TOTO JAPAN CLASSIC

November 5, 2023

Mone Inami

Taihelyo Club Minori Course

Quick Quotes

Q. Welcome back to the winning circle. How do you feel now?

I always aim to win at least one time per year. However, I have struggled this year. I had a good start this year. However, from the middle of the season I am struggling not only with my golf but also with my body condition. It made me unable to play well.

Also, I did not feel comfortable with my swing all year long and changed my swing 4 times. But, I got something good feeling with my swing this week, it worked well and I won this tournament.

Q. You said you got a chance to get into a new world because of this victory. What type of new world is in front of you now?

I am very happy to get an option that I can play not only on the Japan tour but also on the US tour now. I will discuss with my team to make a final decision whether we will take this option or not.

Q. On her familiarity with the area

I have a good connection with Ibaraki prefecture (where the Minori course is located.). I am from a local high school and University and I used to be a member of "Team Ibaraki" with Nasa Hataoka.

So, it might have worked well for me.

Q. How does it feel to now have your first LPGA Tour win? How does it feel different than a JLPGA win?

MONE INAMI: Actually, I don't feel big difference between Japan LPGA victory and USA victory. I got chance to have a new world coming in front of me. That kind of sense I can feel.

Q. I was going to ask about that. What and do you think of the opportunity now to become an LPGA Tour member?

MONE INAMI: Actually I need to talk this, all the stuff to make a final decision.

Q. Have you spoken in any Japanese LPGA Tour players about it or do you plan to?

MONE INAMI: No, not actually.

Q. Okay. Moving on to your round today, you've been near the top of the leaderboard all week. How did you end up making it to the top? What did you have to do to push through and end up on top?

MONE INAMI: First couple days I tried to enjoy the feeling. Kind of body (indiscernible) so I try to (indiscernible) and then since very lucky eagle and birdie, and last two holes yesterday, so that is very lucky to me.

And for today, actually the first nine holes try to enjoy it, but it's very big pressure coming in on the back nine. So tough game.

Q. Speaking of playing in the final group, you played with Nasa and Shiho. Did can that help to elevate your competition, playing with such good players?

MONE INAMI: Yes, actually, it did, yes. Did pretty well. Every hole they got the birdie chance, so I tried to catch that.

Q. Last question: What will you do to celebrate your win today, tomorrow, the next couple weeks?

MONE INAMI: I will have the dinner, the meal when I get home.