U.S. WOMEN'S OPEN

July 7, 2023

Allisen Corpuz

Pebble Beach Golf Links

Flash Interview

Q. We're here with Allisen Corpuz, 2-under 70 today. Talk us through your round out there.

ALLISEN CORPUZ: Yeah, started out well with a birdie on 3 and 4, and then made the turn with a birdie at 9.

Bogeyed 11 and 18 coming in, but also picked up a birdie at 16. Overall hit the ball really solid, made a few putts, and just happy with the round.

Q. The course play any differently today than yesterday?

ALLISEN CORPUZ: A bit of a different wind direction and I think it was a little stronger, as well. A few shots were a little trickier, I thought, but overall still pretty scorable on some of the holes.

Q. It's been a really solid season. You finished great in the other two majors and held your own with Jin Young and Nelly at HSBC. How have you stayed patient and what's been your mental attitude about waiting for everything to click?

ALLISEN CORPUZ: Yeah, I think going into this year it really has just been about getting better and better. I honestly still need to get a little more comfortable, I think, in contention.

So that's really been the focus this year, just really trying to put myself into that spot and then hopefully learn how to convert as it keeps happening.

Q. What is it about your game that suits these big major venues?

ALLISEN CORPUZ: Yeah, I think I'm a really solid ball striker which I think you need on big courses like this. Me and Jay I think do a great job of just looking at the course and really being honest about where my game is at, what shots I do or don't have for the week, and putting together a really solid game plan according to that.

Q. How good was it to get that birdie at 9? You've got to feel like you picked up a shot there.

ALLISEN CORPUZ: Yeah, definitely. 8 through I want to say 12 or 13 are all a tough stretch. It was just really nice to be able to convert one there.

Q. You looked really comfortable with your irons today. Talk me through your process and how much your confidence boosted after yesterday.

ALLISEN CORPUZ: Yeah, I think I just really tried to keep it simple, tried to choose forgiving targets, just give myself a little bit of room on both sides.

But it's a big course. Just really trying to stay patient with myself. You know, misses will happen; but just try to recover from that.

Q. You looked pretty upset with that tee shot on 13 but then you stuck it really close on the green to save for par. Walk me through that.

ALLISEN CORPUZ: Yeah, I've actually been hitting that one right all week, so today I was just like, I want to hit left center of the fairway. Unfortunately turned it over a little too much and caught the bunker.

But hit a pretty good shot out of the bunker and then hit a good wedge shot in and was able to convert that par. Really happy with that save.

Q. You're playing really steady but it felt like there was somewhat of a momentum boost after 16. What were you feeling after you made that putt?

ALLISEN CORPUZ: Yeah, I think -- I mean, I just had a really good look at birdie there and was able to convert it. Just always grateful for a birdie at a U.S. Open.

Q. Had you played Pebble before?

ALLISEN CORPUZ: I haven't. This is my first time out here.

Q. How comfortable with you on these grasses?

ALLISEN CORPUZ: I actually played a lot of poa in college, and yeah, just grew up along the ocean. As far as the wind goes and stuff, it's felt actually really comfortable this week.

Q. Given this is your first time playing Pebble, how quick a study is this golf course?

ALLISEN CORPUZ: I mean, my caddie Jay just does awesome. He comes out and preps and then we've worked together really well.

I think it's tough, but I think once you see the course a few times, you kind of figure out where you can't miss for sure, and hopefully just pick up a few birdies coming in.

Q. Other than the views, obviously, is there one thing that stands out when you're learning this golf course that you know you're going to need to have in your game at a major championship this weekend?

ALLISEN CORPUZ: Yeah, I think especially with the wind picking up, it's just really important to stay trusting it and stay patient out there.

Q. You said you're working on feeling more comfortable in contention. How do you do that?

ALLISEN CORPUZ: I think really just telling myself like it's good to be nervous. Everyone else is. Kind of trying to step up to the moment and hit the shots just what it matters.

Q. You've run the gamut in USGA championships. We know you in every way in every one of these events out here. What does it mean to be in this position at one you may not be as familiar with?

ALLISEN CORPUZ: Yeah, any major is special to be somewhere near the top of the leaderboard. I mean, the U.S. Open, as well, right, it's our country's major kind of. Really special, especially with it being out at Pebble this week.

Q. Just to be able to share the same field as Michelle, obviously fellow Hawai'i connection there, to be able to share the same field as she kind of bids farewell, what does it mean to you to be in the same field as her, and any advice for her as she rides off into the sunset?

ALLISEN CORPUZ: Yeah, she's done so much for women's golf, for Hawai'i golf. It's just so awesome to see her making this transition out, and just being able to compete with her in her final tournament, it's just really awesome.