ShopRite LPGA Classic
Bay Course at Seaview – A Dolce Resort
Galloway, N.J.
Second-round notes and interviews
June 4, 2011
Cristie Kerr -8, Rolex Rankings No. 4
Catriona Matthew -7, Rolex Rankings No. 38
Brittany Lincicome -6, Rolex Rankings No. 24
Jiyai Shin -5, Rolex Rankings No. 3
Amy Yang -5, Rolex Rankings No. 27
Cristie Kerr has a one-shot lead over Catriona Matthew heading into the final round of the ShopRite LPGA Classic at Seaview – A Dolce Resort on Sunday. With the wind much calmer on the Bay Course for Saturday’s second round, Kerr shot a 6-under 65 to take sole possession of the lead at 8-under-par and earn herself a spot in the final pairing. Kerr recorded eight birdies in her round with the lone blip coming on a double bogey at the 12th hole.
Kerr is no stranger to success at this golf course. The 14-time LPGA Tour winner is a past champion here, having won the 2004 ShopRite LPGA Classic. Kerr has yet to record a victory in the 2011 season although she has recorded four Top-10 finishes, including a runner-up finish at the Sybase Match Play event.
Sitting right behind Kerr is the 17-year LPGA Tour veteran Catriona Matthew, who has three career wins on the LPGA Tour. Matthew shot a 4-under 67 to move one shot back of the lead. Her last victory came in 2009 at the RICOH British Women’s Open which came just weeks after the birth of her daughter Sophie. Matthew has two top-10 finishes so far this season, including an eighth place finish at the HSBC Women’s Champions in Singapore.
The final pairing on Sunday will have a Solheim Cup feel to it with Kerr and Matthew teeing it up together. Both players are veterans of the event with Kerr having played on five U.S. Solheim Cup teams and Matthew having been a five-time member of the European Solheim Cup team. Kerr is currently first among all U.S. players in the Solheim Cup point race, leading up to this year’s event which will take place on Sept. 23-25 at Killeen Castle in Ireland. Kerr and Matthew have played each other three times in Solheim Cup competition, but never in singles play. In 2007, Matthew and Annika Sorenstam defeated Kerr and Nicole Castrale, 1 UP, in Foursome play. In 2005, Kerr and Paula Creamer defeated Matthew and Carin Koch, 1 UP, in Four-ball play. In 2003, Kerr and Kelli Kuehne defeated Matthew and Laura Davies, 2 and 1, in Four-ball.
Brittany Lincicome fired a 7-under 64 on Saturday to vault herself into third place at -6. Lincicome’s bogey-free 64 was the lowest round so far this week on the Bay Course and two shots off the tournament record of 62 posted by Laura Davies and Jimin Kang in 2005. Lincicome has not won since the 2009 Kraft Nabisco Championship when she eagled the 72nd hole to capture her third LPGA win and her first Major Championship. She has one Top-10 finish so far this season which came in her runner-up finish at the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup back in March.
More favorable scoring conditions: After just 13 rounds-under-par were recorded in Friday’s first round, the scores were much better on Saturday. A total of 54 players shot under par in the second round and the average score for the field was 71.75. That was 3.14 strokes lower than Friday’s scoring average (74.89) on the par-71 golf course.
Still playing on Sunday: A total of 74 players made the cut which fell at 4-over-par 146.
Of Note…Defending champion Ai Miyazato shot a two-under 69 to put her in a tie for 29th at even par for the tournament and eight shots back of the leader, Kerr…Joanna Coe, who is from nearby Mays Landing and is playing as a sponsor’s exemption this week, shot an 8-over 79 on Saturday to finish the two days at 23-over-par. This is the first tournament that Coe has played since turning professional.
CRISTIE KERR, Rolex Rankings No. 4
THE MODERATOR: We'd like to welcome our leader, Cristie Kerr, into the interview room. Congratulations on your round today. 8 under now for the tournament and in the final pairing tomorrow. Just talk a little about the round today and what went right for you out there?
CRISTIE KERR: Sure, well, I got off to a great start. I could tell when I was on the range that I was kind of very intense and just kind of had to go out there and do my job. So I got off to a very quick start, kind of missed the green to the right with a lob wedge on the first hole. I don't know why, but I guess I was meant to hit it there, because I made a great birdie putt from off the green, a big left to right breaking putt. On the second hole I flagged it with a 7 iron and made birdie and then hit the green in two the next par 5.
So got off to a really good start, and kept the momentum going when I hit it close at 8. The pin on 9 was like on a down slope. It was I think a new pin from where I've seen them put the pins on these greens, and it was a really difficult location. Nobody could wedge it close to that hole location, and I hit a great pitch. You know, open faced, spinning pitch that still went by about 12 feet and didn't convert for birdie there. Made a long putt at 11 for birdie, and kind of hit a little bit of a speed bump. But it didn't really bother me because I didn't really do anything wrong. It sounds funny. Well, you made double. But the pin in that back location, that green's really skinny and I just kind of pulled the gap wedge and there's really no room. You have to hit it right on the pin there. I was aiming at the pin, but I pulled it. I hit it in the worst location you could hit it in.
I hit actually a great high, soft chip and it just went over the green, and I hit another great pitch and didn't make the putt. So I didn't actually feel like it was weird making double, but I didn't feel like that bothered me because I had been playing great today, and I didn't feel like I did too much wrong on the hole. So I just said to myself, just stay composed and keep going. I was able to make a great birdie at 14, a great birdie at 16, and finally the birdie at 18. So today was awesome.
Q. Is that maturity that a double on a hole doesn't bother you as opposed to ten years ago or whatever that maybe just wrecked your round?
CRISTIE KERR: Yeah, I think it's maturity. But I recognize that you can make some birdies on the stretch coming in. It just didn't feel like a bad double. It sounds odd, but just didn't feel like I made double. So when you make a stupid mistake or something happens and you make double, you get more mad at yourself. But I guess, yeah, maturity. I just knew that I had to focus on the bigger picture.
Q. Can you talk about the long putt? I forget what hole it was, but one of the birdie putts on the back nine was pretty long. Can you just describe that?
CRISTIE KERR: Sure, on the 11th hole, the par 3. I made probably a 30 footer, and on 14, you know, it probably was almost 30 feet. So both of them were perfect right in the middle. The line that we were playing, it did that. Some days you're able to make some long putts and that was good.
Q. You've had a lot of success here in the past. Do you just have a good feeling coming back to this place? Can you use those memories that you've had in this place to sort of propel you when you come here each year?
CRISTIE KERR: For sure. It's great being a past champion, knowing that I've won on this golf course. I know how to play this golf course. It's a little links style. My caddie and I, we think ourselves around the course really well together from a strategy perspective or where you need to bounce the ball or where it's going to check. Yeah, I'm very comfortable on this course. Tomorrow just keep winning that battle within myself every day and do that tomorrow ask I'll be fine.
Q. There were some low numbers today. Brittany had one and a couple other players. Tomorrow do you go in saying I've got to go low again to win?
