Last weekend hosted events for all professional tours, and this is an overview on the performance of the golfers from Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. There are not many players from these countries. However, some of their names are getting more and more noticed within the golf world.
European Tour: Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
Starting of with the European Tour, the Swedish golfer Joakim Lagergren, was close to bring home the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship trophy. He signed four rounds of (67-72-67-66) to finish with a total of 16-under par, for a silver medal only two shots behind the winner, Danny Willett. Lagergren showed a very solid game throughout the entire tournament, being two and six the average of bogeys and birdies per round respectively. Kristoffer Broberg finished strong with a fourth round of 7-under par (65) for a T9, coming close to the end one of his best seasons in the European Tour.
To round out the Swedish crew, Alex Noren came in T12 with a total of 11-under par (70-68-70-69). Noren is currently ranked 59th in the OWGR, and he is one of the players from Sweden with the most number of European Tour wins, a total of 10, only one victory behind Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson. Nicolai HØJGAARD and Jeff Winther, from Denmark also had a good performance that placed them both at T14, finishing with a total score of 10-under par.
Joakim Lagergren of Sweden tees off on the 5th hole during Day Four of The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at The Old Course. (Getty Images)
Challenge Tour: Swiss Challenge
Moving on to the Challenge Tour which consisted of the Swiss Challenge hosted at Golf Saint Apollinaire, Michelbach-Le-Haut, France. Denmark leaves a mark within the Top 10 finishes, bringing the first and second place trophies home. Marcus Helligkilde was proclaimed winner after he signed a total of 25-under par (65-67-62-69). Helligkilde is currently 3rd in the Challenge Tour, and ranked 143rd in the OWGR. All signs point at him playing the Main Tour next season. Only one shot behind at the Swiss Challenge, his fellow national teammate Nicolai Kristensen completed a four-round performance with scores of (65-67-65-67) for a total of 24-under par and a T2. Kristensen improved his Challenge Tour Ranking (CTR) by 28 positions last weekend, although that will not be enough to get the main card just yet. Niklas Nørgaard MØLLER, also from Denmark, made a Top 5 at Golf Saint Apollinaire, shooting a total of 20-under par, and Lauri Ruuska came in T8 for Finland, only one shot behind of 19-under par.
Looking at the LPGA, we can focus on the Swedish professional golfer Anna Nordqvist. She recently came in at T12 at the Shoprite LPGA Classic with a total of 9-under par and rounds of (69-69-66). Nordqvist currently holds 9 Career victories and 75 Career Top 10. Her solid game shows in the Rolex Ranking, where she is placed 16th. Anna felt at home during the Shoprite LPGA Classic and that is how she wanted to transmit it through social media: “No place like home but some weeks on the road are a little better than others… thank you @borgataac and my @mgmresortsintl family for making me, my clubs and my caddy feel “home” this week during @shopritelpga” published Anna on her Instagram account after the tournament.
Few positions below, her fellow Swedish player Madelene Sagstrom, and the professional golfer from Finland, Matilda Castren finished 6-under par for a T27 position.
Ladies European Tour. LET: Estrella Damm Ladies Open
The Estrella Damm Ladies Open took place last weekend 1st-3rd of October 2021, in Club de Golf Terramar, in Spain. Maja Stark from Sweden, took a 2-shot lead and brought the tophy home after three rounds of nonstop improvement (74-69-65) that drove her to be first with a total of 8-under par.
With a difference of four strokes, Krista Bakker (FIN) came in T4 and Linda Wessberg (SWE) T6 with a total of 3-under par. Sweden showed some golf power as Jessica Karlsson also made a Top 10 on the leaderboard with rounds of (71-70-73).
Lastly the PGA tour where the Sanderson Farms Championship was played at the Country Club of Jackson, in Jackson, Mississippi. Henrik Norlander sits on the spotlight as he was the only player from the Skandinavian area to make the cut. Norlander left the standards high with a T4, only 2 shots behind the leader Sam Burns, from the U.S.
PORTLAND, OREGON - SEPTEMBER 19: Jin Young Ko of the Republic of Korea hits her tee shot on the 14th hole during the final round of the Cambia Portland Classic at the Oregon Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
THE MODERATOR: Really happy to be here with Jin Young Ko, winner of the 2021 Cambia Portland Classic.
Jin Young, you came here off several weeks off. Did you think your first event back would be a win?
JIN YOUNG KO: No, I didn’t. Yeah. I spent a great time in Korea after the Olympics, maybe over six or seven weeks. I had a lot of practice with my same coach and I had a lot of workouts, three times or four times each week. My body weight is getting higher so, (laughing) but I had a great week this week and I’m so happy for the name on the trophy. Yeah, it’s a great win, I think.
THE MODERATOR: Absolutely. It was a great week for you. I wanted to go to 18, to your final putt. That was a long putt and great to drain in for the win. Did you know you had that putt? Did you think that you had that putt in you.
JIN YOUNG KO: Yes, I did. But I was thinking, I just make 2-putt easy, but the ball goes in, so, who knows.
Q.How long was the putt?
JIN YOUNG KO: I guess, oh, 7 meters. Yeah.
THE MODERATOR: Overall, what was the course like today considering how much rain we got? Do you think the course conditions were able to help you at all? You played bogey-free today.
JIN YOUNG KO: Yeah. I really wanted to play yesterday, but we couldn’t play. I tried to make a no bogey-free round today, but I made it. I had a lot of missed shots and I had a lot of missed chipping or something, so I had to make great par saves, but I made it.
And this course was really amazing, perfectly clearing, and fairways and greens are really perfect. So I can’t wait to play for next year.
THE MODERATOR: What did you do yesterday?
JIN YOUNG KO: Well, we went to the H Mart with my parents and my manager and I bought Korean food, some Korea food and ice cream. So I ate ice cream and I watched, I was watching Netflix, Korean drama and taking a rest. Yeah, I took a rest.
THE MODERATOR: The nice thing about this golf course. You can work off the ice cream, right?
JIN YOUNG KO: Yes. (Laughing).
THE MODERATOR: A good workout on this golf course.
JIN YOUNG KO: Yes, I think so.
THE MODERATOR: Outside of the win, what were some of the highlights of the week for you?
JIN YOUNG KO: Yeah, I went to the Columbia mall. So I bought a lot of things. Like, inside this one were a lot of great jackets or hiking shoes and it was fun, with my parents.
THE MODERATOR: Glad to have your parents here with you?
JIN YOUNG KO: Yes.
Her parents got the chance to see a win like this in Texas
THE MODERATOR: Have they seen you win before?
JIN YOUNG KO: Yes, in Texas.
THE MODERATOR: So two this year.
JIN YOUNG KO: It ridiculous, you know? I want to win without my parents, but this year, I had two wins with my parents. But we’ll see what’s going to happen for next three weeks.
