DANA OPEN PRESENTED BY MARATHON

July 13, 2023

Aditi Ashok

Highland Meadows Golf Club

Quick Quotes

Q. Joined by Aditi Ashok. Aditi, just take us through your first round here at the Dana Open.

ADITI ASHOK: Yeah, I think it was good. I drove the ball really well. I think I was in position most of the day. I hit good approaches, too. I like I made -- obviously I birdied the par-5, which was short, but I made some birdies with 6-, 7-irons, so hitting the ball really.

I feel like I could have rolled a few more putts, but overall happy with the round.

Q. We talked off camera, but coming from the west coast to here, what were the challenges of getting ready for this event knowing you're going to be a little sleep deprived, a little fatigued?

ADITI ASHOK: Yeah, for me traveling east is always hard. It was tough a few weeks ago coming from Vegas to Mizuho. I played well there, so I guess it's not as bad as I think.

I had to take yesterday off. I mean, Tuesday off. I just didn't practice. Didn't really do much. Just registered and that was it. I think that one day helped me recover a bit.

Yeah, helps to have played this course so many years. I think six years I've played it, so that helped.

Q. You just said you played this course so many times. What are some of the things year after year when you come back about Highland Meadows that you look to take advantage of?

ADITI ASHOK: Yeah, I think obviously there is just two par-5s instead of four, so I think it's more about hitting good approaches, at least that's my focus for the week.

I know if I'm in position with my putting I should be able to make a few birdies, so that's what I've been focusing on.

Q. What's something today that you're going to take from your round that you'll try and emphasize the rest of the week?

ADITI ASHOK: I think I swung it really good today. Might just go hit some balls, soak in that feeling, and hopefully keep that for four days. I feel like I've had these spells where I'm good and for a few holes I'm not, so just going to try and keep that for assist many rounds in a row as I can.

Q. Last one from me: Where is the confidence level? What's the mentality as you move forward?

ADITI ASHOK: Yeah, of course I've played some good golf this year. I've been in contention a couple times. Hopefully trying to get into those positions more often.

Yeah, if I can do that this week, too, that'll be great. Hopefully get more comfortable playing in the Top 5, afternoon leader groups. That's the goal.

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