AUGUSTA NATIONAL WOMEN'S AMATEUR

March 28, 2023

Saki Baba

Quick Quotes

Q. Is this your first tournament over here?

SAKI BABA: Yes.

Q. And is the golf course similar to what you're used to in Japan or different?

SAKI BABA: I find it very different from courses in Japan. It's more like less (indiscernible) and grain is different.

So I try to adjust myself in the tournament.

Q. What are you most looking forward to seeing Augusta National?

SAKI BABA: If I make the cut I will be able to play in Augusta National, so that's what I'm looking forward to it.

Q. Have you watched the Masters on TV for a long time?

SAKI BABA: Yes.

Q. Uh-huh. What would it mean to win this tournament?

SAKI BABA: Obviously like women are allowed to play in Augusta only for this tournament, so it would be great if I won the championship.

Q. Were you excited when Hideki won the Masters and was that a major event over in Japan?

SAKI BABA: Yes.

Q. How about when Tsubasa won this event? Was that also a source of pride and were you aware of it a couple years ago?

SAKI BABA: I really respect her and also I find some chance to win this tournament because Tsubasa represented Japan and she won the tournament. So if I (indiscernible) really good chance for me as well.

Q. Uh-huh. And are you proud of the fact that there are ten Japanese women in the field, by far the most of any country outside of the United States?

SAKI BABA: Very proud of myself. I play here Augusta and represent Japan.

Q. How old were you when you took up golf?

SAKI BABA: I start playing golf, I was five years old.

Q. How did you begin to play?

SAKI BABA: I was introduced by my dad.

Q. I read that Nelly Korda is one of your favorites or heros; is that right? If so, what do you like about Nelly?

SAKI BABA: She's so cool.

Q. Is this your first trip to the United States?

SAKI BABA: First time for me.

Q. The first time over here?

THE INTERPRETER: Fourth. Oh, maybe fifth. (Laughter.) I'm bit confuse. Like fourth or fifth.

Q. What were the occasions? Family trips or other events?

SAKI BABA: It's the U.S. Open Amateur, U.S. Open last year and...

Q. Of course, of course, of course.

SAKI BABA: And Junior Open and couple different tournament here.

Q. Your success at U.S. Am, how did that help prepare you for the pressures this week and playing on a big stage?

SAKI BABA: Obviously I won the U.S. Amateur and I had a right to play here, so I tried to enjoy playing golf here more than like result.