golf course fights back. On the front nine, which was my back nine today, the greens were softer. It was different from my front nine, significantly.

I think me and another playing partner realized that the balls weren't rolling out on the front nine. Maybe it will be softer throughout the week, yeah.

Q. I know a big thing for you is having fun. But getting on the of to a good start, not playing 100%, what is the mindset next three days?

LILIA VU: Just have fun. Keep doing what I'm doing.

Q. Just curious, having broken through with a win, is there a whole new mental approach now? Does seem like the path a clear to victory? What did a breakthrough in winning do for you on the mental side of your game?

LILIA VU: I mean, obviously it helps out just knowing that I have my card for next year. Like I told Sarah, I don't really feel different. I feel like I just happen to play well and have fun, and then that's how I ended up winning.

Each week my goal is just to have fun. I know if I can do that, my golf will follow.