CRISTIE KERR: Obviously, that's the plan, but you don't know whether it's going to blow 30 miles an hour or whether it's going to rain. You just have to kind of feel out the conditions and see what the optimum score would be in those kind of conditions. Shooting even par tomorrow I know is not going to get it done. You definitely have to shoot some kind of number; it just depends on the conditions, what the golf course will give up.
Q. Seems like the main defense of this golf course is its greens. Maybe are there some parallels to Liberty National's greens? They kind of have similar undulations. Can you talk about the redo there and what you think of it?
CRISTIE KERR: Okay. I think the wind here can be quite a defense. There were very few under par scores, and the greens are kind of links style. I think the greens here are a little different than Liberty's. Liberty's are a little more new style links. This is kind of an older golf course where there are lots of little humps and bumps and the greens are more consistent as far as the slope at Liberty. But the links feel is similar.
Q. Congratulations, Christie. Let me ask you something. You were playing perfectly, perfectly today the whole day, but you weren't hunting like you were coming from behind. Tomorrow you're going to be the leader. Are you going to keep the same aggressiveness maybe?
CRISTIE KERR: I think what he had asked, I answered that question already. I don't know if you were here or not. But basically you have to see what the conditions are going to be, and you certainly want to be as aggressive on this golf course as you can be. Like I said, it may be windy, it could be raining, it might be very nice; so you just have to see the conditions and judge the game plan accordingly.
Q. Along that line, today you said you came out to the range and wanted to be aggressive. I think you told the TV guy that. Were you more aggressive today than you were yesterday given the change in the wind?
CRISTIE KERR: I think you could be. Yesterday you were trying to hit greens and hit good shots under the conditions. Today, as we saw, a lot of other people went low too, so the course had very little wind today. The spots on the greens were a bit softer today. So I think the conditions led people to be more aggressive because you could be.
Q. Tomorrow you'll be paired with Catriona. Have you ever played her in Solheim?
CRISTIE KERR: In Solheim, yes, many times. I played with her last week in Brazil as well. She's a great player. It's going to be good.
Q. You mentioned before that you just felt good on the range or felt was it just one of those days or the way you were hitting on the range? Just what gave you that feeling of intensity before you started?
CRISTIE KERR: Sure, I think it starts with the mindset, are you ready to go low? Are you ready to, no matter what comes at you, are you able to handle it? I felt like I was like that today. I pray every day I'm in that mindset. Because that's a good place for me, very intense, knowing what I've got to do, taking care of my job.
When you get out there, you've just got to execute. And I did that great in the beginning and I kind of hit a little lull, and I was able to get that at the end. You've kind of got to go with the ebbs and flows each particular day. Every day is different, but I think it starts with the mindset.
Q. You're playing very aggressive today how do you get into that mindset when you come to the course in the morning? Do you get into a mindset of I'm going to shoot low today or today I have to shoot a 69?
CRISTIE KERR: I can't really answer that question. Anybody that's played different sports, it's just I was born to be this way and I'm in this mindset a lot. You've just got to do it.
Q. So you just kind of go
CRISTIE KERR: No, I don't plan to coast my way into winning, if that's what you mean. No, you have to go get it. It's who wants it more and there is really winning is not easy. You have to go out and do it.
Q. (No Microphone)?
CRISTIE KERR: Mentally I just wasn't 100% there, and that's about it. I was trying a little bit too hard. It happens.
CATRIONA MATTHEW, Rolex Rankings No. 38
THE MODERATOR: We'd like to welcome our current leader, Catriona Matthew, into the interview room. Congratulations on your round today, 7 under now for the tournament. Can you compare yesterday's conditions to today and what went right for you today?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Obviously, not nearly as windy today. Just a slight breeze today so that made it a little bit easier. But, yeah, overall I played well out there today, couple of poor shots, but I still made a lot of birdies which you have to do on that course.
THE MODERATOR: Which holes stood out to you as good ones that kind of maybe turned it around?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: I think probably I holed a good putt I three putted the first, my first putt past and missed the next one. Kind of raced that putt past in the second as well, and holed an 8 footer for par, and that kind of got me going for the day.
Q. Obviously the greens are still pretty quick out there. Was it tough to kind of get the pace early on?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Yeah, the greens are pretty quick. I just kind of raced we all kind of raced our first few putts, I don't know. Maybe just slightly quicker than yesterday. Yeah, once we got the speed, the greens are really good, rolling well, but they are pretty quick in places.
Q. I was looking at your bio and couldn't believe that it's 17 years on Tour. Do you sit down I don't want to say at your age but do you sit down and say how many more years am I going to do this? How many more chances am I going to have to win? Or do you just keep playing until you don't feel like it?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: No, I feel I'm still improving and working hard on my game. But I feel I'm playing as well as I've ever played. So, yeah, when my older girls start school, I probably won't play quite as much, but it feels like I've certainly got another good two or three years.
Q. How do you feel your career has gone since the birth of your first and then your second child? What were the differences in the career after their births?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Yeah, I don't know. I just relaxed a little bit more. Golf wasn't everything then. Obviously, I had something else to take up just about all of the time in a good way, but I think it just helped me relax a little bit more and put golf in perspective a little bit.
Q. Are your kids with you this week?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Yes, they are. Yeah, they're out for the next six weeks.
Q. You started out the year with a couple of top eight finishes and then recently you haven't played as well. What is the difference between what you're doing now and the couple of events where you hadn't fared as well?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: A lot. Obviously in the Match Play event that is just one where anything can happen. Played well last week, finished sixth, so there just haven't been that many tournaments. I missed one. I didn't fly all the way back for Mobile just for the one week so, just haven't had too many opportunities yet.
Q. (No Microphone)?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Yeah, I think you just tend to play in all the events now. You don't really pick and choose now. You tend to if there is an event now, you play in it now. I think I'm going to miss two events this year, Mobile and Portland, because I promised to play one in Scotland. So apart from that I'm playing just about everything.
Q. You buried at 18. Can you just kind of take us through that hole and how much momentum does that give you?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Yeah, obviously a great way to end. Hit a good drive there. I was kind of between a rescue and a 3 wood, so I go with the 3 rescue, and just came up probably, I don't know, 20 yards short of the green.
Hit a really good chip in to like two feet and obviously holed that one. It was a great little pin to chip because the pin was right at the front. So nice to finish with the birdie.
Q. And going into tomorrow, what are your thoughts and what will you do tonight?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Obviously, just trying to do more of the same. Hit the greens and give myself birdie chances. I feel I'm putting well. So if I can keep the ball out of trouble and get it on the greens, I'm confident with my putting.
Q. Six birdies, most of them average length?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Yeah, most of them were pretty short. I haven't had a long putt yet this week. Yeah, all within probably 15 feet.
Q. And the bogey?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: That was just a poor drive. I had to kind of hack it out of the rough from then on.
Q. Having Jiyai in your group and obviously Sandra played well yesterday. How does that impact the way you play seeing the ball go in the hole often?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Yeah, I think when you play people that are playing well, it pushes you along as well. I made a few birdies and Jiyai made a few birdies, so I think you keep pushing to make those birdies.
