BLUE BAY LPGA

March 7, 2025

Nasa Hataoka

Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course

TV

Q. You were 5-under par through your first six holes. What golf course were you playing?

NASA HATAOKA: Yeah, I play really good, especially my iron shot. The distance control was very good. I made some middle range putt and it was good.

Q. Yeah, it certainly was good. You looked like you were having a nice time out there with Danielle Kang at the end of the round, having a good laugh.

NASA HATAOKA: Yeah, she was my big sister when I was rookie year. She always give my nice thing and we play together. Really enjoyed it.

Q. She you must have been impressed with a round of 66 in these swirling conditions. Nasa, we know you as one of the most thorough and prepared golfers on the LPGA Tour. How early do you get to the golf course before you tee off? How about this morning?

NASA HATAOKA: It's about one hour 30 minutes before tee time, yeah, I start practice with putting and hit some shot.

Q. Okay. So you're pretty through. You have to be, and prepared, because the rise of Japanese golf is quite something. What do you make of all the players like Mao Saigo, the Iwai sisters, Rio Takeda? What are your thoughts? You inspired them to come and play on the LPGA.

NASA HATAOKA: Yeah, my first year I was young. I was 18 years old, but now, me, Hinako, and Minami is older in Japanese age, and, yeah, it's pretty excited to play with them on LPGA Tour.

Q. Who do you think is a really exciting prospect of the new Japanese wave of golfers?

NASA HATAOKA: I can't pick one. Rio hits pretty far and Mai Saigo, she hits really consistent, and other Japanese player really good.

Q. Let's focus on your game because you're leading the championship going into the weekend. What is particularly good about your game right now?

NASA HATAOKA: My tee shot is really good and my key is putting.

Q. Putting?

NASA HATAOKA: Yes. So I play really good today. It's because I made so many good putts, so hopefully keep doing that.

Q. Will we see you jumping? Is that still going on?

NASA HATAOKA: Yeah, not over shot but my pre-shot routine, so if I feel a little bit nervous I do three jump.

Q. Can you show us?

NASA HATAOKA: Yeah, like this. (Jumping.)

Q. Okay, great. You're not going to be nervous and you enjoy the experience. Well played, and looking forward to seeing you this weekend.

NASA HATAOKA: Thank you.

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