THE MODERATOR: Are they going with you the next three weeks?
JIN YOUNG KO: Yes.
THE MODERATOR: All right. Well, then you’re going to win four in a row.
JIN YOUNG KO: We’ll see. (Laughing).
Her thoughts on the course
THE MODERATOR: What are your thoughts on this golf course, on the challenge it was, but you played so solid over the three days?
JIN YOUNG KO: It was like fairways really narrow and greens are too, so we had to hit it straight to the fairway or even green as well and greens are really fast so we had to make sure great speed on it. But I did a great job this week.
THE MODERATOR: You mentioned him in your speech, but Tom Maletis, who is retiring, if you wouldn’t mind just saying what it means to the LPGA players to have people like Tom and Cambia and Oregon Golf Club, who support women’s golf and support you.
JIN YOUNG KO: Yeah, I want to say thank you for who supports the LPGA Tour, even Tom or a lot of people are behind us. So I want to say thank you to all and Cambia, this year is the 50th anniversary, so I want to say congratulations and thank you.
THE MODERATOR: I know you’re on a plane tonight to go out to the next event, this was the first of four weeks in a row. How do you manage playing four weeks in a row to keep yourself from getting too tired or too stressed.
JIN YOUNG KO: Well, yeah, four weeks in a row is really tiring and tough, but two weeks is like just three days and, you know, not bad. And then after that I go back to Korea and then I will keep reminding myself, Okay, I can go back to Korea after New Jersey. So it will help me a lot.
Q.What can you say about coming to Oregon, the beauty of Oregon, the state, and your experience here, the nature and the other stuff?
JIN YOUNG KO: Yeah, I love this place. I like this weather, even — well I like this weather, like rain, but today it wasn’t rain, but I like this, like British weather, I like this. Even a few days ago it was perfect, so I went to the park, anyway, it’s a famous one, and I went there with my caddie and parents and Sue and we hiked, we went hiking, and the weather was really good. Yeah, and I heard there’s a lot of good wine here. I love drinking wine (laughing). Do you have wine right now? (Laughing).
THE MODERATOR: We can get you some.
JIN YOUNG KO: Oh, thank you.
THE MODERATOR: Yes, lots of good wine here. Definitely next year we can get a wine tour next year.
JIN YOUNG KO: Yeah, a winery.
THE MODERATOR: All right. Well, congratulations, we’ll see you down the road and we’ll see you here next year.
PORTLAND, OREGON - SEPTEMBER 16: Brooke Henderson of Canada hits her tee shot on the 14th hole during Round One of the Cambia Portland Classic at the Oregon Golf Club on September 16, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
Q.Brooke, opening round 70, only two back of the lead. After your practice rounds and pro-am, did you expect the course play this difficult today?
BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, it was tougher than I was expecting. It was very cold this morning, which I think played a huge factor, and also the wind has been pretty high. On a few shots really affected as well.
I feel like all in all it was a good day. Nice to get in under par. I felt like I left one out there on 18, but other than that, hopefully I can just make a lot of birdies tomorrow and climb up.
Q.You hit an inordinate number of shots today, at least during our coverage, that never left the flagstick or your target. Is that the result of finally getting to see your dad who’s also your instructor?
BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, I think so. It’s a really nice feeling to be hitting it a little better and seeing some good results, you know, shooting under par today. I feel like I’ve gained some confidence back over these last few week, which is big thing for me, and I’m excited just to play and see where it goes.
Q.How much practice will you do? It’s a course that is really difficult to walk, kind of taxing on everybody. I know you’re young and very fit, but how much practice will you do and will it be less than normal?
BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, it’s a very hilly here and Brit is definitely getting a big workout in. I’m proud of her how she’s been able to cope the last few days.
Yeah, I’ll do a little practice this afternoon, get ready for tomorrow. But definitely have to pay attention to the rest and proper amount of fluids as well.
Henderson is happy to finish under par on day one
Q.You seemed to have a pretty steady round today, pretty quiet round. What was the story of your day out here?
BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, it was is nice to start off first hole with a birdie. That felt nice. Got some confidence there.
Then, yeah, nothing else really happened. Made a few more birdies, one bogey I guess.
But happy to finish under par today. Nice feeling. Felt like I hit some good shots and played the holes pretty well. Hopefully just continue that the next three days.
It was a little chilly out there today, how did it affect Henderson?
Q.You saw a little bit of everything today. It was downright cold first thing this morning; nice and warm now. What’s the challenge of seeing a bunch of weather conditions like that in one round, particularly starting out like that?
BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, it was very cold this morning. Wasn’t really expecting that, so definitely had to deal with that. Also the wind, it was pretty high at times. On certain holes it really blew, so just trying to calculate solid numbers and hit good shots under those conditions.
Q.Overall did the golf course play as you expected today? It’s so tough coming into a place you’ve never seen before and having to tee it up.
BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, it’s really hard to judge on a place you never competed on before, so I felt like it played a little bit tougher that I was expecting I think mainly just because of the colder weather this morning.
I’m excited. Tomorrow afternoon should be a little warmer than this morning, so hopefully go out and continue to hit it well and make a lot of birdies.
Q.This was your first event since you had your break. Had time to go home and work with dad, coach. Do you feel what you worked on was of use, that you’re still using it today?
BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, definitely. I think it was a big key for me to go home and see my family and also my coach, my dad, just get some solid work in and build the confidence back up.
Really looking forward to the rest of this week, and, yeah, coming weeks. Got four in a row, so excited to see where it goes.
Q.Anything in specific you’re working on with your dad or just fine tuning?
BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, just really everything. I hadn’t seen him in so long that we just kind of went over all parts of the game. Was able to give me a couple pointers in every single one, and I feel like it made a big difference.
Q.Last question: How did you and Brit handle the walk today, the beast?
BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, definitely is very hilly. I was happy when we finally made it to the back nine because it’s a little flatter. Yeah, hopefully we make it the next three days.
Skyview of Halmstad Golf Club, located in Tylösand
Date: Friday September 17, 2021
The innovative event, co-sanctioned by the European Tour and Ladies European Tour, features a field of 78 men and 78 women playing for one prize fund and one trophy. Earlier this year, Northern Ireland’s Jonathan Caldwell triumphed in the inaugural edition hosted at Vallda Golf and Country Club near Gothenburg.
The famous North Course at Halmstad, located in Tylösand, previously provided the backdrop for the 2007 Solheim Cup, where tournament host Annika Sörenstam contributed 2.5 points for Team Europe.
Designed by Rafael Sundblom, the father of Swedish golf course architecture, it was given the seal of approval from the Swedish Golf Federation in May of 1938 and was officially opened for play in September of the same year.
