DOW CHAMPIONSHIP

June 28, 2024

Vanessa Borovilos

Sophie Stevens

Midland Country Club

Quick Quotes

THE MODERATOR: We're here with the Young 'Uns Vanessa and Sophie. Talk about the couple days of play you've had this week and what it's been like for you to tee it up out there.

SOPHIE STEVENS: It's been a lot of fun. I can only speak for myself, but I've loved every minute of it.

I think we both really did like a good job of picking each other up, especially in alternate shot yesterday, where like I would screw up and she'd make a bomb of a putt or something. It was just really fun. It was a cool atmosphere, too.

VANESSA BOROVILOS: Yeah, honestly, I didn't know what to expect with alternate shot yesterday. I thought it was kind of goofy, but it was going to be a lot of fun. I know that, and it definitely was. Today just kind of playing our own ball, I can't say the word, but we both messed up on No. 16, but other than that, we both picked each other up throughout the round and had a great time out there.

Q. What is it about this partnership? How do you bounce off each other either on the course, off the course? How key is that when you're out here not in an unfamiliar environment but teeing it up in a professional event like this?

SOPHIE STEVENS: Well, it helps when you're a good golfer. Vanessa is a really good golfer, and I don't know, I think it's just about something about where when you know your partner needs it, you almost want it more for them than you want it for yourself, and I think that kind of shines through.

I think we were both able to channel that at some key moments yesterday and even today.

VANESSA BOROVILOS: We know there are going to be bad shots out there. That's just golf. But giving each other fist bumps every time we can, trying to make sure we have a good time because that's what's going to be the most important this week.

Q. What have you guys made of the course, and how does it play to both of your strengths?

SOPHIE STEVENS: I've liked it a lot. There's a lot of cool holes. Some of them, I kind of joked with Vanessa quite a bit, I would like miss a drive right a couple times, and I was always like, I love being five yards short of every bunker, whereas she will just bomb it over all of them.

Honestly, we've both worked our way around a couple different ways, but I thought our games fit it well.

VANESSA BOROVILOS: Yeah, the pin placements were pretty nice today, too. I play a draw, so even with a wedge I'll play almost like a five-yard hook draw trying to sling it in there. Greens are receptive, so we're able to go at most of the pins, so it's been fun.

Q. Sophie, as a Michigander, what kind of support have you felt from the Midland community, or both of you, what have you felt from Dow and the Midland community, Suzanne, any of it?

SOPHIE STEVENS: Yeah, it's been awesome being able to play close to hole. I had some grandparents come out yesterday, which was nice, and to be honest, I don't know if everyone knows I'm from Michigan. I don't think it helps that I'm wearing a Florida hat. But it's just been awesome playing in my home state.

It's so cool, sometimes I tell my dad, I forget we're actually in Michigan, and I'll see people walk by with like a Lions shirt or hat on, and I'm like, oh, snap, we are home.

Q. Canada is real close, too. What kind of reception have you felt from the fans here in Midland?

VANESSA BOROVILOS: I know everyone here is just so happy to be here. They'll support you any chance they get. I guess I'm a voluntary American this week. But yeah, they clap for everyone, and they really just want to show you that they care that we're out here. It's been amazing.

Q. Have you guys gotten to chat with any of the vets out here, maybe pick their brain, or did anyone give you any advice about this week?

SOPHIE STEVENS: I mean, we got to play with Danielle Kang in a practice round, which was cool, and Ronni. I got to meet Brooke for the first time. She already knows her. I think just seeing these people around has been awesome.

VANESSA BOROVILOS: Yeah, I asked Danielle Kang what her hobbies are because I need a hobby so badly, but she said she gets her licenses in everything. She learns American Sign Language, which is pretty cool. Kind of seeing what they do outside of golf and how they balance golf and life, it's been cool to get their take on it.