Q. What do you prefer to have tomorrow? Thinking you are going to play in the last group, I think?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Just like today would be perfect. Yesterday was a tough day. It makes it tough just even for putting it was so windy. So another day like today would be perfect. I don't know what the forecast is.
Q. You seem to be a person that you're pretty comfortable with things. Do you feel any pressure or are you just taking it as it comes a little bit?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Obviously you feel pressured when you get out there tomorrow. I think now, as you said, I've been on Tour a long time. I've learned from these situations before and I'll be nervous for tomorrow. So I just need to hopefully learn from being there in the past and cope with it.
Q. When you're playing, does your family follow you on the course?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: No, that wouldn't be a good idea (laughing).
Q. Where are they while you're playing?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: The Tour has a really good day care, so they're there at the moment.
Q. Do they have any idea what mom does for a living? Can they tell if you played well or poorly that day?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: They know I play golf. That's about as far as it goes, I think.
BRITTANY LINCICOME, Rolex Rankings No. 24
THE MODERATOR: We'd like to welcome Brittany Lincicome into the interview room. Congratulations on your round of 64 today, now 6 under for the tournament. What worked for you out there today?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Everything, really. I was hitting it well off the tee. Obviously this course is all about placing it on the fairway was my number one goal. Get it on the fairway, get it on the green and see if we can make in putts. So drove it well, and hit most of the greens well and seemed to make everything. Nothing really went in yesterday, so we must have been saving them for today.
We'd kind of lineup and I'd ask my caddie, what do you think? My caddie would say, I think it's this, and it was like okay, and we'd play it there and they would go in. It was just my day pretty much.
Q. How did you feel after yesterday, shooting 1 over, very tough conditions, not many rounds under par? Did you feel good if you came in today and shot a low round, you'd be right there in the middle?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Yeah, absolutely. With how windy it was yesterday 1 over really wasn't that bad of a score. It was like 3 under on the front nine, so that was disappointing to come in at over par. But it got really windy on a couple of other holes. The par 3s are playing really with long. So a different wind today really helped. So I knew it was out there, but I just kind of needed to trust it.
I felt like I've been playing really well. I practiced really hard last week, and I've been doing all the right things to try to get ready, and they paid off today, I guess.
Q. We talked earlier in the year when you are playing a couple of Mini Tour events down in Florida. Obviously those courses are much longer than this one. How does that experience playing 7,000 plus yard courses deal with playing a 6100 yard course?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: I actually played in the men's event last week. It was a team two person best ball team. It was unbelievably awesome. I think they're really getting me ready. I've played long courses ever since I was little. My home course was right around 7000 yards and the guys never let me play it up. I always had to play it back.
It's really all I know. Anywhere we go we always play it back. So I feel like it helps, especially the longer irons, the longer woods and irons, the 3 woods into par threes at these men's events or hybrids are normally par 5s. I'm going for greens in par 5s with those long irons. So it's not good on the short game work unless you miss the green, I guess. I think it really helps with the longer irons, which is good. I've been playing long yardages ever since I was little, so I don't really know anything different.
Q. So given all that, are you trying to prove that this is a course where long hitters can win on a 6100 yard course?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Yeah, I mean, just looking to win again or get back in the winner's area, even in the same zip code, it's been a while. It's nice to kind of be up at the top of the leaderboard. Nice to be back in the media room, and getting asked questions about my round, so everything's going in the right direction. I feel like I'm working hard, playing well. Even if it was 5,000 yards, I would take that win right now.
Q. It looked like you had a second earlier this year or you kind of slipped and what happened in between?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Who knows. It's golf. I may not have practiced as hard as I should have, or didn't work out. Who knows. I felt like especially the last couple of weeks I felt like I've been really close. And obviously Match Play didn't work out too well for me, but that's Match Play. It's kind of the luck of the draw really. So I didn't read too much into that.
But last week I practiced every day. I have a friend who plays a lot of Mini Tour events and we practiced every single day last week, trying to get ready for this week which really helped.
Q. Since you won in '09, what's been your level of frustration or patience in getting it all turned around?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Yeah, just trying to be patient. My number one goal going into this year was Solheim Cup. Obviously a win would be fantastic. The win would help get into Solheim Cup. But just trying to stay patient, trying to finish top 20 on the money list, top 10 to get those double points in the majors, the high points, and really just trying to focus on that really.
But like I said, I feel like I'm really close. I've been hitting the ball really well. Trying to not draw it as much and hopefully trying to hit it a little bit straighter. And then just the putting has really come around, so hopefully it keeps up for tomorrow.
Q. What kind of philosophy do you take into tomorrow if the conditions are kind of calm? You have to go out and make a lot of birdies, you can't sit back. Just a little on the philosophy you'll take to the course tomorrow?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: That's pretty much it. Trying to keep it on the fairway again, and it's going to be a birdie fest, pretty much, the same as it was today. The wind is pretty much the only thing that protects this golf course. The greens are pretty fast. They're undulated as well, so the greens are what saves this golf course.
Like the gentleman said, it's not very long, but you've got to hit it on the right spot on the greens and the par 3s are really long. You have to take your birdies where you can, and the tougher holes, the par 3s especially, are where you get your par and keep moving.
Q. 6 under, there is a good chance of playing with Catriona tomorrow. Is there any kind of play into the Solheim Cup with that? It's a big motivator.
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Yeah, I try not to think about that too much. Just go out there and try to play my own game, and just see if we can get it home, you know. Not too familiar about shooting 64 and following it up with another 64 tomorrow. So we'll see what we can do and hopefully we come out on top. Worse come to worse, it will be a learning experience, and I'll learn something new and take it into State Farm this week.
Q. Seven birdies, were any spectacular?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Nothing crazy. I need to make an eagle tomorrow. That's my next goal. The par 5s are all reachable in two, a couple are longer than others, but they're definitely out there. So that is kind of the goal for tomorrow is make some birdies and try to make an eagle.
Q. The last hole you banged it six or seven feet, was that roughly the distance?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Right, yeah, chipping is not my strongest point ever or now.
Q. Did you reach any of the par 5s in two?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Yeah, the first one, for sure. I'm drawing a blank for the second one. If not, they were like right the other one was just front left, so within like five yards of the green on all of them, and one of them I was on in two, the first one, No. 3.
Q. You mentioned before about being back in the media room and being back in contention. How much do you sort of relish the chance to play in the last group or next to last group tomorrow? From Catriona's standpoint, it's also been a while since she's been in that last group. Just a little about the two of you guys maybe getting a chance to play in that last group?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Yeah, we're both going to be probably equally as nervous trying to finish out the deal. But it will be fun. I haven't played with Catriona in a long time, and she's a very nice lady. So hopefully we'll go out, have some laughs and see who can make more birdies or eagles (laughing).
JIYAI SHIN, Rolex Rankings No. 3
THE MODERATOR: Jiyai, thank you for coming in. You had a good day. You shot even par. A lot of other players are going a little bit lower, but you just told me you still feel pretty good about how you played.