First time for Halmstad Golf Club to host an European Tour event, but not a bit unprepared.
It is the first time that Halmstad will host the European Tour, but over the years it has staged events on the European Challenge Tour and Ladies European Tour, most recently welcoming amateur golfers for the ANNIKA Invitational Europe in 2017.
“I’m excited for the next edition of the Scandinavian Mixed and to be playing at Halmstad Golf Club, a course that hosted the Solheim Cup and the ANNIKA Invitational Europe a few years ago. I know it will be a great week for everyone involved,” said Sörenstam.
“Bringing women and men together in a combined professional tournament was a huge success and we learned a lot from the event this year. Henrik and I want to bring our game to the younger generation in Sweden and we can’t wait to have fans back next year to enjoy the special atmosphere.”
Henrik Stenson, an 11-time European Tour winner, added: “It’s great that we are able to take the Scandinavian Mixed to Halmstad next summer. I have played some junior events at the course but never at this level, and I think it will be an excellent host venue for the European Tour and Ladies European Tour, both in terms of golf course and the whole setup within the region.
“It was a lot of fun to host the tournament with Annika earlier this year but the only thing missing for us was the crowds not being able to attend. We are both looking forward to welcoming back the Swedish fans next year for an even bigger and better event.
“We are in it for the long run and our hope is that through the Scandinavian Mixed, Annika and I can help inspire the next generation of golfers in Sweden and around the world. Our game is inclusive in so many ways and this tournament continues to highlight that fact on a global stage.”
Jonas Bergman, Mayor of Halmstad, said: “When the opportunity arose for Halmstad to host the 2022 edition of the Scandinavian Mixed Hosted by Henrik and Annika, we could only see benefits of being involved with this new concept.
“The ongoing pandemic has made a stamp on our society and the way we live, but to our great joy, golf has still been practised and has grown even stronger in Sweden and on an international level.
The mixed format of this event brings different groups together in our society, with various ages and a focus on inclusion and equality, all of which we are proud to be associated with moving forward.”
Deb Vangellow becomes the 2021 Ellen Griffin Rolex Award Recipient
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Aug. 24, 2021 – Deb Vangellow, a LPGA Master Professional and Director of Golf Instruction at Riverbend Country Club in Houston, Texas, joins an elite group of her peers as the recipient of the 2021 Ellen Griffin Rolex Award.
The Ellen Griffin Rolex Award, instituted by the LPGA Professionals membership in 1989 to honor the late teaching professional Ellen Griffin, recognizes an individual, male or female, who made a major contribution to the teaching of golf and emulates Griffin’s spirit, love and dedication to students, teachers, teaching skills and the game of golf.
Vangellow honored by LPGA after more than 30 years as teaching professional
“I am so thrilled to be the 2021 LPGA Ellen Griffin Award recipient. I did not know Ellen personally, but have numerous friends who did and shared her inspiring story about the terrific Golf Education Programming she led on ‘The Farm’ in Greensboro, North Carolina,” said Vangellow. “Golf was her subject matter, but she taught people. For Ellen, the frustrations of golf were always overcome by fun. This very thing has been so very instrumental with the wonderful peer group I am so lucky to have who nominated me for this award. These special LPGA Members, many of whom are on this grand list of award recipients, are dear friends I had the fantastic fortune to work with in our LPGA Education Program. I am so grateful for their guidance and support and cherish the 30+ years we had together. Forever friends, for sure! Thank you so much for this award. I will appreciate it forever and will fondly remember Ellen Griffin’s outstanding teaching of golf.”
LPGA Master Professional/PGA Honorary Director Vangellow holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Health/Physical Education/Coaching and Educational Leadership/Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa and Miami (Ohio) University, respectively. A multi-sport athlete who was a scholarship recipient, captain and letter winner in soccer and track & field, Vangellow elected to devote her career path to develop into a top golf educator. Her experiences reflect this endeavor.
Educational professional career of Deb Vangellow in the field of golf
After holding various positions in higher education, Vangellow coached Division I collegiate golf at the University of Northern Iowa and led the American Junior Team that traveled to Europe in 1996 as part of the International Sport for Understanding Program. In 1997, Vangellow was honored as a recipient of the Young Alumni Award at the University of Northern Iowa and was a 3-time LPGA Central Section Teacher of the Year in 2002, 2009, and 2012. She was also named the 2012 LPGA National Teacher of the Year. Vangellow was recently inducted into the UNI Athletics Hall of Fame, the UNI School of HPELS Hall of Excellence, and the Fairport High School Hall of Fame.
In addition to teaching men, women, senior and junior golfers of all skill levels individually and in groups at Riverbend Country Club, Vangellow was the first ever National Vice President for the LPGA Professionals membership and served as the elected National President. She was a longtime lead instructor in the LPGA Global Education Program, the industry leading teacher training program for golf professionals in the U.S. and Korea, and is a U.S. Kids Golf Master Teacher. In 2016, she joined the team at Callaway Golf Company as a Master Staff Professional promoting their Women’s Equipment Line.
“Receiving this award is an unbelievable honor, especially to be among so many past recipients I call friends and mentors,” added Vangellow. “I stand on the shoulders of these folks, without a doubt, and feel fortunate to do what I get to do and for the people I have met along the way. I am so grateful for this recognition. Lastly, many thanks to Rolex and the LPGA.”
Past recipients of the Ellen Griffin Rolex Award include: Peggy Kirk Bell, 1989; Linda Craft, 1990; Shirley Englehorn, 1991; Harvey Penick, 1992; Goldie Bateson, 1993; Carol Clark Johnson, 1994; Joanne Winter, 1995; Ann Casey Johnstone, 1996; Dr. DeDe Owens, 1997; Shirley Spork, 1998; Betty Hicks, 1999; Gary Wiren, 2000; Penny Zavichas, 2001; Annette Thompson, 2002; Dr. Barbara B. Smith, 2003; Marjorie Burns, 2004; Pat Lange, 2005; Donna White, 2006; Betsy Cullen, 2007; Lynn Marriott, 2008; Kay McMahon, 2009; Mary Beth McGirr, 2010; Dr. Debbie Crews, 2011; Dr. Betsy Clark, 2012; Kathy Murphy, 2013; Kerry Graham, 2014; Dana Rader, 2015; Pia Nilsson, 2016; Sandy LaBauve, 2017; Jane Frost, 2018; Nancy Quarcelino, 2019; and Renee Powell, 2020.
ABOUT ROLEX
Rolex is the official timepiece of the LPGA and sponsors many of the LPGA’s annual awards, including the Ellen Griffin Rolex Award, Rolex Player of the Year, Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year and the Rolex ANNIKA Major Award. Rolex honors the LPGA Tour’s Rolex First-Time Winners and is a supporting sponsor of the annual LPGA Professionals National Championship. At tournament sites, Rolex has a presence by providing the official time at selected tournaments and advertises in many event programs. In addition, Rolex is a Global Partner of Solheim Cup and the presenting sponsor of the World Golf Rankings.
