HONDA LPGA THAILAND

February 23, 2024

Madelene Sagstrom

Siam Country Club Pattaya, Old Course

TV

Q. Madelene, excellent playing through 36 holes. 10-under par. Just the one dropped shot. I was speaking to Patty about ten minutes ago and she mentioned how she stalled a little bit in the back nine. Sei Young Kim dropped a couple shots on the back nine, as too did Danielle Kang. Was it playing a little bit more difficult on the back side as the wind got up?

MADELENE SAGSTROM: I think I got really tired. I was just trying to hold on for dear life. Not necessarily. There are some tricky pins out there, but the heat should get to all of us. I think it's just trying to really stay in it.

I felt like, okay, focus now. You're about to really fall apart if you don't do anything good. I'm happy that I kept it together in the end. Obviously would've liked another two birdies in the back nine, but I started so solid so I can't complain.

Q. Excellent start. We've marveled at how far you're hitting it off the tee, and straight as well. How much of an advantage that on a golf course like this being able to take bunkers and trouble out of play?

MADELENE SAGSTROM: It's an advantage when you hit it in the fairway, but not behind the trees. I have seen a few. Of course definitely makes it a little bit easier. I know when I have a good ball striking day I have an advantage, so I think just trying to take advantage of that.

I rolled the putter really well on the front nine today. It is good, but I also need to keep it on the planet.

Q. You played alongside Ludvig Aberg at the Grant Thornton Invitational a couple months ago. He has been a phenomenon since turning pro a year ago. You're winner out here. This is your eighth season on the LPGA Tour. What were you able to learn from each other's game in tournament play there?

MADELENE SAGSTROM: I think for me watching him, he still has that young mentality. Like he's not scared. I can sometimes be out there like I don't want to be left here, I don't want to do that. He's much for present than I am myself sometimes.

I bring experience to the game. I know how to pace myself, kind of how I work the best. That takes years to figure out. How often do you play, how much do you play, where do I play better.

We added really good stuff to each other's games, but I do wish I had a little bit of that fearless mind. Like he goes for everything. He does not care yet. Hopefully he never cares. No, it's very impressive.