EPSON TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP

October 8, 2023

Auston Kim

LPGA International, Jones Course

Quick Quotes

Q. I'm here with Auston Kim, your 2023 Epson Tour champion. How does it feel to be holding that trophy in your hand right now?

AUSTON KIM: It feels great. The win is something else, but I'm really ecstatic about all the hard work that I've put in, mentally, physically, all the conditioning, all the upkeep, all the weeks that I've just been grinding out here and working my hardest. It's really a testament to what we've been doing all summer.

Q. How would you describe this week as a whole? You played some really great golf. After the first round you didn't shoot worse than 65. What does that mean to you?

AUSTON KIM: Heading into this tournament, I knew that I needed a big week, but also, I knew that if it wasn't my week, I'd still have Q-Series to get through and maybe get some status.

The first round was a little tough. I know that I could have played better. I hate using the word "could have," but it was a little disappointing and I missed a lot of short putts out there, but I was able to regroup that night and made some adjustments, and I didn't look back.

Q. What does it feel like now to be able to not have to go to Q-Series? What kind of a relief is that for you?

AUSTON KIM: It's a relief, but also I was ready to go, too. This is probably the best possible outcome, and I know that I had a lot of luck on my side, too, aside from all the hard work. But I was really ready to go and just be a gamer that week, too, if need be.

I just feel really proud of myself and my family for doing everything to get this trophy.

Q. To talk briefly about your round today, you tied the nine-hole scoring record out here, also tied the 72-hole scoring record out here. What did it feel like, birdie after birdie and then Eagle? How did you keep yourself calm and in the moment?

AUSTON KIM: I hit it really close on 2, made that putt, and from holes 2 to 7, I just felt like I was going on a rampage. I was really trying not to think about it, but also taking it one shot at a time. I didn't want to get too caught off guard because I knew what I was doing, and I really felt like I was in control. I didn't want to get too ahead of myself, either, so I just took it one shot at a time, and the putts were dropping.

Once I made my second par of the day, I was like, oh, that's it.

But I knew that I could make some more coming down the stretch, and I just wanted to stay really patient.

Q. Were you checking the leaderboard throughout the day today?

AUSTON KIM: I was, yeah. I made a bogey on 11, which was kind of unfortunate. Just made a bad course management mistake. But whenever I could see the leaderboards, I was just really trying to get a look, see how much of a cushion that I had, and if I did, then I was just trying my best to hit it on the fairway, hit it on the green and give myself the best possible looks.

Q. Coming on 18 here, you hit short on the green, made an up-and-down for birdie. What was going through your head there? I'm sure you probably felt some pressure.

AUSTON KIM: Yeah, I was pretty nervous teeing up my ball on 18 tee and kind of flared my drive out right but it was fine. Then when I was standing over my second shot, I knew I really wanted to get it on the green to ensure a birdie almost. Tempo was unfortunately a little quick, and managed to get up-and-down from a tough spot short right of the green. Made a really, really good putt on the last hole for birdie, and that's about it.

Q. You made that putt and gave your mom a big hug and you stood there for a little bit of time. What was going through your head right there in that moment?

AUSTON KIM: I mean, we talked about -- we just talked all year about if we do the right things, if I create good habits, it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when. I knew I needed a big week this week, but also last week it was a little disappointing, but I knew that I was close, and just having her by my side and encouraging me and keeping me patient and just knowing that I could learn from last week's disappointment and turn it into something really positive this week, she really helped with that.

I can say that she was expecting me to win this year, and she was right.

Q. You got another phone call, I believe you were chatting with your sister in the library. Anything that she was saying, any emotions she had, as well?

AUSTON KIM: Yeah, she played well out here, too, but she was crying. We were crying. She's my best friend. I said it up there, I'll say it again, she's my best friend. She's always supported me ever since she started school and retired from golf. She's given me so much advice.

I really couldn't have done this without her. She's kept me calm. I've learned a lot from her. We grew up playing together, and I've always wanted to beat her, and I couldn't have gotten this without her.

Q. What does it feel like to earn 2024 membership on the LPGA Tour? A loaded question, not sure if it's quite set in yet for you.

AUSTON KIM: It hasn't set in yet, but the only thing that I can think of is that the real work starts now. I'm really proud of this win, and this win was a really big step in the right direction. It's what I've been working for all year, and now my goals have changed. I don't want to set any high expectations for myself, but I know what my goals are. I know that I'm really excited for next year, and I cannot wait to compete against the best.