ABOUT THE LPGA
The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women, with a goal to change the face of golf by making the sport more accessible and inclusive.
Created in 1950 by 13 Founders, the Association celebrates a diverse and storied history. The LPGA Tour competes across the globe, reaching television audiences in more than 220 countries. The Symetra Tour, the LPGA’s official qualifying tour, consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA also holds a joint-venture collaboration with the Ladies European Tour (LET), increasing playing opportunities for female golfers in Europe. Across the three Tours, the LPGA represents players in more than 60 countries.
Additionally, the LPGA Foundation has empowered and supported girls and women since 1991, most notably through LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, the only national program of its kind, which annually engages with nearly 100,000 girls. The LPGA Amateur Golf Association and LPGA Women’s Network provide virtual and in-person connections to female golfers around the world, while LPGA Professionals are educators, business leaders and gamechangers dedicated to growing the game of golf for everyone.
Press Release by the LPGA Professionals Communication
LPGA Professionals member, Cindy Miller gives back in the meaning of Nancy Lopez Award and becomes the 2021 recipient.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Aug. 24, 2021 – The LPGA Professionals announced today Cindy Miller as the recipient of the 2021 Nancy Lopez Golf Achievement Award, which recognizes a LPGA Professional who gives back to the game in the spirit of Nancy Lopez.
The Nancy Lopez Golf Achievement Award was created in 2007 and is given to a LPGA Professional who emulates qualities valued by Lopez: leadership, passion, giving, and approachability. Lopez is a 48-time LPGA Tour winner and four-time Rolex Player of the Year. She was inducted into the LPGA Tour and World Golf Halls of Fame in 1987 and captained the victorious 2005 U.S. Solheim Cup Team.
LPGA Professionals member recognized for giving back in the spirit of Nancy Lopez
“I first met Nancy Lopez while playing collegiate golf. When I watched her play, it was like watching someone float through the course while making almost every putt she looked at. She became one of the friendliest Tour players I have ever met and has been a hero of mine for a very long time,” said Miller. “She has that special charisma that only a few possess. Her leadership, passion, giving and approachability are qualities I have been striving to emulate my whole career. I am thrilled and honored to receive this award.”
Miller is the current Section President for the LPGA Professionals Northeast section, with a two-term history of serving as the Northeast Section Vice President before that. A member of the ‘Legends of the LPGA,’ Miller is a Certified Behavior, Motivation, and Emotional Intelligence Professional who teaches individuals, teams, and corporations to improve performance and profitability. She also runs a LPGA*USGA Girls Golf site and has written for numerous golf publications as a contributing columnist.
She has also been named a Top-50 Teacher by the Women’s Golf Journal and won LPGA National Teacher of the Year (2010), LPGA Northeast Section Teacher of the Year (2001, 2005, and 2010) and LPGA Northeast Player of the Year (2005 and 2007).
Past recipients of the Nancy Lopez Golf Achievement Award include: Debbie O’Connell (2007), Troy Beck (2008), Patti Benson (2009), Lynn Stellman (2010), Malia Folquet (2011), Suzy Whaley (2012), Marvol Barnard (2013), Angela Aulenti (2014), Teresa Zamboni (2015), Donna White (2016), Sandy LaBauve (2017), Lynn Marriott (2018), Louise Ball (2019) and Dana Rader (2020).
ABOUT NANCY LOPEZ GOLF
The Nancy Lopez Golf (NLG) line provides unprecedented choice to the woman golfer in the selection of golf equipment and apparel. The four-step NLG Match Play Process also provides selection in club configuration to best fit the game of each woman. Nancy Lopez Golf embodies the spirit and energy of women’s golf and of its namesake, Nancy Lopez, who captured the imagination of people everywhere with her remarkable playing career and the genuine warmth of her charm. For more information about Nancy Lopez Golf, visit https://www.NancyLopezGolf.com.
ABOUT THE LPGA
The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women, with a goal to change the face of golf by making the sport more accessible and inclusive.
Created in 1950 by 13 Founders, the Association celebrates a diverse and storied history. The LPGA Tour competes across the globe, reaching television audiences in more than 220 countries. The Symetra Tour, the LPGA’s official qualifying tour, consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA also holds a joint-venture collaboration with the Ladies European Tour (LET), increasing playing opportunities for female golfers in Europe. Across the three Tours, the LPGA represents players in more than 60 countries.
Additionally, the LPGA Foundation has empowered and supported girls and women since 1991, most notably through LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, the only national program of its kind, which annually engages with nearly 100,000 girls. The LPGA Amateur Golf Association and LPGA Women’s Network provide virtual and in-person connections to female golfers around the world, while LPGA Professionals are educators, business leaders and gamechangers dedicated to growing the game of golf for everyone.
Press Release transcript by the LPGA Professionals Communication
GEMMA DRYBURGH: Yeah, played very well. Played very solid tee to green. I think I only missed three greens, so I played very well and holed the putts and kind of hit it quite close, as well. Yeah, overall a very good day.
Q.Your lowest round since the 2019 Meijer Classic. Has something clicked recently in your game?
GEMMA DRYBURGH: Well, I’ve actually been playing quite well recently, just nothing has kind of clicked. Putts haven’t been dropping. So it’s been quite frustrating to be honest. But I’ve kind of had to stay patient, and I knew a round like this was coming, so it was good to see it come out today.
Q.How about conditions out there at Galgorm because it’s different today to earlier in the week?
GEMMA DRYBURGH: Yeah, I played here on Monday, and it’s very different. It was much firmer. It was much softer out there today. It was still running actually more than we anticipated after all the rain yesterday. But it was still, yeah, very different to Monday’s practice round. Just had to adjust.
Q.Massereene tomorrow; what’s the tactics going into tomorrow and how will you have to adjust tomorrow?
GEMMA DRYBURGH: Yeah, so Massereene was even bouncier than here, so played there on Tuesday and we obviously had a lot of rain yesterday and a little bit this morning. Yeah, it will be a bit different. I’m not really sure what to expect to be honest, so I just have to kind of play it a little cool the first few holes and see how it’s bouncing and just kind of do the same as today.
Q.You played in the 2014 Curtis Cup with Stephanie Meadow, who obviously won here a couple years ago. You didn’t happen to speak to her about this event, did you?
GEMMA DRYBURGH: I didn’t actually but probably should have, got a few tips. But I heard the last time it was here it was really quite soft, which obviously it’s a bit softer now, but on Monday it was playing quite firm, so playing a bit differently I’m sure to a couple years ago.
