THE ANNIKA DRIVEN BY GAINBRIDGE AT PELICAN

November 14, 2024

Minjee Lee

Pelican Golf Club

Quick Quotes

Q. All right, here with Minjee Lee after her first round at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican. I think really solid scorecard compared to what we've seen. Tell me about the day today.

MINJEE LEE: Yeah, I mean, I haven't been back for a while, so I didn't really realize it plays this hard and fast. The greens were in really great condition, rolling really quick.

But, yeah, no, I played really solid today. I drove it really well. You know, when I missed, I missed in the right spots, so I could either putt or have an easier chip.

And just holed some nice putts coming down the stretch. Birdie on 18 is always nice.

Q. I know you're 56th right now in CME points; something you think about. Next week has to be a big goal for you. Tell me, are you thinking about it?

MINJEE LEE: You know, I have seen it; I followed it. You know, I come into this week just trying to play my game. I don't want to put extra pressure on myself where I don't need to.

Yeah, just trying to take each day as it comes. Like I always say, I'm going to take each shot at a time. And especially with the weather. Was a little windier today. I don't know about the rest of the week.

I think I can't get too far ahead of yourself. Just trying to do my best. I always try and do my best.

Q. Talking about making things easy for yourself. With your putting today sounded like you were just rolling the rock perfectly. What was the key for you out there? Was it just managing your spots on the greens?

MINJEE LEE: I mean, definitely today I was under the holes a lot of the times, and especially the holes where it was a little longer I was understand the hole so it was easier putt, especially when you have 5- or 4-iron into the green; it's quite difficult.

Yeah, just those holes were like easier pars and it was just a little less stress.

So, yeah, just where I could make birdies being like the par-5s, they were both reachable today. I think it was just, yeah, just kind of rode the momentum after the par-5s.

Q. Obviously birdie on the last is always a good feeling. The tournament has come down to that hole quite a few times in the past. That's a tricky hole. For you to see such a positive result early in the week when you might need that later in the week, how much does that give you confidence heading into the next three rounds?

MINJEE LEE: Yeah, I think just with like a nice drive. It was downwind today so only had pitching wedge in, so it's not as difficult. Especially I played that hole into the wind as well and had like 5-iron or 4-iron in. The wind can really affect how the hole plays.

So I think it just can depends on which direction you have. And I don't think it really changes throughout the day. It's pretty consistent.

Q. A lot of people on the bubble or cusp of something can get too tangled up in it. As you're trying to chase a number and not getting tangled, how does that help you mentally?

MINJEE LEE: Yeah, I've been on Tour, this is my tenth year, so I have a lot of experience under my belt. You know, there has been times where my mind has wandered off and times I've been really good.

You know, now I kind of pick my moments. I'm really good at staying in the now, the present, and just doing the things that I can control.

So, yeah.