COGNIZANT FOUNDERS CUP

May 9, 2023

Minjee Lee

Upper Montclair Country Club

Quick Quotes

THE MODERATOR: All right, welcome to the media center here at the Cognizant Founders Cup. First press conference of the week, our defending champion, Minjee Lee.

Can you just first take us back to this moment where you won here last year and what your fondest memories of a year ago last week was.

MINJEE LEE: Yeah, I mean, I think probably my most lasting memory is taking a picture after I won with all the girls. I think, yeah, probably that moment just after.

I was just thinking back the other day. It was like the past, present, and the future of all the girls' golf and women's golf, so this tournament means a lot to me.

Having won last year and being back defending this year, I think it's going to be a special week.

Q. This week is big for, like you said, girls' golf, but the Founders, the past. Honoring two really good Founders this week, Betsy King and Pia. I don't know if you have experience with them. What do the Founders of this event and the pioneers mean to you as a player?

MINJEE LEE: I mean, I don't think I've met -- I mean, I've met Betsy but I don't know if I met Pia before. I just think they really paved the way for us and the tour. We've gone from strength to strength since then, and I think we wouldn't have this tour without them and the LPGA.

We're really, really grateful for what they did for us. Hopefully we can live up to their standards and leave this place -- leave the LPGA and women's golf in a better place than we found it.

So, yeah, hopefully aspire to be a little bit like them.

Q. Last year this was your first win of the season. Set you up for a really great end of the year and a win, another major victory. How did this win sort of set up the rest of your season last year?

MINJEE LEE: Yeah, I mean, I kind of jump started my season I guess, so I was striking the ball really well here, and because the golf course is quite demanding, I feel like all parts of my game came together for that win, so gave me a lot of confidence for the next couple weeks and obviously the U.S. Open.

So, yeah, really have great memories here and hoping to do the same this week.

Q. Speaking of the golf course being demanding, I know you haven't been out there yet and seen it, but what are some the most challenging parts and your favorite parts of the golf course that you remember?

MINJEE LEE: I remember it being really tight off the tee and just being a little bit off line, you're in the rough. So obviously driving it well. I can't really remember but I think the course was a little bit on the longer side, so I don't know what it's like yet this week.

But I think ball striking will be really important. Obviously if your putter is hot it's going to help.

So, yeah, pretty much all parts of your game it demands a lot from.

Q. Last year was the first year playing here at Upper Montclair. This is the second year. Do you have feel like you have an advantage over the field this week having been so successful here?

MINJEE LEE: I mean, I have good memories so maybe I have that thing going for me. I think the course is quite a fun and challenging course so I think everyone quite enjoys playing here.

Being the first time we came last year I think it was really new to everyone. Now we had a look at it, so it might be -- I think we're kind of on a similar knowledge about the golf course and things like that.

Q. I know last week was a really fun week for Team Australia. I think coming off that -- it's super fun for all of us to be able to see you guys bond. What does that do for your mentality coming into a week like this, coming off a fun event and going really far in the event?

MINJEE LEE: Oh, I miss them already. It's just so quiet without them. Especially Steph. She's always talking. I mean, there was not a dull moment.

No, it was really, really fun and just it was kind of a different week obviously. The format was a little bit different. I got to play foursomes on the final day with Kempy. Just a little bit different mindset last week.

Now you're really playing individually, so a little bit different. But I had a great week last week and hopefully I can bring it into this week.

Q. Do you think being able to play with them and see other -- obviously you see their games up close every week -- but do you think that does anything for your game? Not just mentality, but also come into a week where you're defending?

MINJEE LEE: I'm not really sure. I haven't really -- I didn't play with Steph too much until I played the Four-Ball. She's a feisty player, very aggressive. I mean, maybe I could have learnt a little bit from that.

Yeah, I'm like the total kind of opposite personality-wise, so it was just fun to be with her and play with her.

Q. How different is playing individual going to be after a week of match play? I hope you don't pick up any balls.

MINJEE LEE: Yeah, I think we'll just adjust back. Match play is a different thing and we only get to do it once or twice a year, so, yeah, no, I think I'm more used to playing stroke play. I want to putt out, not pick up.

I think I'll be fine.

Q. Hannah Green has had some success; she was your teammate last week. After all that happened last week, what does this say for Australia golf and how happy are you to be a representative of...

MINJEE LEE: I mean, it's my greatest honor to be able to represent Australia week in, week out. As a team, even more special. Hannah won in LA the week before so she was on a great streak and her game has come so far I think. I know she put a lot of work into all her -- all parts of her game.

Yeah, no, I'm happy to see fellow Aussie doing so well. All the girls played well last week, so excited to see how they go.

Q. Last question from me. As you're about to defend your title here, what are some of the strongest parts of your game and things you'll utilize out there this week?

MINJEE LEE: Definitely my ball striking. I was striking it really well last week, despite the cold. The last day I felt a little more comfortable with where I was at with my game, and hopefully I can bring it on this week.

THE MODERATOR: Amazing, thank you, Minjee.

MINJEE LEE: Thank you.