HILTON GRAND VACATIONS TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

January 18, 2024

Ayaka Furue

Lake Nona Golf & Country Club

Quick Quotes

Q. Ayaka, this is your second time playing this event at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. What's it like being back here at this season opener?

AYAKA FURUE: Yeah, I feel so happy to be back here again. This tournament is kind of different from other tournaments, like playing with celebrities, so I'm just excited, like just happy to be here.

Q. What did you like most about your game today?

AYAKA FURUE: All of my play today, that was really fantastic for me. I could make a lot of birdies and get closer to the hole, and, yeah I think that's the point I could gain the result today.

Q. What was your focus during the off-season to prepare you for this event?

AYAKA FURUE: Not especially, but I just want to keep my play. Like last year I think I played well, so I just want to keep it going on this year.

Q. What were some memorable birdies out there today for you?

AYAKA FURUE: Number 2, long putt. Long putt left to right and downhill.

Q. Do you think Lake Nona suits your game?

AYAKA FURUE: I'm not sure now.

Q. What will you focus on tomorrow? Because even with all this fun, it's still a competition for us.

AYAKA FURUE: I could have fun today, so keep going on. Like just have fun tomorrow and just not thinking about like tournament, like everything.

Q. I think they said on TV this was the lowest round shot at Lake Nona in competition. Had anybody told you about that?

AYAKA FURUE: No.

Q. Is that surprising to you?

AYAKA FURUE: Yes, yes.

Q. What about Lake Nona today made the birdies come in bunches?

AYAKA FURUE: I feel this course is really difficult, and not only my shot but also my putt was really good today, so I think my putt was kind of excellent for me today.

Q. Did the wet conditions help?

AYAKA FURUE: I feel it's better that the ball was not so wet, and also the green was a little bit wet so the ball stop at the -- still fast, yeah. That's one of the thing.