Gemma comments on what it’s like to be with the guys
Q.How did it feel out there, just being at a tournament with guys? What’s it like?
GEMMA DRYBURGH: Yeah, it’s very cool. I obviously played the Vic Open a few times, so it’s kind of similar format to that. But it’s really cool actually to see the guys in front of us and behind us. It’s nice to see an innovative event like that.
Q.You shot bogey-free today, which I haven’t seen that on a scorecard yet today.
GEMMA DRYBURGH: I haven’t done that in a while actually.
Q.Do you remember the last time?
GEMMA DRYBURGH: I don’t. Probably maybe when — Josh mentioned the Meijer, 64 there. I think that was bogey-free, so that might have been the last time.
Q.Can you start us out on 1? You opened up with a nice eagle.
GEMMA DRYBURGH: Yeah, so that was actually my 10th hole, but yeah, I hit 7-wood in there, just kind of 10 yards on, just a bit left, left center, and rolled nicely to six or seven feet, rolled in for a 3, which was nice.
Q.And then you had five other birdies the rest of the day at 3, 8, 10, 15 and 17. Any one of those in particular that you look back on and that kind of helped the round get going?
GEMMA DRYBURGH: I think — well, the first was nice. We had a bit of a delay on the first hole so I kind of had to refocus a little bit on that hole, so it was nice to get the birdie on that one to start off quite well.
Then yeah, just holed a nice few putts on the other ones. Nothing too long, to be honest. Just kind of the putts that haven’t been going in recently. It was nice to see that.
Q.You talked about just some frustration with the game, but you won back-to-back events last year.
GEMMA DRYBURGH: Yeah.
Q.When you did that and then you have some frustration, what’s it been like to be competing and to have those ups and downs?
GEMMA DRYBURGH: Yeah, it’s been — obviously with COVID it’s been a bit — and with my schedule, I’ve not got into every event, so I think I’ve had six starts on the LPGA so far and just kind of have to take opportunities when you can. It’s hard to get kind of a rhythm going almost when you don’t get into every event. That’s been a bit frustrating. Yeah, I felt like my game has been going in the right direction, so I just kind of had to stay patient, so it was nice to see it pay off today.
Minjee Lee at the final round of the Evian Championship 2021. (Photo: Getty Images)
THE AMUNDI EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
THE MODERATOR: Ladies and gentlemen, I am very happy to present our the 2021 Amundi Evian Championship winner Minjee Lee from Australia.
Minjee, congratulations. It’s less than a half hour old, but you’re now a major champion. What does that sound like to you?
MINJEE LEE: I’m speechless. I been waiting for this for so long. It just feels unreal to have won. Just even in the playoff, and all throughout today, I played really well to get myself in that position, and I just really happy.
Q.You did play well. It was an amazing day. You had quite a comeback. We’ll talk about your card first. Let’s start on the front nine. Birdie on No. 1, string of pars, but then birdies on 7 and 9. Tell us about the way your day started.
MINJEE LEE: Yeah, I hit a really about shot in 1 and I gave myself a birdie opportunity and made that one.
The next couple holes are a little bit trickier for me anyway how it fits my eye. So I had a string of pars, and then I think I birdied like 7 or 8 or something.
Lee needed those birdies…
Q.7 and 9.
MINJEE LEE: 7 and 9, so they were both really good birdies. You know, after nine holes I think I was like one back from the lead so I knew I had to play really well to have a chance to win.
So I just tried to give myself as many birdie opportunities as I could on that back nine, because it was warm out it was playing quite short so I had a lot of short clubs in.
So, yeah, I just tried to give myself as many birdie opportunities as I could.
Q.And then you had another string of pars but then you kind of went birdie crazy at the end, 14, 15, 16, and the clutch one on 18. Walk us through that streak there.
MINJEE LEE: Yeah, so I think I birdied the par-3 down the hill, so that was actually quite a long haul. I had a dead straight putt and it went straight in the heart, so it was nice to see it go in.
And then after that was the par-5, which the tee was up again so we could hit it onto the green, and I was just short so I chipped in a putt there.
And then the 16th I hit a really good shot in and it was like three feet from the hole. So that was just an easy kick-in, so that was nice.
I got into a little bit of trouble — well, sort of. I hit it right on 17 and I hit a really good shot in, but my putt passed and made the one coming back, which was nice to see.
And really clutch on 18 to make birdie there, too.
So I finished off really strong and I have every day, so I knew there were birdies finishing. Yeah, that’s pretty much what I did.
Q.So you make the birdie on 18 and then it’s the waiting game.
MINJEE LEE: Yeah.
Q.What was the time on the putting green like? Were you keeping track of what was going on? What was going through your mind then?
MINJEE LEE: You know, I knew one of the two, Yealimi Jeongeun Lee6 was probably going to make birdie. The chances were that I was going to go out in a playoff. I just hit a couple putts, and Hyo Joo and In Gee was right there on the putting green with me, so we just chatted and it was pretty chill until they told us to go to the 18th hole.
Q.And then that 18th hole was amazing for you.
MINJEE LEE: Yeah.
Q.Talk you through those two shots into the green; quite beautiful.
MINJEE LEE: You know, off the tee I didn’t hit the best tee shot, but it was good enough because it was on the fairway. But, yeah, the second shot I hit 6-iron in, but initially I was like, I’m going to — I think the yardage was for 5-iron but with adrenaline and everything Gilly was like, Let’s go 6-iron. Hit a good 6-iron and it was like six feet from the hole. Yeah, no, it worked out.
Q.When you came into this week how were you feeling? Did you think a major championship was at the end for you potentially?
MINJEE LEE: You know, I played really well at Dow. The final day I made two eagles and I think I had like 7- or maybe 8-under that day. I knew I was playing pretty well. You know, I didn’t really come in with too many expectations. Just wanted to kind of play well in this major.
That’s what I did. I didn’t have any other really thoughts in my mind coming into the week really.
Lee talks about the reaction from her family
Q.You’ve already been able to chat with family back home in Australia. What was their reaction?
MINJEE LEE: Yeah, they were all cheering for me, but apparently my dad was like, She’s going to get into a playoff and win, so he kind of called it.
But, no, they were really happy and a little bit teary. But, you know, they’re as happy as I am, so, yeah.
Q.Who were you chatting with? Mom and dad?
MINJEE LEE: And my Nan was there, too.
Q.Heard from Min Woo yet?
MINJEE LEE: I’m sure he has, but he’s in America right now. Yeah.
Q.You’re not old, but it seems like you’ve been out here for a long time; so many wins. Was it starting to become any sort of pressure to get a major championship under your belt?
MINJEE LEE: Maybe not — I mean, yes and no. Like I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform, and I hear so many people say, We really want to you win a major and major is just around the corner.
