THE MODERATOR: All right, welcome inside the virtual media center here at the Dana Open presented by Marathon. I am pleased to be joined by the defending champion, Nasa Hataoka. Nasa, welcome back to Toledo.
When you think about your win last year here, what are some of the things you remember the most?
NASA HATAOKA: Yes, obviously I remember most the last final round. Obviously everyone wanted to finish that round. I was ready for that round, too, to play the fourth round. It was unexpected when I was told that I won the tournament.
You know, I'm happy with how I played last year, and happy to win the fifth win last year.
THE MODERATOR: A little specifics about your win last year. In the first round you carded a 61, which was a career best for you. What is it about Highland Meadows that brings out a round like that for you?
NASA HATAOKA: This course, it's very challenging. Fairways are narrow, greens are pretty small, so it's really important for you to hit a green -- good shot, and I think I was able to do that last year.
I think that's the key for you play really good.
THE MODERATOR: When you come back to Toledo and you win this tournament, you see your name, Nasa Hataoka Way or Nasa Hataoka Drive as you're entering the area of Sylvania.
Did you see the sign yet as you were driving into the course? And how cool is it to return to a community that really embraces this tournament?
NASA HATAOKA: Yes, very honored to have my name on the road. It's something very special. It's not something that you can get, so it's very special.
I see my picture on other magazines too, and that kind of brings me good memories, too. So I'm very happy with it.
THE MODERATOR: The weather is looking a lot different than we got last year with the shortened. How have you been gearing up for this tournament and defending this championship?
NASA HATAOKA: Yes, last year we played in July so a little bit -- I feel a little difference on the conditions weather-wise, too. Hopefully I get to play four solid rounds, yeah. I'll try my best.
THE MODERATOR: When you won this tournament last year, it jump started I feel like the rest of your season. You have since won this season in 2022 back in LA.
When you're approaching defending a championship successfully, how do you look at what you did in the beginning of the season and how do you try to emulate that this week?
NASA HATAOKA: Yes, the win in LA definitely gave me a boost of confidence, especially on a very difficult golf course like that.
Recently I haven't been in contention, but I feel like fall is my season. I feel like it's one of my favorite seasons.
So I will try my best, and maybe two wins is a good number.
THE MODERATOR: I like that. Thank you, Nasa, for coming in. Best of luck this week.
NASA HATAOKA: Thank you, Megan.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports