BLUE BAY LPGA

March 9, 2024

Sarah Schmelzel

Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course

Press Conference

Q. I'm here with Sarah after her third round at Blue Bay LPGA. Co-leader headed into the final day. What were you feeling out there today and any thoughts you had headed into today's round?

SARAH SCHMELZEL: Yeah, I spoke with my coach a little bit last night and he just reassured me to kind of keep my head down and keep working, there is a lot of golf left.

So I went in with that mindset that I needed to stay smart aggressive and just really commit to what I was doing.

Was able to kind of stick with that throughout the day.

Q. And you briefly mentioned in the interview previous to this, playing in the final group on Sunday, new experience for you. What do you think it's going to be like out there tomorrow?

SARAH SCHMELZEL: Exciting. Really fun. I've been having a ton the fun this week and last week being in the mix a little bit more, too.

A big goal going into this year was just to be in the mix more often, so it's nice the last two weeks I've gotten myself in that position, and it's going to be exciting.

Q. Any kind of deciding moment today?

SARAH SCHMELZEL: I have to think about that. You know, oddly enough, on 5 today didn't hit a good drive. Actually needed to make a pretty good two-putt to save bogey and probably made like a seven-footer.

It was just one of those putts that just rolled right in the center and kind of settled me in and gave me a lot of confidence going to the next holes.

Just allowed myself to stay aggressive after that. I think that was a bit of a turning point this morning.

Q. You're going to play with Bailey and Lydia Ko tomorrow. Any mental preparation for that?

SARAH SCHMELZEL: Not necessarily. I know Bailey and her caddie and it'll be fun to be chatting with them. Got to know Lydia a little bit. She is just such a great representative of the game, and someone that I think we can all kind of look up to.

I think it's going to be a real treat for me to be able to learn from her on a Sunday like that and just be around her and get to experience what a Sunday as Lydia is like. It's what we dream about, so it'll be fun.

Q. Any impression, any comment on the Chinese golfer?

SARAH SCHMELZEL: Yeah, we have a few on tour that are really impressive. Obviously Ruixin this week, Rachel and Yu Liu, I've played with them for quite a while through Epson and everything. Played with an am on Thursday and Friday, so I think Chinese golf is in a great place. Obviously with the ams playing this week there is so much young talent, and it is such a treat to be able to play with people all over the world and get to know them.