Jeon In-ji is smiling brightly after making a birdie on the 15th hole on the second day of the major AIG Women's Open. Muirfield (Scotland) = Getty Images / Multibits
[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ‘Flying Dumbo’ Jeon In-ji (28) smiled brightly.
On the 6th (Korean time), at the East Lothian Muirfield in Scotland (par 71, 6,680 yards), during the second day of the LPGA Tour's final major of the year, the AIG Women's Open (total prize money $7.3 million), she shot 5 under par and surged to a one-stroke lead. If she wins this tournament, she will achieve the ‘Career Grand Slam’ by winning four different majors. Jeon In-ji said, "My putting was good," and added, "I have let go of the pressure of chasing records and am enjoying the round." Below is a Q&A.
- First, please share your thoughts on the round.
▶ Actually, before the tournament started, I made a bet with my caddie. If I had a bogey-free round, the caddie would buy dinner that day, and I would also receive $100. I set this new goal before playing, and that mindset helped me. Since I made bogeys in the first and second rounds, I will challenge myself to a bogey-free round in the remaining two rounds.
- The wind was strong, wasn’t it?
▶ Today, the wind was quite strong, but the wind blowing in Scotland is one of the reasons I love this place. For example, my ball was resting on the edge of the hole, but thanks to the wind, it dropped in. Now I can enjoy the greens here even more.
- Did the wind feel difficult?
▶ (laughing) Since I received help from the wind, I think I should not hate the wind but rather welcome the weekend with love for it.
- I heard you are not technically in perfect condition right now, but the results are good.
▶ That’s right. My shot feel is not very good. I know that golf is not a shot game but a scoring game. I am believing in what I think, focusing on the course, and playing positively.
- It seems you received great help from putting. Jessica Korda (USA) said she wants putting lessons from you.
▶ We talked about something similar during the round. She said she likes listening to the sound when I swing. I also told her that sometimes I watch Jessica’s swings on Instagram. Whenever another player says something like that about me, I feel very happy. Playing with Jessica is always enjoyable, and I had a good time this time as well.
- You are currently leading. Does it feel burdensome?
▶ It is a blessing to feel pressure from a good position. It does not act as a burden at all. I will prepare well for the weekend.
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