EPSON TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP

October 6, 2023

Auston Kim

LPGA International, Jones Course

Quick Quotes

Q. Here with Auston Kim. Great round out there today. 8-under. Tell me what was working so well and just walk me through your round.

AUSTON KIM: The putts were dropping today. That was the biggest difference compared to yesterday. So that was really great.

Q. How do you get those putts to drop? Are you finally see the lines a little better or just get lucky?

AUSTON KIM: Lines were better and just made a quick fix last night.

Q. Do you want to share what the fix was, or nah?

AUSTON KIM: Better fundamentals, good balance, good tempo, stuff like that.

Q. Right now, kind of looking, trying to get your way into the top 10. To put up a round like you did today, what does that tell you about where your game is and how much confidence is that going to give you as you head into the weekend here?

AUSTON KIM: If feels good. I know I've played steady golf throughout the year, but one part of my game would kind of stop me.

Yesterday kind of felt like that, too, especially with my putting. I put a really good number in today and I know that there is a lot of golf left, a lot more birdie opportunities, and I just want to have the best mentality I can this weekend.

Q. What were some of your personal highlights out there today? Obviously a lot of them with an 8-under. Any shots in particular that stood out?

AUSTON KIM: The putting was great all around. Mental was really good. I just had a lot of fun out there today. Really enjoyed it.

Q. What have you kind of mentally been thinking about? I know this is a pressure-packed week; obviously a culmination of what's been a pretty good season for you.

AUSTON KIM: Yeah.

Q. On the outside looking in, how have you kind of kept yourself calm, kept yourself in the moment, and can go out and play golf like you did today?

AUSTON KIM: Yeah, I've heard from a lot of people that pressure is really self-inflicted, and I don't want to put any more pressure on myself. I can get really hard on myself because I'm a bit of a perfectionist, which is really tough with golf.

But I'm just trying to hit the best possible shots, and when the bad shots come, just being a goldfish, know that I can get over it really quick and just try my best on the next one.

Q. Love the Ted Lasso.

AUSTON KIM: Yeah.

Q. Heading into the weekend, 36 more holes, what's your mindset knowing there are low rounds out here?

AUSTON KIM: Just doing my best, fairways and greens, and when I have reads, just trying my best; knowing that putts will drop if I stay patient and just trusting myself.

Q. And then final question from me: A little bit of rain out there today. Did that kind of affect the greens? I know bermuda will start to play a little bit different if it gets wet. Did that make any difference for you?

AUSTON KIM: Not really. It was just really funny because it was sunny and raining and I was like, yeah, we're in Florida. It just made me laugh during the round. Not much of a difference. It was fine overall.