It’s easier said than done, and everybody is so good out here. Yeah, it’s just really nice to have a major title under my belt. No, it’s just — you know, I always have high expectations for myself, so maybe in that sense, yes.
Q.And you joined quite a list of players from Australia. Karrie, Stephenson, and Hannah, who you grew up playing with. What does it mean to you to have your name forever linked with those three?
MINJEE LEE: You know, they’re just all amazing people and amazing golfers, too. You know, it just has a really nice ring to it. Yeah.
Q.While you were waiting out on the putting green you said you were trying to stay chill. What did you do to stay chill and what were you eating?
MINJEE LEE: I kept nibbling on my nectarine, so it must have looked so bad on camera. But I just finished that and then I didn’t really want any of the baguettes. The girls were eating the baguette. Yeah, and I had some water.
Q.How did you stay chill? I wasn’t there to see. Just chatting? Were you putting? Were you listening to music? Were you telling yourself things? How were you keeping yourself in a good state of mind?
MINJEE LEE: I wasn’t like super nervous. I was just pretty calm after. But I think I was more nervous playing the 18th hole, like the first time round.
But I don’t know. I just felt good. I just hit — rolled a couple putts and I was just kind of calm. Yeah.
Q.Minjee, you ended up 6-under on the 18th this week, including the playoff. What about that hole seems to suit you, do you like so much?
MINJEE LEE: Well, it was a par-4 before and then it became a par-5. You know, I think I only had like 6- or at the most 5-iron in, so it’s like a pretty short hole if you drive it on the fairway.
Even on the right side I went for it one time and chipped in for eagle on the second day, I think. So I just think it’s a good finishing hole because everybody has a chance to make birdie and hit it on the green for two. It’s just good for everyone.
Q.Definitely saw a lot of movement there today and I think is certainly what made that last group so exciting watching; you knew anything can happen.
MINJEE LEE: Yeah.
Q.Talk about coming up in golf, how you learned the game. I know you learned from your mom, but the role she has played for you and for Min Woo and coming up and getting where you are in life.
MINJEE LEE: Yeah, so when we were really little we used to go down to the driving range with mom when she was teaching. We would just practice. Yeah, so that’s been a really long time since we’ve done that.
And then I got a coach once I got into the, what do you call it, the state program. I’ve been with Richie since then. It’s like I’ve only had two coaches in my whole life, for a long time anyway.
But it’s been great. Mom knows a lot about golf and our whole family played golf, so it’s just like we’ve always been around it. And Min Woo was always really interested more than I was, so it was just kind of — I just followed in everybody’s footsteps I guess playing.
Q.Did you play any other sports?
MINJEE LEE: I swam before, yeah.
Q.Have you heard from Karrie yet?
MINJEE LEE: Actually she did message me straightaway.
Q.You were so poised on the back nine in tough conditions. It was beautiful out, but it’s hot. So much pressure. How did you keep your composure on that back nine, particularly you started off with another string of birdies to keep yourself behind — excuse me, pars.
MINJEE LEE: When I was having those string of pars I think I missed a short one on 10 and then 11 it wasn’t super short.
Then 12 I missed a putt there as well. Going down the 12th fairway, Gilly, my caddie was like, You know, you have a chance to win your first major championship, so why don’t you just like give it a go.
I was like, Yeah, I’m trying. But, yeah, no, we just kind of had that chat and then I was like — the next hole I birdied, so…
Yeah, I don’t know. It was just like just little things. Just little kids smiling or people clapping for you. It’s just nice. I think that’s what really kind of kept me going.
Q.You mentioned Gilly a lot, your caddie, Jason. How much do you rely on him and how long have you been working together and what’s that relationship like?
MINJEE LEE: Already four years now, so maybe just over four. So, yeah, I mean, it’s time that we sort of like know each other really well. Four years have gone by. He knows me really well on the golf course and I know him really well as well.
So I know when — if we’re off, then we know each other so well so we can pick it up straightaway. We were just really happy and happy to be out walking and we were like, Oh, we got so lucky with the weather this weekend.
So we were just really grateful for that, to be honest.
Q.Because this morning was gross.
MINJEE LEE: Yeah? Was it raining a lot?
Q.There was rain, the lightning delay, and then it turned into the most beautiful day of the week.
MINJEE LEE: I know. It was just so nice. I was like, We are so lucky.
Q.Congratulations, first of all.
MINJEE LEE: Thank you.
Q.Secondly, I would like to come back to Karrie. I know a couple years ago I had lots of conversations with her when I was doing an article for the celebration here. I know how much Evian means to her. So can you share with me, did she give you any tips? How did she tell you to play Evian, whatever, et cetera?
MINJEE LEE: I don’t think I really asked her about like how to play the golf course or anything like that, but over the years she’s been so supportive of my golf and just me as a person, so it’s just been really nice to have her in my corner.
She messages me quite a bit, so just here and there I just think it’s just really nice of her.
Q.To me that’s also very much Karrie, too.
MINJEE LEE: Yeah, definitely.
Q.One other question: You’re in Perth, right?
MINJEE LEE: Yes.
Q.Whereabouts in Perth do you play and who were some of the people you trained with and grew up with, because you’ve got a lot of people from Brett Rumford and all sorts of other people coming out of the Perth area.
MINJEE LEE: I play at Royal Fremantle Golf Club, so there was actually not too many girls when I was growing up that were members there. So, you know, I really just practiced by myself.
But there was a lot of like boys coming up, I guess, here and there. But I sort of didn’t really mix with them, to be honest.
What’s next for the champion?
Q.What’s next? British Open, I take it.
MINJEE LEE: I am, but the Olympics is in a couple — in a week and a bit, so I’m going there first. Yeah.
Q.And then you will come back for the British Open?
MINJEE LEE: Scottish and British, yes.
Q.First of all, good luck to start with at the Olympics; and secondly, it’ll be great to see you back in Europe, too.
MINJEE LEE: Thank you.
Q.Thanks. It was really a spectacular win. I think everybody was excited.
MINJEE LEE: Thank you so much.
Q.The last two questions. The first: The playoff on 18 and the eagle kind of similar to the playoff with Lydia at MEDIHEAL?
MINJEE LEE: Oh, yeah. Actually I was like — before I went out to the playoff I was like, I need to change my outcome because the one I played was with Lyds and she made eagle and beat me.
So it was just a quick thought that went through my mind. I just really wanted to have a good hole. Yeah.
Q.And you did. You had a very good hole. Finally, the Olympics, is there a better way to go into Tokyo than with a major championship under your belt now?
MINJEE LEE: You know, it’s so cool. I still can’t believe it. Yeah, the Olympics have been on the back of my mind since Rio, so I’m really excited to play and go out there and rep my country. Yeah.
Q.Will you be going back to the states first?
MINJEE LEE: Yes.
