THE ASCENDANT LPGA BENEFITING VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA

October 5, 2023

Hyo Joo Kim

Golf Clubs at The Tribute

Quick Quotes

Q. Here with Hyo Joo Kim after her first round at the Ascendant LPGA. Really good round for you today. What was the key for you out there?

HYO JOO KIM: Including last week, my putting hasn’t been good so I hadn’t been able to hit low scores. But my putting worked really well for the first time in a while so I was able to hit low scores and it was a satisfying day.

Q. Speaking of putting, really good putting today. What was the key to your putting?

HYO JOO KIM: I’ve been getting some stress over the last couple tournaments because of putting. I just made sure I wasn’t becoming too sensitive and tried to get the distance right. I think playing it safe allowed me to not miss any birdie chances.

Q. You've been at the top of the leaderboard a lot this year, what do you attribute to that success?

HYO JOO KIM: It’s good that I’m on top of the leaderboard often but it’s disappointing that I’m not at the top at the end of the week. I really want to stay at the top of the leaderboard after this week’s done.

Q. Do you feel there is anything missing since you haven't got that win this year? Is there something you need to do to get over the hump?

HYO JOO KIM: I do think about it often and I really hope to get the win this week.

Q. You're in the lead for the Vare Trophy right now? Do you think about that?

HYO JOO KIM: No (laughter)

Q. You always play really good here in Texas.

HYO JOO KIM: Oh really? (laughter)

Q. I think three top-12 finishes in this event. Do you like playing here? How does this course maybe suit your game?

HYO JOO KIM: I actually didn’t know I posted those scores but now that I know the scores, I think I can play with even more confidence.

Q. Can you talk about the four birdies in a row on 13, 14, 15 and 16.

HYO JOO KIM: I started off with a birdie on par-5 13. I was three meters, two meters, one meter and one meter away from birdie in those four holes and I was able to successfully convert them into birdies.

Q. Have you ever had four in a row in a tournament like this?

HYO JOO KIM: It’s been a while since I had four birdies in a row. Long time. (laughter)