BANK OF HOPE LPGA MATCH-PLAY

May 23, 2023

Eun-Hee Ji

Shadow Creek

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: All right, welcome inside the online and in-person media center here at the Bank of Hope LPGA Match-Play presented by MGM Rewards.

I am pleased to be - honored - to be joined by the defending champion, Eun-Hee Ji.

What's it is like to be back here in Vegas after last year's victory?

EUN-HEE JI: Yeah, I only have good memories from this tournament. Coming here this week I was a little bit anxious and excited. I still have very vivid memories of my win last year.

Hopefully the luck can continue and play well this week as well.

Q. What caused the anxiousness? Was it just defending or remembering what last year brought?

EUN-HEE JI: Yeah, definitely part of it is the fact I'm defending. Last year I won -- I tied the last hole on 18 in round three to advance, and after those -- in the succeeding rounds I only have good memories from there, so I was a little bit anxious just thinking about that.

Q. What is it like gearing up for match play as opposed to the usual stroke play events we have week to week?

EUN-HEE JI: You know, match play I can play with a little bit more confidence. Even if I make a mistake I know I can make up for it, considering that I can be more aggressive and I think that led to a good result as well.

I think there is charm of playing match play without much fear that leads to good play.

Q. When you prepare for this type of event, is there anything different for you? Do you do anything differently leading up to match play as opposed to our usual string of tournaments?

EUN-HEE JI: I don't think there is necessarily a different way to prepare. I think it's the mindset heading into match play -- knowing stroke play, when you play rounds 1 though 4 you have to maintain that good score and keep playing better.

Of course in match play you have to play well, but you have to be mindful of how your opponent is playing and just comparing just the day by day comparison, so I think that part in itself of match play is just really fun.

Q. Match play is different from our week to week, and it means sometimes a lot more golf holes that you'll have to play. It's a lot of golf. When you're able to reflect on how well you did last year, being able to win, what did the win do for you personally and did it prove anything to you?

EUN-HEE JI: Yeah, definitely excited that I got the win last year, but at the same time, I was very, very tired. You have to have the physicals I think to be able to play the full match play. I was very pleased about the win. I kind of patted myself on the back. A lot of players also complimented me on the win.

And also my win last year got me the ticket to play in the U.S. Women's Open. Very tiring and exhausting, but kind of had to put the win and excitement aside and play. It was a tiring two weeks, but it was worth it.

Q. I love to hear that. Just before we wrap it up, obviously you have been able to play Shadow Creek the last couple days. What is it about this course that excites you the most?

EUN-HEE JI: The course shape is in very good condition. Setup is great. I think it's in perfect condition. You know, you have to think the setting of each hole, so as I go to each hole I have to think about how to approach shots, certain shots in certain ways.

That in itself is the fun part of the game, too.

THE MODERATOR: I love that. Up for the challenge. Thank you for joining us and best of luck this week.

EUN-HEE JI: Thank you.

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