THE MODERATOR: Awesome. Well, congratulations. We’re so happy for you. See you in Tokyo, and more importantly, see you back here next year as the reining Evian champion. Congratulations, Minjee.
MINJEE LEE: Thank you so much.
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, FRANCE – JULY 25: Tournament winner Minjee Lee of Australia waves to the crowd during day four of the The Amundi Evian Championship at Evian Resort Golf Club on July 25, 2021 in Evian-les-Bains, France. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Photo: Brooke Henderson during her first round of the Evian Championship 2021. (Photo: Getty Images)
THE AMUNDI EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
Q.Let’s start with the birdie on 11, nice long 15-footer?
BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, it was a little longer than that. It was nice to get started on the day with a birdie, even though I gave it back on the next hole. It was still nice to get under par early.
Q.You finished with two straight birdies to end the round, some good momentum, kind of found what you were hoping to start the tournament with?
BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, for sure. I wanted to get off to a faster start, have a good day today, and I felt like I accomplished that, which I’m really happy about, and I’m excited for the next three days.
I putted really well today, which gives me a lot of confidence moving forward, and hopefully I can just hit a few more greens tomorrow and give myself some good looks, hopefully roll in a few more birdies.
Q.Having not seen this course in two years, what did it play like from what you remembered about it in the past?
BROOKE HENDERSON: Well, one thing coming back here is it’s not as stressful object the practice round days because you know what to expect, so it was really nice. I feel like we’re really familiar with this golf course, and we kind of know where to hit it and where to miss it, which is really important, especially here with all the hills and slopes that the greens have. But I felt like we just need to do a little bit better job of adapting to the release on the course, and I think if it rains this weekend then it won’t be releasing as much, but maybe tomorrow in the afternoon might have to account for a little bit more.
Evian Championship 2021. Kelly Korda: Getty Images
July 21, 2021
Nelly Korda
Evian-les-Bains, France
Evian Resort Golf Club
Press Conference
THE MODERATOR: Welcome back to the media center here. Nelly Korda, making her 13th start of the LPGA season, a Tour-leading three victories, including the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, where she moved to World No. 1.
Making your fourth appearance here at Evian, best finish in 2019 of T25. Welcome back to Evian. We missed this place last year. Inbee said she didn’t realize how much she missed it until she got here. What’s it like to be back here at Lake Geneva?
NELLY KORDA: It’s so nice, especially this time of year. The atmosphere is amazing and the views are amazing and the weather. Nothing can beat this.
THE MODERATOR: What have the last couple days been like, getting in, getting transitioned over from the States where you played last week? It’s never easy to cross borders, even more difficult now, but how are you feeling as you get ready for this next major?
NELLY KORDA: I feel honestly pretty good. I feel like the first day when you’re overseas with the time change is very important, so I made sure to stay up past 9:00, which was really hard, but I did, and I slept through the night. I feel like once you get that first night in, it’s a lot easier.
Q.I know you’ve been here since Monday, so had a couple days to see the golf course yesterday, the pro-am today. I know it’s kind of wet but it’s drying out pretty well. How does the golf course look right now?
NELLY KORDA: Yeah, I know they got a lot of rain last week. It is a lot softer than typically, what it usually plays like, but the rough is thick, so I think that’s going to play a huge part, hitting fairways, and then the greens are always difficult.
I think it’s still very difficult, but it’s definitely a lot more wet than it has been.
Q.This is your first time coming to a major as world No. 1. Having a major already under your belt, how does that feel? Is it any added pressure? Does that change your game at all?
NELLY KORDA: I don’t think it changes my game. It’s definitely cool. It’s a cool feeling. I’m very proud of it. But again, Jess kind of said it last week in an interview we did, she was like, yeah, everyone is now coming after her, so in a sense, I’m like, that’s right. But it’s a new week, and every week I go into a tournament with a new mindset. It doesn’t matter the ranking.
Q.At Dow you and your caddie Jason got the caddie bib presentation. He gets the green bib again this week. Is that a fun thing to do now?
NELLY KORDA: Yeah, I think it’s fun for him, too, and it’s just a couple goals you get to check off, so it’s nice.
Q.You two seem to have a great relationship. Tell us, how long has he been on your bag? I know he’s been on your bag for a while, and how much does he help you with your game?
NELLY KORDA: Yeah, we were actually talking about it today with our pro-am group, this is our fourth year working together. He’s like everything. He’s obviously caddie, he’s like a big brother, psychologist sometimes, but also my biggest supporter, and he’s always in my corner, and super grateful for him.
Q.Do you really rely on his vision out on the golf course? Are you someone who relies on a caddie for their help and expertise?
NELLY KORDA: Yeah, we do a good bit of teamwork. On the greens not so much, but everything else he gets involved.
Q.I saw him out walking the course yesterday. I got a little tour out there to see what it was like and I know he was doing a lot of scouting. How does that help you and how do you feel like you’ve gotten to know the course better over the years that you’ve played here?
NELLY KORDA: Yeah, I mean, definitely. I feel like the more you play out here, the more you kind of learn about the bounces and where to hit it and whatnot, what part of the hole to be on on the greens. So I feel like we’re constantly both learning.
Two years ago was my best finish, but I definitely — a big goal is to contend in these tournaments, so just kind of trying to figure it out a little bit more each year helps.
Q.What is the toughest part of this course for you that you really have to focus on?
NELLY KORDA: You know, you can hit good shots and you get a really bad bounce and you’re just in an impossible position. You can hit a bad shot and it trickles up there and you sink it for birdie. So it’s more of just like a mental aspect and also just knowing where to miss.
Q.Going on to the Olympics and now you’re here playing as No. 1, what difference does this make in overall attitude, preparation? Are you doing things differently? And are you going to prepare differently for the Olympics?
NELLY KORDA: With the ranking?
Q.Yeah.
NELLY KORDA: No, not at all. At the end of the day you have the same game plan going into every week, and a ranking in a sense is a ranking and it’s a huge accomplishment, but when it comes to game plans, I stick to the same thing every week despite my ranking. I could be 30th in the world or I could be whatever, I’m still going to go into every week with the same game plan.
Q.Is there a difference between the Olympics and the majors for you?
NELLY KORDA: I mean, they’re all very big events. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small event or if it’s a major. I’m going to go into every week with the same mindset and the same preparation because at the end of the day you go into any type of event wanting to win.
Q.Is there anything that you did during the COVID downtime that got you away from golf that was like a new hobby, a new activity, just because you weren’t out on the golf course and you had extra time that you enjoyed?
NELLY KORDA: I actually — honestly Florida was kind of functioning normally, so I actually played a lot of golf. I didn’t really kind of step away from the game. I worked out. I just kind of stuck to a routine so I wouldn’t go completely crazy.
