THE MODERATOR: All right we're here with Yealimi Noh making her first appearance here at Oregon Golf Club. You're no stranger to the Cambia Portland Classic. Played this event twice. Runner-up in 2019 and tied for third in 2020. That event in 2019 was a huge moment for you when you finished runner-up as a nonmember.
Thinking back to what you learned over the last two years now and in your elongated rookie year, how are you different from when you first broke out there on the tour in early 2019?
YEALIMI NOH: Yeah, very different. I know it's only two years ago and I think I was 17 or 18 then. Feels like not too long ago, but it is. I'm already 20, which is kind of weird. I feel like I really grew over the past two years, especially being in contention a few more times after that year in 2019.
Just grew. I've been through a lot and it's made me a better person I think and definitely a better golfer I would like to say. Just, yeah.
Q. What are some moments that stand out both good and I don't want to say bad, but learning, maybe a little more difficult, that really stand out over the last few years as you turned professional, gained your LPGA membership, and worked your way onto the Solheim Cup team?
YEALIMI NOH: I think definitely the start of the this year -- when I played last year our half season as rookies gave us a little preview into the full season this year. It was definitely a lot. I didn't expect it to be so much travel and like the schedule wise. Obviously I played like a lot. Played like 11 weeks in a row.
Everyone is like, You're young. You should be okay. I thought so too, but it was definitely a big toll on my body mentally and physically and definitely went through that, and came out just, okay, now I'm going to be better prepared for next year, next season in how I'm going to regulate my schedule and things like that.
Definitely grew -- I just think that this year was a very good rookie year for me. I literally was just like everything I could do as a rookie I did, rookie mistakes and all that kind of stuff. Hopefully next year I'll be more improved.
Q. What's a rookie mistake you'll laugh at?
YEALIMI NOH: Define the 10 weeks thing. I heard Brooke Henderson played every event when she was a rookie and I was like, don't know how she did. Yeah, that definitely not going to do that again.
Q. You seem to be figuring things out. You finished in the top 15 last five straight events, including third at the Amundi Evian Championship. Do you feel like things are really starting to come together for you as you finish out this 2021 campaign?
YEALIMI NOH: Yeah, for sure. The beginning of the year was really stressful and difficult for me. I was struggling in my game and just figuring out what was wrong when I felt like everything was okay and was there.
Definitely got through that and made a little turn inside of the summer and Evian was just incredible. I was so happy to finish well there at one of my favorite spots.
It's nice to be back in Portland, too. I just moved to Texas, and coming back here I was like, Oh, it just so beautiful. Reminds me of home in the Bay Area.
Q. What changed in your game? Was it something technical, something mental, or as you've said a couple times, just figuring out life on the road a little bit?
YEALIMI NOH: Yeah, I think it was a little bit of both or a little bit of everything. Mentally I just had so many high expectations in the beginning of the year just based on how I was playing last year and the year before. Just had such high expectations, and just managing those and then my game, too was kind of coming together.
When I was playing -- hitting it well I was putting bad. When I was putting good, you know, like everything is not gelling well together. I think it finally did in the summer, and just played for relaxed, less pressure on myself, and just -- it was just time. I just needed the time.
Q. Time paid off with the strong finises. Another strong finish at the AIG Women's Open and playing you way onto the Team USA Solheim Cup team. That was amazing I'm sure whirlwind of a week. You've had two week now or some time to process. Thinking back to that week in Toledo, what are the highlights and what were the learning opportunities for you that week?
YEALIMI NOH: Yeah, it was such an incredible week. I think definitely the most people I've ever played in front of, and it was just like so many people that it became a blur. It was really, really cool experience, and I think I really enjoyed bonding with the team, getting closer to a lot of the players that I wasn't close with before.
So definitely that and just the whole environment. Incredible atmosphere, and it just makes you so much more motivated for the next two years and just every year after that. I just want to make the Solheim Cup every year, every two years. Just a lot of fun.
As a rookie I think that was just one of the best things I could have experienced.
Q. Now you mentioned we're here in Portland. New venue here at Oregon Golf Club. Just made your way around 18 holes. Got your work out in for today.
YEALIMI NOH: Yeah.
Q. Tell me about Oregon Golf Club, what it looks like out there. We can all see what the views are. Perhaps one of the most scenic courses we've ever had. Walk us through 18 holes out there. What's the challenge going to be this week?
YEALIMI NOH: Yeah, definitely different from Columbia Edgewater, but wow, it's incredible. It's in really good shape. The greens are rolling super fast and a lot of undulation in this the greens and as well just all over the course.
