AIG WOMEN'S OPEN

August 11, 2023

Aditi Ashok

Mixed Zone

Q. 3-under, so 69 today.

ADITI ASHOK: Yes.

Q. So what was a highlight today for you?

ADITI ASHOK: Well, I think I was just hitting the ball really well. So in the wind I feel like that was my focus, going into the day and commit to the shots and hit them and on the lines that I want to. Because I feel like when it's windy, a little off line, you know, the shot gets -- can look much worse.

So that was what I focused on, and I think it worked today. So I had a lot of good looks for birdie, and I think I putted well too. I made some clutch par putts and a couple 15-footers coming in. So that helped.

Q. Was it slightly easier on the front nine today compared to yesterday? Because it was into the wind yesterday.

ADITI ASHOK: I feel like, yeah, maybe. Felt like it was still into the wind today too, but just not as much.

But, yeah, yesterday I played I think 7:25 in the morning, so it was a bit cold, I guess, for me, and I think I wasn't hitting my numbers. So the first three holes I was -- missed all three greens, like 20 yards short.

So, yeah, today was a better -- I could adjust much quicker, I guess.

Q. Just in position for the weekend. What are you looking for Saturday and Sunday?

ADITI ASHOK: Yeah, more of what I've been doing. I feel like I've been playing good, haven't really dropped many shots. I'm just focusing on hitting fairways and greens.

And I think that's the key on this golf course, especially hitting fairways. So that's been working, so I'm trying to keep doing that for the weekend and, yeah, hopefully hit them closer and get more birdie putts.

Q. Do you set yourself a target when you come into weeks like this and a major week?

ADITI ASHOK: Not really, no. I feel like majors are the toughest test, and you can never really expect anything going onto the first tee. I feel like that does more damage than good. Especially for me in the past.

So I try to take them just one shot at a time because when you look at each hole or each round and then 72 holes, it feels a lot bigger in your head compared to just one shot. So that's what I try and do.

Q. Have you enjoyed the challenge (indiscernible)?

ADITI ASHOK: Yeah, I think it's been really a fun course to play. Obviously I hadn't -- I haven't played here before, but, yeah, with the heather sneaking in on a few of those holes, it makes it, you know, kind of important to drive it straight.

And I feel like I do drive it straight. I don't really think about that too much. But I feel like on this course I do have to worry about it a lot.

Q. Obviously in the future, St Andrews next year, and then Royal Lytham, St Annes 2026. Are you impressed with the quality of venues that this championship is going to?

ADITI ASHOK: Yes, definitely. I think that's the best part about this tournament, that we get to go to such historic venues, especially the last three, which were Troon, Carnoustie, Muirfield. Those are like dream courses, bucket list courses for me. So, yeah, I'm just really excited for this tournament and how it's grown over the last five to ten years.

So, yeah, hopefully it keeps going that way and we can get, you know, even -- you know, that kind of venues every year.

Q. I noticed the children following you out there today. What was it like having people following you around?

ADITI ASHOK: Yeah. Definitely. I think especially in the U.K. there's a lot of Indians, so a lot of Indian kids walking here and there. That's pretty cool for me to see. And, yeah, it's nice to have some support out there.

Q. Your family are here as well. How much did it mean to you to have them close?

ADITI ASHOK: Yes, exactly, yeah, my mom has been having a good week too. And my dad usually caddies, but he fell sick last week so he's not been feeling too good. So, yeah, he's just spectating. But, yeah, it's great to have them at the bigger events and watch me play. And I'm playing good, so that's a bonus.

Q. How important is it that you kind of propel into this weekend and try and have your best major finish here?

ADITI ASHOK: Yeah, exactly. I think being up there, just sometimes I feel like making the cut for me personally, if I'm not up there, it's tough for me to break ground on the weekend.

So I feel like being in a good position after the first round or second round is important for me. And I haven't done that much in the majors, so I've done it here this week, so hopefully I can build on that.