Q.We had Inbee in here before, and we’ve heard from a lot of medal winners, especially Shanshan, how much winning a medal impacted the growth of the game in their country. What do you think an American winning a medal in Tokyo would do for the game of golf and maybe for you personally as Nelly Korda, the person, the personality?
NELLY KORDA: Yeah, it would be a huge accomplishment and be really special. I think we’re at the point that even winning a major is growing the game. Playing just a regular tournament is growing a game, but there’s nothing like the Olympics. It’s every four years. It’s a huge honor even to just be an Olympian, so I feel like anytime you’re on that kind of stage and have a chance to grow the game of golf is really special.
Q.I know we’ve seen a lot of requests coming in for interviews with you and your sister. I saw you guys were featured on ESPN’s Instagram and on instyle.com, all sorts of things. How cool is that to see you popping up in all these not-golf places?
NELLY KORDA: Yeah, it’s super special. Honestly the week of KPMG, I think I was more nervous for (indiscernible) than anything else, so I was really happy to see that she played well. We’re both going to the Olympics together.
Honestly it’s a huge honor, and we’re just super excited and grateful for everything.
Q.I know it’s not going to be maybe our normal week in Tokyo, but what are you most looking forward to during that week there? I know you’re going to try to go over and see some of the men’s competition perhaps.
NELLY KORDA: Yeah, I think I’ll get to see their final day, so I think that’ll be really exciting because I don’t remember the last time I’ve been to, in a sense, a men’s event, but just the experience repping red, white and blue is going to be a lot of fun, and to call each other Olympians, only the females in the Korda household will be Olympians, so that’ll be really cool.
Q.Has your family been able to spend a lot of time together since Sebby’s run at Wimbledon? I know you’ve talked about your Drive On video that came out this week, but how dang athletic is your family? It’s unfair.
NELLY KORDA: We’re very sport oriented. I actually spent the week before Dow with my brother. I didn’t see him for a couple months, so it was really nice to spend some time with him and my dad. Jess unfortunately, she was at Marathon competing, so she wasn’t — she was like, I have really bad FOMO right now. That’s all we were getting in her text messages.
But it was really nice to see him, and he’s playing well. He’s putting in a lot of work, and it’s just super exciting to see it pay off and to see him do what he loves.
Q.What’s the key to the success in the family? I know you’ve learned a lot from your dad and certainly from your mom, but is it kind of a family way of working towards common athletic goals?
NELLY KORDA: Yeah, honestly, I don’t even know. I can’t even answer the question in a sense because we had like a lot of structure obviously growing up, but like it didn’t even like hit us that we’re like doing something like this. It’s like more of like this is our everyday kind of thing, like we’re just going about our business, pushing each other, talking about sports, seeing how maybe we can do something better, be better people, be better athletes. We just like go about our business and kind of keep our heads down and just tread along, in a sense.
Q.Since the major win, since you’ve been No. 1 now, and Christina mentioned some of the magazines and things like that, what have been the demands like, and have you been having to use the word “no” quite a few times?
NELLY KORDA: I don’t know, ask my agent that.
Q.So it’s filtered?
NELLY KORDA: Yeah, usually my dad and my agent handle that. But yeah, it’s been exciting. It’s been cool. It’s just been really special, and sometimes I’m just — I’m like, pinch me; is this even real?
Q.But is that something that maybe within the family dynamic can help because time can be demanding for you and you’re in a bit of a busy spell right now?
NELLY KORDA: Yeah, I mean, are you saying like is it nice to just be around family?
Q.Well, not necessarily that, but it would be easy for you if you said yes to all your demands for your time to be sort of diverting away from what you need to be doing.
NELLY KORDA: I feel like we’re constantly busy, like we’re constantly on the go, and obviously last year with COVID it was really tough because we have such a busy schedule always, so it was nice to have structure.
But yeah, I mean, in a sense I’m kind of used to the busy schedule. When I’m home for a little, I’m like, okay, I’m ready to go on the road again.
Q.What are your thoughts on some of the French players here?
NELLY KORDA: Yeah, I know Celine. I played with her a couple weeks ago. She’s a very solid player. She putts really well, which is going to be very important out here this week, and I think she got actually longer off the tee, which I noticed when I played with her last. Because it’s soft, it’s probably an advantage to the longer players because it won’t roll out, but in all she’s a really solid player, and I don’t know what her past finishes have been out here, but I feel like she could do well out here.
Q.What would you say about the greens?
NELLY KORDA: I would say kind of funky, very difficult, a lot of ridges. I think that’s the golf course’s defense, in a sense, is like the greens, especially if they get firm and fast. They’re very tricky.
Q.We had Inbee in here right before you, certainly the defending gold medal winner. What do you remember about the first time you watched Inbee up close playing golf? Do you remember when that was and just your thoughts on as a kid watching Inbee?
NELLY KORDA: I think the first memory that pops into my head is playing British Open with her. I played the first two rounds with her at Kingsbarns, and I was like, oh, my God, she looks at something and makes it. Like I want to be her. She’s just a very solid player.
She’s very nice. Not many people — she doesn’t really speak too much, but when she does, she’s very welcoming and very nice, so that’s kind of like the first thing I thought about.
Q.You’ve got a major win under your belt. What are your goals for the rest of the year?
NELLY KORDA: Well, I think my biggest goal was just to stay healthy this year, so if I can pull that off, that would be great.
As in the whole year, I don’t know, probably just to contend in a couple more events, and I have a couple big events coming up. We have this week, then we have Olympics, another major and Solheim. As I said, to stay healthy and just to stay consistent.
Q.How are you planning to manage your time over this next month because this is a crazy stretch coming up, to keep yourself well mentally and physically?
NELLY KORDA: Well, I bought a gaming laptop, so I am gaming a little, just to try and keep my mind off of things. You kind of need a way to kind of escape a little sometimes, so I was like, hmm, may as well try it out. Other than that, just rest and take it easy. A lot of people put a lot of pressure on these weeks and they tire themselves out so much, especially mentally, and I think if you’re tired mentally then — which I’ve learned in the past, you’re just dead, drained.
Q.What games are you playing?
NELLY KORDA: Right now Call of Duty, Modern Warfare. But when I was a kid I really liked the card games, so I may download one of those. Complete nerd coming out of me right now.
Q.We’ve got a great field. You’re headlining a great field, but we have some names who skipped this to play the Olympics. What are your thoughts on that and why are you here to play this week?
NELLY KORDA: Each to their own when it comes to a schedule. I know a couple of top girls are missing this week just because it was a lot of travel, a lot of big events coming up. At the end of the day I think they’re just thinking about how their bodies are going to be and not tiring themselves out. But I would never miss a major.
THE MODERATOR: We’re glad to have you here. Thanks so much. We’ll see you later this week.
