AIG WOMEN'S OPEN

August 11, 2023

Rose Zhang

Mixed Zone

Q. How did you play?

ROSE ZHANG: Today was pretty solid in general. I felt like I had a couple good looks out there. Made a couple putts, and overall, you just have to keep the ball in the fairway, so started out a little bit rocky but ultimately grinded it out.

Q. Is it getting trickier? Is it firming up a little bit?

ROSE ZHANG: Just a little bit, but for the most part it was playing pretty similar to yesterday, but it was also in the morning today, so just a little bit of a difference. The wind played a little bit of a factor but other than that, the greens were a little bit more firmer.

Q. How do you feel about your position given that somebody is racing off in the distance at the moment?

ROSE ZHANG: Yeah, I mean, I'm glad that I made the cut. That was kind of my goal for this week, and tomorrow and the day after, I'm going to have a game plan and just stick with it.

Q. Were you on the clock --

ROSE ZHANG: On 16 because we were behind on time, that's why I decided to play through and play ready golf, and Ashleigh let me go through.

Q. Can I ask you about Solheim?

ROSE ZHANG: Yes, Solheim.

Q. How do you feel about that?

ROSE ZHANG: Oh, I'm so excited. It's been quite a while since I've been a junior golfer and I've played in two junior Solheim Cups, so just getting to experience those weeks definitely made this event special in my heart. Playing for the U.S. is always something special and it's what all athletes want to do, represent their country, so for me to do that, especially now, I'm really excited.

Q. It's going to be in Spain at Finca cortisone. Have you been there or played? Did you hear something about that?

ROSE ZHANG: No, but I heard it's an absolutely beautiful place. We're apparently staying in the best hotel in Spain, so eat lots of good food, rest lots, and I'm excited to have my family there, as well. My mom never really travels with me, so she'll be going this week.

Q. Do you know the golf equipment maker --

ROSE ZHANG: Yes.

Q. Do you think it's easy to win or --

ROSE ZHANG: Well, it's not very easy to win against the best players in the world. But at the same time, all you can do is just stay in the moment, play for your team and go for it.

Q. Is that the first time you've been on the clock?

ROSE ZHANG: Yes, it is the first time I've been on the clock.

Q. Is that a scary experience?

ROSE ZHANG: Not too much, because in AJGA and junior golf we get put on the clock a lot more. It's the first time as a pro, but my caddie and I, we were talking about it, and he was like, don't stress, you're not behind on anything, and just play your game and have your routine, so I was just doing that.

Q. Were you showing the readiness, like I'm not fussing about -- do referees take that into account?

ROSE ZHANG: I have no idea to be honest. I think it's just -- I think it's honours first, somewhat, something of that sort.

Q. Did they tell you which player is the culprit is or just the group?

ROSE ZHANG: Just the whole group. And then they time you individually, whoever is slow they get penalised.