Definitely very scenic. It's just so nice. It's so beautiful. Everything is just in top condition, and I think it's pretty long with it being uphill on a lot of holes, so I think a lot of longer hitters might take advantage of that.
I think just getting around the slopes. Just got to play smart and put yourself in a good position and be patient on greens, because they're rolling very fast. Yeah, it'll be interesting week.
Q. I want to ask you specifically about 18, which is playing as a Par-5 this week. Final hole, it's incredibly scenic, but also the Aon Risk Reward Challenge hole. A par-5, if we tee it up and you could see potential eagles coming down to the end, what's the strategy and thoughts on playing that hole if you get a chance to go for it?
YEALIMI NOH: On No. 18?
Q. Yes.
YEALIMI NOH: Yes, just staying in the fairway for one. It's pretty tight off the tee. Like the tree line and the hazard coming in, it's pretty tight.
But stay in the fairway and then go for it after that, yeah.
Q. Nothing wrong with that. Welcome to Portland again.
YEALIMI NOH: Thank you.
Q. What do you anticipate being the biggest challenge on the golf course? Is there maybe a stretch of two or three holes where you're thinking, Okay, I have to really protect the score here? On the flip side, is there a two or three hole stretch where you're thinking, Okay, here is where I can really get after to this week?
YEALIMI NOH: I would say -- so I played on the back nine today. Started there. The last few holes of the golf course, 16, 17, 18, 18 since, it's a par-5 and reachable sometimes if you get a good drive in, that is nice. I always like to think of par-5s as where you want to take advantage of the course. They're pretty long out here this week, so hopefully have a short club in on the par-5s.
And then on the front nine, the last few holes as well. 7, 8, 9. 9 is okay because it's a little shorter. 7 and 8, 7 is pretty long and a lot of slope on that fairway and then going into the green.
And then 8 is a nice little par-3. Water on the right, everything sloping that way. Pretty long, like 190 I think I had earlier. The whole course you got to play smart and be patient.
Q. Can you speak to just how hard it is to win out here on tour and ultimately what you think it will take for you to cross that finish line and seal the deal?
YEALIMI NOH: Yeah, it is very hard to win out here. Everyone is so talented and everyone works really, really hard for that win. For me, being in contention a few times and then also being in contention my first couple LPGA events out here is definitely like -- getting it so early I would've thought I could get it the next time. Like you're so much more closer.
But it's so much more than that. You really have to grow as a player and just be patient. I know everyone says that, be patient. And for me, too the beginning of the year, which is why I was struggling, was because I was running, like chasing for that win when I should've just been like going through the process of being a rookie.
But for me, I think I just need a little more time, because everything is there. I believe that I will win someday soon. So just going with the flow wherever it takes me. I'll be there and when I'm ready I'll take it over.
Q. Lastly, you mentioned that the environment and the atmosphere in Portland reminds you of your home in San Francisco. Have you had an opportunity to spend time in Portland away from the golf course, and if so, what have you been able to do in the city that's fun?
YEALIMI NOH: I haven't. I have been going to some pretty cool restaurants just around the city, but I saw a couple people going on hikes close to here and they're incredible. I really want to do that. Hopefully I have time for that.
Just being here just everything is just like good vibes. I love looking around. It's scenic everywhere.
Q. Big vibe city.
YEALIMI NOH: Yes, yeah.
Q. You mentioned San Francisco, but also that you just moved to Texas. Why Texas?
YEALIMI NOH: I mean, first of all the airport. It's central, so really good flights to anywhere. And I'm neighbors with a few other players, so that's always nice. Didn't have any back home, so hopefully get to play with them and get to know them better.
Just, I don't know, Texas, like I would've never thought I would move there, but it just happened so fast. Mainly the travel reasons.
Q. The Dallas area then?
YEALIMI NOH: Yeah.
Q. You're right, there are a lot of players there and they all say the airport.
YEALIMI NOH: Yeah.
Q. We'll bring you here to this week. New golf course. 18 holes. Kicking off tomorrow. What are your goals for the week and how do you hope this week pans out for you?
YEALIMI NOH: This is one of my favorites events so I really hope it goes well again at this new venue. Just to stay patient, and I've been through a lot of travel and golf, so I don't know where my expectations are.
I always want to play well, but just taking it really easy. The pro-am this morning was my first practice round of the week, so I'm really taking it easy and just hoping for a good, solid week.
Q. I hope also you get some good stretches on your legs. You're going to need it with those hills.
YEALIMI NOH: Yeah. No legwork out this week.
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