THE ASCENDANT LPGA BENEFITING VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA

October 5, 2023

Sofia Garcia

Golf Clubs at The Tribute

Quick Quotes

Q. Joined by Sofia Garcia. Sofia, bogey-free on the day. Just what was working so well for you out there?

SOFIA GARCIA: I think for me, kind of bringing back a bit last week. On the two weeks off before that I was working a lot on my short game. I'm usually a good ball-striker, and I think I got something going on the off weeks on my short game.

I think that really allows me to, when I'm striking it well, to be able to save myself when I mess up. Obviously I went to school in Texas. I know the weather. Today was definitely on the nicer side of Texas, but I think me and my caddie were able to be where we wanted to be, and when we missed we were in the right spots.

Q. You had a lot more scoring opportunities on the front than the back. When you're going through that stretch on the back nine, par after par after par, what do you tell yourself, and then you end and see, oh, I'm still up there top of the leaderboard? I guess my question is, is it difficult when you're just going par after par to be comfortable with that? Does that make sense?

SOFIA GARCIA: I will say it's definitely we'll call it drive in a way. In the technical side a lot of the holes coming on the back I have the wind behind me, so it really comes to me being able to stay patient, because there are some things you cannot control. If you hit the yardage you want and you are on the right place, it's not close to the pin, you stay patient because like I said, I am familiar with the weather, and it requires a lot of patience.

I think this golf course is also a factor and you got to stay patient.

Q. You got a couple practice rounds; played your first round here. What has been your assessment of Old American Golf Club?

SOFIA GARCIA: Old American is in well shape for sure. I was very pleased with the conditions we found, even with the rain we got yesterday. There were -- like I said, today we have on the nicer side, but obviously having the course on the lake makes it a bit challenging.

So definitely a golf course that makes you -- gives you opportunity to attack for sure, but also it likes you to be patient and be able to choose the spots you want to be, and luckily I was there today.

Q. My last one. You're in your rookie season. How would you describe your season so far, and how has it been different than what you maybe expected before joining the tour?

SOFIA GARCIA: I mean, this year has been -- it has been a roller coast for sure. I think for me, I started with a different caddie and a new coach. My coach obviously takes care of everything, but now I have a new one that actually play in the LPGA and make some stuff click.

Being able to strategize well and having the tools to play well today by striking well and putting it well, and like I said my short game definitely improve the last two weeks. That definitely kind of clicks everything.

I think also been a bit lucky that Texas is kind of a place I'm familiar with that, so that helps for sure to get a good round together.