JIYAI SHIN: Well, yeah. When I started this morning, the weather conditions were much better than yesterday no wind, and a little bit chilly this morning.
But this morning I feel really good. I'm ready for today. But when I started the first hole I was kind of like I missed the putt, I made two bogies, so it was like, oh, my God, what am I doing? But it came back to even, and I'm really happy with that. I don't know, my condition and my timing was so bad today, so a little bit I was a little bit worried and unconfident with my shots today.
Q. Can you talk about how recently you decided to go to Orlando and practice with Yani Tseng who is the Rolex Rankings No. 1, a position you held last summer? Why did you decide to do that?
JIYAI SHIN: Actually Yani invited me. I really thank her for that. We're good friends since we played juniors. We played a lot of matches on a team. Like she was the Taiwan team and I was on the Korean team. We played a lot for a long time. And she invited me to her house. When I went there, she lives in a great house, a big house right next to the golf course. So we're practicing together about four days, and we're practicing a lot all day.
We had a really fun time. Well, when I talk to anybody, they're surprised when I practice with Yani, because we are rivals with the world rankings. But we're all the time enjoying the competition with Yani, and we have a great time.
Q. You obviously scored great yesterday in really difficult conditions. Like Mike said, it's a little bit easier today. Does that kind of even out over the two rounds? You had one really great round in horrible conditions and one that's kind of even with the field today?
JIYAI SHIN: Well, I feel it was okay because when I started on the first couple of holes with the two bogies I was just like how can I finish today? I'm guessing it's maybe a long day. But I made a birdie on No. 3, and I made another bogey on No. 4. So I just tried to focus more on my timing and then my playing.
Q. When you look back, I guess you sit down and say I'm right where I want to be heading into the final round?
JIYAI SHIN: I think so, yeah. Actually I'm very comfortable because actually today was really bad, my condition and same tempo. But I made a few mistakes, but that's it. I had a good recovery after my mistakes. So I feel really good right now, and I need a little bit more practice. I played with Catriona, and she's really playing good right now. And her putting and shots were really good, so maybe tomorrow we can make it a great tournament.
Q. Will you go to practice now and work on all of that?
JIYAI SHIN: Well, I have to eat first.
Q. After that?
JIYAI SHIN: After that. Today I missed three or four times a short putt, so I practiced with putting.
Q. Were the greens as fast today or quicker?
JIYAI SHIN: Yeah, it is. First hole, I left about 25 feet for the pin to the hole little bit downhill. But my stroke was past the hole about 7 feet past the hole. I said, okay, this is downhill. I think, okay, this is downhill. Then the second hole, it was uphill, and I hit a great tempo, but it also passed about six feet. After that I little worried with my putting speed. But after that I felt really good, so, yeah.
Q. Could you talk about your bogey on 12? Then you had two birdies after that, could you talk about those as well?
JIYAI SHIN: On No. 12? No, I think No. 13 I did a three putt. Well, I had a great birdie chance there about ten feet to the hole, but little bit downhill. I missed the birdie putt, and my par putt was just two feet, but mis hit.
Q. And the birdie after?
JIYAI SHIN: Yeah, one birdie after, straight after the bogey.
Q. Is getting back to No. 1, is that driving, something that motivates you?
JIYAI SHIN: Well, I think I am still close to the No. 1 spot. My shots are still getting better. We still have a lot of tournaments, so I'm just waiting. I have to focus on tomorrow first.
Q. How comfortable are you being in that final group on the last day of a tournament?
JIYAI SHIN: Well, I'm all the time enjoying the crowd. When a lot of people are coming and watching, I can more focus for my play. So I'm not sure, because the afternoon group just started, so I don't know about the afternoon. I think I am very close to the final group, so if I join the final group, I'm more excited to play.
Q. Can you talk about the tempo of your swing and also the putting, what do you want to improve tomorrow, the putting or the tempo?
JIYAI SHIN: I need them both (laughing).
Q. I know, I know, but you have to choose only one now.
JIYAI SHIN: I think putting because my timing is a little bit bad today, but I made a few shots I made it great. I think tomorrow you have a good chance for a birdie putt. I have to make it. I have to catch a chance.
AMY YANG, Rolex Rankings No. 27
THE MODERATOR: We'd like to welcome Amy Yang into the interview room. Congratulations on your round today; now 5 under for the tournament. Can you talk just a little bit about your round today and what went right for you?
AMY YANG: You know, the course played a lot harder this year and the greens even firmer. And with the wind, it's tough to play, but this morning we had less wind than yesterday afternoon. I think that helped a lot.
Q. With the less wind, was it just easier to pick the right club, easier to control the ball? How did the less wind affect your game?
AMY YANG: A lot shorter, I think it's more. It's still difficult because around the green area, even with my 58 wedge downwind, I have to play for like 5 to 10 yards shorter to let it roll. But without the wind, especially like longer holes, I think it played a little shorter today.
Q. Is there a specific example of a club you had to pull yesterday compared to today that was significantly different?
AMY YANG: Yeah, like some holes I had to use like 6/5 iron into the pin, but today using a 7/8 iron is a huge difference.
Q. Amy, yesterday with the wind, were you proud after you got finished with the round that you could shoot 71 given the conditions, and did that help you today go out with like a freer mind?
AMY YANG: Yeah, it helped a lot. I mean, it was blowing so hard yesterday, and all I tried to do was like make fairways and greens, and good speed on the greens. Yeah, they gave me more confidence.
Q. When you're going into a round and you're five shots behind the leader and it's 54 holes, do you say I have to go low today or do you say I have to continue playing my game?
AMY YANG: Never really thought I have to go really low today. I mean, we had still 36 holes left. I was thinking if I can do just like yesterday, it will be good. And luckily, the putts were falling today.
Q. One of those putts was on 18 that you made.
AMY YANG: Yeah, that was lucky. I think I had like two of them today.
Q. How far was your putt?
AMY YANG: It was only 7 steps, but it was off the green.
Q. What were your thoughts about going into tomorrow in contention? You're going to be somewhere near the lead. What are your thoughts about going into tomorrow in contention?
AMY YANG: It will be a little nervous, but I think better chasing somebody from behind. Like, I like better behind than chasing somebody.
Q. How come?
AMY YANG: I don't know, maybe because I don't know. I just feel like that way better.
Q. Amy, were the green speeds the same today as yesterday or a little different?
AMY YANG: It's same, but really fast.
Q. When is the last time you contended in a tournament?
AMY YANG: Oh, that was I think that was Alabama. Yeah, in Alabama, yeah.
Q. Did you play the last day?
AMY YANG: The last day wasn't good. I think I shot like 2 over or something like that. So I was kind of up there and went back.
Q. Is that a lesson you'll take into tomorrow, like maybe do something a little differently to maybe play better tomorrow?
AMY YANG: You know, I'll just try to think how can I say, just like have I don't know. When I think like I'm the top something or near the leader, I get a lot more nervous than I used to, so I'm trying not to think of it. I think that will help.
