THE ANNIKA DRIVEN BY GAINBRIDGE AT PELICAN

November 14, 2024

Maja Stark

Pelican Golf Club

Quick Quotes

Q. Here with Maja Stark after her first round at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican. Maja, looked like the front nine, your back nine I guess, was really good. Actually solid round overall. What are your thoughts on it?

MAJA STARK: Yeah, I think I got a little bit more into it on the back nine. I think in the beginning was trying to maybe be too perfect with my putting and stuff, and it just felt like I was way too aggressive, yeah.

Q. Last year you played here, right, the first year?

MAJA STARK: Uh-huh.

Q. Yeah, I know you missed the cut last year. Wondering your thoughts on this golf course in terms of your game?

MAJA STARK: Oh, it's a lot of fun. I think it really rewards good iron play, and I feel like I -- the past couple tournaments I've had some -- yeah, I've had good irons, so I think that's really helped me out today.

If you miss the green here, it's usually a pretty hard chip to be able to save par. So, I don't remember much. It feels like last year I don't remember what I did. Year before that I don't really remember either.

Q. Okay. Learning again then.

MAJA STARK: Yeah.

Q. I know there is only a few more events left. This, Grant Thornton, you're playing in and CME. What are the goals or your thoughts as we're winding down the season?

MAJA STARK: I think I'm going to just focus on my processes and not really the results.

Yeah, I mean, I feel like I'm getting better. Every time I'm out here I'm learning stuff. I think I'm going to focus on that. Even though there is a lot of money and fame on the line I guess for the next couple.

I think I'm just going to focus on getting better and doing what I usually would do in a mid-season tournament.

Q. Highlight birdies today?

MAJA STARK: Hit some good wedges. Yeah, had a couple of somewhat easy birdies with my wedges.

So that's a big thing. I'm usually not a very good wedge player, but lately feels like we've been able to dial them in a little bit better.

Q. You work on that part of your game a lot?

MAJA STARK: No. Actually not all at all. My caddie and I -- well, he just seemed to figure out something which worked a lot, which was instead of me thinking about well, this what an 83 meter shot feels like. Instead he says the number back to me right before I hit and that just seems to get me into a more automatic mindset.

That's worked out a lot. I haven't practiced wedges in ages. It's really bad, but I haven't, so...

Q. Is it during your swing or right before?

MAJA STARK: No, it's right before. It's like when I stand behind the ball and wait and pick my target and then I can 88 three, yeah, and then you can up.

Q. Does he shout it or whisper it?

MAJA STARK: No, he's not a very shouty person.

Q. You have to pay attention?

MAJA STARK: Actually, yeah. Sometimes I have to tell him to speak up. I think makes him nervous.

Q. You think any other players do that or are you the only one?

MAJA STARK: Oh, am I giving away my secrets now maybe? No, probably others. Yeah. I didn't realize it before.