BANK OF HOPE LPGA MATCH-PLAY

May 28, 2023

Pajaree Anannarukarn

Shadow Creek

TV

Q. Here with Pajaree Anannarukarn. Congratulations on winning your second LPGA Tour event, but the first time in the United States. Your first one came in Northern Ireland. What does this moment mean to you? It was such a long, grueling, hard-fought week to win.

PAJAREE ANANNARUKARN: Yeah, definitely different feeling compared to stroke play. Match play is definitely taking a lot of energy out throughout the week.

I mean, I'm really soaking in right now. I just couldn't think of anything, but really grateful for everything that happened after the past few probably last year or past few months.

This is the first time that I, you know, was actually traveling without my dad. I really miss him, though. I hope he's watching.

Yeah, it's a great week and I'm really grateful for everything.

Q. Did you ever doubt yourself that you would win again?

PAJAREE ANANNARUKARN: Yes, there is time definitely. When I won my Northern Ireland I continue playing some great golf until 2022, early of the year, and then started going down. I feel like I'm trying to figure out -- golf, sometimes it's hard to just come back up.

And then I just, you know, tried every possible way just to improve my game and just keep believing, and I'm lucky that I have everyone around me that helped me and support me along the way just since day one.

So I'm really grateful for that.

Q. You played 116 holes. I believe 34 of them today. This morning you had eight birdies in 14 holes; a little more challenging this afternoon. Describe the difference between this morning and this afternoon's championship match.

PAJAREE ANANNARUKARN: The wind definitely pick up a lot and I think I used all of my birdies and focus like first 18, so I really try hard to focus on myself.

I miss couple putts and I even shank off the bunker. I mean, it's golf and I really tried, so I'm glad I was able to play some good, decent enough.

Q. You played better than anyone else and you are the champion of the Bank of Hope LPGA Match Play. It was a delight to watch you play. Congratulations on win No. 2.