Bay Course at Seaview – A Dolce Resort
Galloway, N.J.
Second-round notes and interviews
June 4, 2011
Cristie Kerr -8, Rolex Rankings No. 4
Catriona Matthew -7, Rolex Rankings No. 38
Brittany Lincicome -6, Rolex Rankings No. 24
Jiyai Shin -5, Rolex Rankings No. 3
Amy Yang -5, Rolex Rankings No. 27
Cristie Kerr has a one-shot lead over Catriona Matthew heading into the final round of the ShopRite LPGA Classic at Seaview – A Dolce Resort on Sunday. With the wind much calmer on the Bay Course for Saturday’s second round, Kerr shot a 6-under 65 to take sole possession of the lead at 8-under-par and earn herself a spot in the final pairing. Kerr recorded eight birdies in her round with the lone blip coming on a double bogey at the 12th hole.
Kerr is no stranger to success at this golf course. The 14-time LPGA Tour winner is a past champion here, having won the 2004 ShopRite LPGA Classic. Kerr has yet to record a victory in the 2011 season although she has recorded four Top-10 finishes, including a runner-up finish at the Sybase Match Play event.
Sitting right behind Kerr is the 17-year LPGA Tour veteran Catriona Matthew, who has three career wins on the LPGA Tour. Matthew shot a 4-under 67 to move one shot back of the lead. Her last victory came in 2009 at the RICOH British Women’s Open which came just weeks after the birth of her daughter Sophie. Matthew has two top-10 finishes so far this season, including an eighth place finish at the HSBC Women’s Champions in Singapore.
The final pairing on Sunday will have a Solheim Cup feel to it with Kerr and Matthew teeing it up together. Both players are veterans of the event with Kerr having played on five U.S. Solheim Cup teams and Matthew having been a five-time member of the European Solheim Cup team. Kerr is currently first among all U.S. players in the Solheim Cup point race, leading up to this year’s event which will take place on Sept. 23-25 at Killeen Castle in Ireland. Kerr and Matthew have played each other three times in Solheim Cup competition, but never in singles play. In 2007, Matthew and Annika Sorenstam defeated Kerr and Nicole Castrale, 1 UP, in Foursome play. In 2005, Kerr and Paula Creamer defeated Matthew and Carin Koch, 1 UP, in Four-ball play. In 2003, Kerr and Kelli Kuehne defeated Matthew and Laura Davies, 2 and 1, in Four-ball.
Brittany Lincicome fired a 7-under 64 on Saturday to vault herself into third place at -6. Lincicome’s bogey-free 64 was the lowest round so far this week on the Bay Course and two shots off the tournament record of 62 posted by Laura Davies and Jimin Kang in 2005. Lincicome has not won since the 2009 Kraft Nabisco Championship when she eagled the 72nd hole to capture her third LPGA win and her first Major Championship. She has one Top-10 finish so far this season which came in her runner-up finish at the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup back in March.
More favorable scoring conditions: After just 13 rounds-under-par were recorded in Friday’s first round, the scores were much better on Saturday. A total of 54 players shot under par in the second round and the average score for the field was 71.75. That was 3.14 strokes lower than Friday’s scoring average (74.89) on the par-71 golf course.
Still playing on Sunday: A total of 74 players made the cut which fell at 4-over-par 146.
Of Note…Defending champion Ai Miyazato shot a two-under 69 to put her in a tie for 29th at even par for the tournament and eight shots back of the leader, Kerr…Joanna Coe, who is from nearby Mays Landing and is playing as a sponsor’s exemption this week, shot an 8-over 79 on Saturday to finish the two days at 23-over-par. This is the first tournament that Coe has played since turning professional.
CRISTIE KERR, Rolex Rankings No. 4
THE MODERATOR: We'd like to welcome our leader, Cristie Kerr, into the interview room. Congratulations on your round today. 8 under now for the tournament and in the final pairing tomorrow. Just talk a little about the round today and what went right for you out there?
CRISTIE KERR: Sure, well, I got off to a great start. I could tell when I was on the range that I was kind of very intense and just kind of had to go out there and do my job. So I got off to a very quick start, kind of missed the green to the right with a lob wedge on the first hole. I don't know why, but I guess I was meant to hit it there, because I made a great birdie putt from off the green, a big left to right breaking putt. On the second hole I flagged it with a 7 iron and made birdie and then hit the green in two the next par 5.
So got off to a really good start, and kept the momentum going when I hit it close at 8. The pin on 9 was like on a down slope. It was I think a new pin from where I've seen them put the pins on these greens, and it was a really difficult location. Nobody could wedge it close to that hole location, and I hit a great pitch. You know, open faced, spinning pitch that still went by about 12 feet and didn't convert for birdie there. Made a long putt at 11 for birdie, and kind of hit a little bit of a speed bump. But it didn't really bother me because I didn't really do anything wrong. It sounds funny. Well, you made double. But the pin in that back location, that green's really skinny and I just kind of pulled the gap wedge and there's really no room. You have to hit it right on the pin there. I was aiming at the pin, but I pulled it. I hit it in the worst location you could hit it in.
I hit actually a great high, soft chip and it just went over the green, and I hit another great pitch and didn't make the putt. So I didn't actually feel like it was weird making double, but I didn't feel like that bothered me because I had been playing great today, and I didn't feel like I did too much wrong on the hole. So I just said to myself, just stay composed and keep going. I was able to make a great birdie at 14, a great birdie at 16, and finally the birdie at 18. So today was awesome.
Q. Is that maturity that a double on a hole doesn't bother you as opposed to ten years ago or whatever that maybe just wrecked your round?
CRISTIE KERR: Yeah, I think it's maturity. But I recognize that you can make some birdies on the stretch coming in. It just didn't feel like a bad double. It sounds odd, but just didn't feel like I made double. So when you make a stupid mistake or something happens and you make double, you get more mad at yourself. But I guess, yeah, maturity. I just knew that I had to focus on the bigger picture.
Q. Can you talk about the long putt? I forget what hole it was, but one of the birdie putts on the back nine was pretty long. Can you just describe that?
CRISTIE KERR: Sure, on the 11th hole, the par 3. I made probably a 30 footer, and on 14, you know, it probably was almost 30 feet. So both of them were perfect right in the middle. The line that we were playing, it did that. Some days you're able to make some long putts and that was good.
Q. You've had a lot of success here in the past. Do you just have a good feeling coming back to this place? Can you use those memories that you've had in this place to sort of propel you when you come here each year?
CRISTIE KERR: For sure. It's great being a past champion, knowing that I've won on this golf course. I know how to play this golf course. It's a little links style. My caddie and I, we think ourselves around the course really well together from a strategy perspective or where you need to bounce the ball or where it's going to check. Yeah, I'm very comfortable on this course. Tomorrow just keep winning that battle within myself every day and do that tomorrow ask I'll be fine.
Q. There were some low numbers today. Brittany had one and a couple other players. Tomorrow do you go in saying I've got to go low again to win?
CRISTIE KERR: Obviously, that's the plan, but you don't know whether it's going to blow 30 miles an hour or whether it's going to rain. You just have to kind of feel out the conditions and see what the optimum score would be in those kind of conditions. Shooting even par tomorrow I know is not going to get it done. You definitely have to shoot some kind of number; it just depends on the conditions, what the golf course will give up.
Q. Seems like the main defense of this golf course is its greens. Maybe are there some parallels to Liberty National's greens? They kind of have similar undulations. Can you talk about the redo there and what you think of it?
CRISTIE KERR: Okay. I think the wind here can be quite a defense. There were very few under par scores, and the greens are kind of links style. I think the greens here are a little different than Liberty's. Liberty's are a little more new style links. This is kind of an older golf course where there are lots of little humps and bumps and the greens are more consistent as far as the slope at Liberty. But the links feel is similar.
Q. Congratulations, Christie. Let me ask you something. You were playing perfectly, perfectly today the whole day, but you weren't hunting like you were coming from behind. Tomorrow you're going to be the leader. Are you going to keep the same aggressiveness maybe?
CRISTIE KERR: I think what he had asked, I answered that question already. I don't know if you were here or not. But basically you have to see what the conditions are going to be, and you certainly want to be as aggressive on this golf course as you can be. Like I said, it may be windy, it could be raining, it might be very nice; so you just have to see the conditions and judge the game plan accordingly.
Q. Along that line, today you said you came out to the range and wanted to be aggressive. I think you told the TV guy that. Were you more aggressive today than you were yesterday given the change in the wind?
CRISTIE KERR: I think you could be. Yesterday you were trying to hit greens and hit good shots under the conditions. Today, as we saw, a lot of other people went low too, so the course had very little wind today. The spots on the greens were a bit softer today. So I think the conditions led people to be more aggressive because you could be.
Q. Tomorrow you'll be paired with Catriona. Have you ever played her in Solheim?
CRISTIE KERR: In Solheim, yes, many times. I played with her last week in Brazil as well. She's a great player. It's going to be good.
Q. You mentioned before that you just felt good on the range or felt was it just one of those days or the way you were hitting on the range? Just what gave you that feeling of intensity before you started?
CRISTIE KERR: Sure, I think it starts with the mindset, are you ready to go low? Are you ready to, no matter what comes at you, are you able to handle it? I felt like I was like that today. I pray every day I'm in that mindset. Because that's a good place for me, very intense, knowing what I've got to do, taking care of my job.
When you get out there, you've just got to execute. And I did that great in the beginning and I kind of hit a little lull, and I was able to get that at the end. You've kind of got to go with the ebbs and flows each particular day. Every day is different, but I think it starts with the mindset.
Q. You're playing very aggressive today how do you get into that mindset when you come to the course in the morning? Do you get into a mindset of I'm going to shoot low today or today I have to shoot a 69?
CRISTIE KERR: I can't really answer that question. Anybody that's played different sports, it's just I was born to be this way and I'm in this mindset a lot. You've just got to do it.
Q. So you just kind of go
CRISTIE KERR: No, I don't plan to coast my way into winning, if that's what you mean. No, you have to go get it. It's who wants it more and there is really winning is not easy. You have to go out and do it.
Q. (No Microphone)?
CRISTIE KERR: Mentally I just wasn't 100% there, and that's about it. I was trying a little bit too hard. It happens.
CATRIONA MATTHEW, Rolex Rankings No. 38
THE MODERATOR: We'd like to welcome our current leader, Catriona Matthew, into the interview room. Congratulations on your round today, 7 under now for the tournament. Can you compare yesterday's conditions to today and what went right for you today?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Obviously, not nearly as windy today. Just a slight breeze today so that made it a little bit easier. But, yeah, overall I played well out there today, couple of poor shots, but I still made a lot of birdies which you have to do on that course.
THE MODERATOR: Which holes stood out to you as good ones that kind of maybe turned it around?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: I think probably I holed a good putt I three putted the first, my first putt past and missed the next one. Kind of raced that putt past in the second as well, and holed an 8 footer for par, and that kind of got me going for the day.
Q. Obviously the greens are still pretty quick out there. Was it tough to kind of get the pace early on?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Yeah, the greens are pretty quick. I just kind of raced we all kind of raced our first few putts, I don't know. Maybe just slightly quicker than yesterday. Yeah, once we got the speed, the greens are really good, rolling well, but they are pretty quick in places.
Q. I was looking at your bio and couldn't believe that it's 17 years on Tour. Do you sit down I don't want to say at your age but do you sit down and say how many more years am I going to do this? How many more chances am I going to have to win? Or do you just keep playing until you don't feel like it?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: No, I feel I'm still improving and working hard on my game. But I feel I'm playing as well as I've ever played. So, yeah, when my older girls start school, I probably won't play quite as much, but it feels like I've certainly got another good two or three years.
Q. How do you feel your career has gone since the birth of your first and then your second child? What were the differences in the career after their births?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Yeah, I don't know. I just relaxed a little bit more. Golf wasn't everything then. Obviously, I had something else to take up just about all of the time in a good way, but I think it just helped me relax a little bit more and put golf in perspective a little bit.
Q. Are your kids with you this week?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Yes, they are. Yeah, they're out for the next six weeks.
Q. You started out the year with a couple of top eight finishes and then recently you haven't played as well. What is the difference between what you're doing now and the couple of events where you hadn't fared as well?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: A lot. Obviously in the Match Play event that is just one where anything can happen. Played well last week, finished sixth, so there just haven't been that many tournaments. I missed one. I didn't fly all the way back for Mobile just for the one week so, just haven't had too many opportunities yet.
Q. (No Microphone)?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Yeah, I think you just tend to play in all the events now. You don't really pick and choose now. You tend to if there is an event now, you play in it now. I think I'm going to miss two events this year, Mobile and Portland, because I promised to play one in Scotland. So apart from that I'm playing just about everything.
Q. You buried at 18. Can you just kind of take us through that hole and how much momentum does that give you?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Yeah, obviously a great way to end. Hit a good drive there. I was kind of between a rescue and a 3 wood, so I go with the 3 rescue, and just came up probably, I don't know, 20 yards short of the green.
Hit a really good chip in to like two feet and obviously holed that one. It was a great little pin to chip because the pin was right at the front. So nice to finish with the birdie.
Q. And going into tomorrow, what are your thoughts and what will you do tonight?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Obviously, just trying to do more of the same. Hit the greens and give myself birdie chances. I feel I'm putting well. So if I can keep the ball out of trouble and get it on the greens, I'm confident with my putting.
Q. Six birdies, most of them average length?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Yeah, most of them were pretty short. I haven't had a long putt yet this week. Yeah, all within probably 15 feet.
Q. And the bogey?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: That was just a poor drive. I had to kind of hack it out of the rough from then on.
Q. Having Jiyai in your group and obviously Sandra played well yesterday. How does that impact the way you play seeing the ball go in the hole often?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Yeah, I think when you play people that are playing well, it pushes you along as well. I made a few birdies and Jiyai made a few birdies, so I think you keep pushing to make those birdies.
Q. What do you prefer to have tomorrow? Thinking you are going to play in the last group, I think?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Just like today would be perfect. Yesterday was a tough day. It makes it tough just even for putting it was so windy. So another day like today would be perfect. I don't know what the forecast is.
Q. You seem to be a person that you're pretty comfortable with things. Do you feel any pressure or are you just taking it as it comes a little bit?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: Obviously you feel pressured when you get out there tomorrow. I think now, as you said, I've been on Tour a long time. I've learned from these situations before and I'll be nervous for tomorrow. So I just need to hopefully learn from being there in the past and cope with it.
Q. When you're playing, does your family follow you on the course?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: No, that wouldn't be a good idea (laughing).
Q. Where are they while you're playing?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: The Tour has a really good day care, so they're there at the moment.
Q. Do they have any idea what mom does for a living? Can they tell if you played well or poorly that day?
CATRIONA MATTHEW: They know I play golf. That's about as far as it goes, I think.
BRITTANY LINCICOME, Rolex Rankings No. 24
THE MODERATOR: We'd like to welcome Brittany Lincicome into the interview room. Congratulations on your round of 64 today, now 6 under for the tournament. What worked for you out there today?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Everything, really. I was hitting it well off the tee. Obviously this course is all about placing it on the fairway was my number one goal. Get it on the fairway, get it on the green and see if we can make in putts. So drove it well, and hit most of the greens well and seemed to make everything. Nothing really went in yesterday, so we must have been saving them for today.
We'd kind of lineup and I'd ask my caddie, what do you think? My caddie would say, I think it's this, and it was like okay, and we'd play it there and they would go in. It was just my day pretty much.
Q. How did you feel after yesterday, shooting 1 over, very tough conditions, not many rounds under par? Did you feel good if you came in today and shot a low round, you'd be right there in the middle?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Yeah, absolutely. With how windy it was yesterday 1 over really wasn't that bad of a score. It was like 3 under on the front nine, so that was disappointing to come in at over par. But it got really windy on a couple of other holes. The par 3s are playing really with long. So a different wind today really helped. So I knew it was out there, but I just kind of needed to trust it.
I felt like I've been playing really well. I practiced really hard last week, and I've been doing all the right things to try to get ready, and they paid off today, I guess.
Q. We talked earlier in the year when you are playing a couple of Mini Tour events down in Florida. Obviously those courses are much longer than this one. How does that experience playing 7,000 plus yard courses deal with playing a 6100 yard course?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: I actually played in the men's event last week. It was a team two person best ball team. It was unbelievably awesome. I think they're really getting me ready. I've played long courses ever since I was little. My home course was right around 7000 yards and the guys never let me play it up. I always had to play it back.
It's really all I know. Anywhere we go we always play it back. So I feel like it helps, especially the longer irons, the longer woods and irons, the 3 woods into par threes at these men's events or hybrids are normally par 5s. I'm going for greens in par 5s with those long irons. So it's not good on the short game work unless you miss the green, I guess. I think it really helps with the longer irons, which is good. I've been playing long yardages ever since I was little, so I don't really know anything different.
Q. So given all that, are you trying to prove that this is a course where long hitters can win on a 6100 yard course?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Yeah, I mean, just looking to win again or get back in the winner's area, even in the same zip code, it's been a while. It's nice to kind of be up at the top of the leaderboard. Nice to be back in the media room, and getting asked questions about my round, so everything's going in the right direction. I feel like I'm working hard, playing well. Even if it was 5,000 yards, I would take that win right now.
Q. It looked like you had a second earlier this year or you kind of slipped and what happened in between?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Who knows. It's golf. I may not have practiced as hard as I should have, or didn't work out. Who knows. I felt like especially the last couple of weeks I felt like I've been really close. And obviously Match Play didn't work out too well for me, but that's Match Play. It's kind of the luck of the draw really. So I didn't read too much into that.
But last week I practiced every day. I have a friend who plays a lot of Mini Tour events and we practiced every single day last week, trying to get ready for this week which really helped.
Q. Since you won in '09, what's been your level of frustration or patience in getting it all turned around?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Yeah, just trying to be patient. My number one goal going into this year was Solheim Cup. Obviously a win would be fantastic. The win would help get into Solheim Cup. But just trying to stay patient, trying to finish top 20 on the money list, top 10 to get those double points in the majors, the high points, and really just trying to focus on that really.
But like I said, I feel like I'm really close. I've been hitting the ball really well. Trying to not draw it as much and hopefully trying to hit it a little bit straighter. And then just the putting has really come around, so hopefully it keeps up for tomorrow.
Q. What kind of philosophy do you take into tomorrow if the conditions are kind of calm? You have to go out and make a lot of birdies, you can't sit back. Just a little on the philosophy you'll take to the course tomorrow?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: That's pretty much it. Trying to keep it on the fairway again, and it's going to be a birdie fest, pretty much, the same as it was today. The wind is pretty much the only thing that protects this golf course. The greens are pretty fast. They're undulated as well, so the greens are what saves this golf course.
Like the gentleman said, it's not very long, but you've got to hit it on the right spot on the greens and the par 3s are really long. You have to take your birdies where you can, and the tougher holes, the par 3s especially, are where you get your par and keep moving.
Q. 6 under, there is a good chance of playing with Catriona tomorrow. Is there any kind of play into the Solheim Cup with that? It's a big motivator.
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Yeah, I try not to think about that too much. Just go out there and try to play my own game, and just see if we can get it home, you know. Not too familiar about shooting 64 and following it up with another 64 tomorrow. So we'll see what we can do and hopefully we come out on top. Worse come to worse, it will be a learning experience, and I'll learn something new and take it into State Farm this week.
Q. Seven birdies, were any spectacular?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Nothing crazy. I need to make an eagle tomorrow. That's my next goal. The par 5s are all reachable in two, a couple are longer than others, but they're definitely out there. So that is kind of the goal for tomorrow is make some birdies and try to make an eagle.
Q. The last hole you banged it six or seven feet, was that roughly the distance?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Right, yeah, chipping is not my strongest point ever or now.
Q. Did you reach any of the par 5s in two?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Yeah, the first one, for sure. I'm drawing a blank for the second one. If not, they were like right the other one was just front left, so within like five yards of the green on all of them, and one of them I was on in two, the first one, No. 3.
Q. You mentioned before about being back in the media room and being back in contention. How much do you sort of relish the chance to play in the last group or next to last group tomorrow? From Catriona's standpoint, it's also been a while since she's been in that last group. Just a little about the two of you guys maybe getting a chance to play in that last group?
BRITTANY LINCICOME: Yeah, we're both going to be probably equally as nervous trying to finish out the deal. But it will be fun. I haven't played with Catriona in a long time, and she's a very nice lady. So hopefully we'll go out, have some laughs and see who can make more birdies or eagles (laughing).
JIYAI SHIN, Rolex Rankings No. 3
THE MODERATOR: Jiyai, thank you for coming in. You had a good day. You shot even par. A lot of other players are going a little bit lower, but you just told me you still feel pretty good about how you played.
JIYAI SHIN: Well, yeah. When I started this morning, the weather conditions were much better than yesterday no wind, and a little bit chilly this morning.
But this morning I feel really good. I'm ready for today. But when I started the first hole I was kind of like I missed the putt, I made two bogies, so it was like, oh, my God, what am I doing? But it came back to even, and I'm really happy with that. I don't know, my condition and my timing was so bad today, so a little bit I was a little bit worried and unconfident with my shots today.
Q. Can you talk about how recently you decided to go to Orlando and practice with Yani Tseng who is the Rolex Rankings No. 1, a position you held last summer? Why did you decide to do that?
JIYAI SHIN: Actually Yani invited me. I really thank her for that. We're good friends since we played juniors. We played a lot of matches on a team. Like she was the Taiwan team and I was on the Korean team. We played a lot for a long time. And she invited me to her house. When I went there, she lives in a great house, a big house right next to the golf course. So we're practicing together about four days, and we're practicing a lot all day.
We had a really fun time. Well, when I talk to anybody, they're surprised when I practice with Yani, because we are rivals with the world rankings. But we're all the time enjoying the competition with Yani, and we have a great time.
Q. You obviously scored great yesterday in really difficult conditions. Like Mike said, it's a little bit easier today. Does that kind of even out over the two rounds? You had one really great round in horrible conditions and one that's kind of even with the field today?
JIYAI SHIN: Well, I feel it was okay because when I started on the first couple of holes with the two bogies I was just like how can I finish today? I'm guessing it's maybe a long day. But I made a birdie on No. 3, and I made another bogey on No. 4. So I just tried to focus more on my timing and then my playing.
Q. When you look back, I guess you sit down and say I'm right where I want to be heading into the final round?
JIYAI SHIN: I think so, yeah. Actually I'm very comfortable because actually today was really bad, my condition and same tempo. But I made a few mistakes, but that's it. I had a good recovery after my mistakes. So I feel really good right now, and I need a little bit more practice. I played with Catriona, and she's really playing good right now. And her putting and shots were really good, so maybe tomorrow we can make it a great tournament.
Q. Will you go to practice now and work on all of that?
JIYAI SHIN: Well, I have to eat first.
Q. After that?
JIYAI SHIN: After that. Today I missed three or four times a short putt, so I practiced with putting.
Q. Were the greens as fast today or quicker?
JIYAI SHIN: Yeah, it is. First hole, I left about 25 feet for the pin to the hole little bit downhill. But my stroke was past the hole about 7 feet past the hole. I said, okay, this is downhill. I think, okay, this is downhill. Then the second hole, it was uphill, and I hit a great tempo, but it also passed about six feet. After that I little worried with my putting speed. But after that I felt really good, so, yeah.
Q. Could you talk about your bogey on 12? Then you had two birdies after that, could you talk about those as well?
JIYAI SHIN: On No. 12? No, I think No. 13 I did a three putt. Well, I had a great birdie chance there about ten feet to the hole, but little bit downhill. I missed the birdie putt, and my par putt was just two feet, but mis hit.
Q. And the birdie after?
JIYAI SHIN: Yeah, one birdie after, straight after the bogey.
Q. Is getting back to No. 1, is that driving, something that motivates you?
JIYAI SHIN: Well, I think I am still close to the No. 1 spot. My shots are still getting better. We still have a lot of tournaments, so I'm just waiting. I have to focus on tomorrow first.
Q. How comfortable are you being in that final group on the last day of a tournament?
JIYAI SHIN: Well, I'm all the time enjoying the crowd. When a lot of people are coming and watching, I can more focus for my play. So I'm not sure, because the afternoon group just started, so I don't know about the afternoon. I think I am very close to the final group, so if I join the final group, I'm more excited to play.
Q. Can you talk about the tempo of your swing and also the putting, what do you want to improve tomorrow, the putting or the tempo?
JIYAI SHIN: I need them both (laughing).
Q. I know, I know, but you have to choose only one now.
JIYAI SHIN: I think putting because my timing is a little bit bad today, but I made a few shots I made it great. I think tomorrow you have a good chance for a birdie putt. I have to make it. I have to catch a chance.
AMY YANG, Rolex Rankings No. 27
THE MODERATOR: We'd like to welcome Amy Yang into the interview room. Congratulations on your round today; now 5 under for the tournament. Can you talk just a little bit about your round today and what went right for you?
AMY YANG: You know, the course played a lot harder this year and the greens even firmer. And with the wind, it's tough to play, but this morning we had less wind than yesterday afternoon. I think that helped a lot.
Q. With the less wind, was it just easier to pick the right club, easier to control the ball? How did the less wind affect your game?
AMY YANG: A lot shorter, I think it's more. It's still difficult because around the green area, even with my 58 wedge downwind, I have to play for like 5 to 10 yards shorter to let it roll. But without the wind, especially like longer holes, I think it played a little shorter today.
Q. Is there a specific example of a club you had to pull yesterday compared to today that was significantly different?
AMY YANG: Yeah, like some holes I had to use like 6/5 iron into the pin, but today using a 7/8 iron is a huge difference.
Q. Amy, yesterday with the wind, were you proud after you got finished with the round that you could shoot 71 given the conditions, and did that help you today go out with like a freer mind?
AMY YANG: Yeah, it helped a lot. I mean, it was blowing so hard yesterday, and all I tried to do was like make fairways and greens, and good speed on the greens. Yeah, they gave me more confidence.
Q. When you're going into a round and you're five shots behind the leader and it's 54 holes, do you say I have to go low today or do you say I have to continue playing my game?
AMY YANG: Never really thought I have to go really low today. I mean, we had still 36 holes left. I was thinking if I can do just like yesterday, it will be good. And luckily, the putts were falling today.
Q. One of those putts was on 18 that you made.
AMY YANG: Yeah, that was lucky. I think I had like two of them today.
Q. How far was your putt?
AMY YANG: It was only 7 steps, but it was off the green.
Q. What were your thoughts about going into tomorrow in contention? You're going to be somewhere near the lead. What are your thoughts about going into tomorrow in contention?
AMY YANG: It will be a little nervous, but I think better chasing somebody from behind. Like, I like better behind than chasing somebody.
Q. How come?
AMY YANG: I don't know, maybe because I don't know. I just feel like that way better.
Q. Amy, were the green speeds the same today as yesterday or a little different?
AMY YANG: It's same, but really fast.
Q. When is the last time you contended in a tournament?
AMY YANG: Oh, that was I think that was Alabama. Yeah, in Alabama, yeah.
Q. Did you play the last day?
AMY YANG: The last day wasn't good. I think I shot like 2 over or something like that. So I was kind of up there and went back.
Q. Is that a lesson you'll take into tomorrow, like maybe do something a little differently to maybe play better tomorrow?
AMY YANG: You know, I'll just try to think how can I say, just like have I don't know. When I think like I'm the top something or near the leader, I get a lot more nervous than I used to, so I'm trying not to think of it. I think that will help.
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