Q. Here with a two-time winner here at Tiburon Golf Club at CME Group Tour Championship. Off to another steady start here. Hit every fairway today; 26 putts. How would you describe the round?
LYDIA KO: Yeah, I wasn't really out of position that many times and I knew it was going to be windy, so especially the first few holes were going to be key.
I find that first, you know, 1 to 5 actually the hardest stretch of holes on this golf course. When you're turning those holes under par or even, I feel like you're off to a very solid start. I was able to do that and then capitalize on good birdie opportunities from there.
Yeah, really steady. Hopefully some more of that golf these next few days.
Q. You're a winner here back in 2022. Didn't play your way into the field last year. How much of that was a motivator to qualify and get back here to Tiburon?
LYDIA KO: I think winning the Tournament of Champions was exciting for many reasons, but I was like, yes, at least it's a ticket punched to CME.
It's been an unbelievable year. To be back here where I've had so many special memories with this event and now to be able to represent the CME Group as well, excited to be here.
Can't take anything for granted. We've got the top 60 players out here playing, so it's going to be a lot of fun golf. But it just shows the level of play that all these players are playing throughout the season to make their way into this event.
Q. You made some new memories here already this week. Your new buddy, Kai, you adopted made a special appearance in your press conference this week. What's it like having him out here with you this weekend on tour?
LYDIA KO: It's been a lot of fun. He keeps me on my toes. I can't open the door very quickly because I'm worried he's going to dash for it and bark at every person that walks by the pool area.
He's great. He keeps me more focused while I am practicing and then while I'm off I'm able to switch off and just enjoy time with him and kind of also figure out what life is outside of just golf course, hotel.
It's been fun. He's a blast, but he's definitely a handful. Somebody said this is like an experience to having kids and I was like, well, I'm not sure if I can handle kids after just having a dog.
Yeah, he's great and I'm excited to go see him afterwards.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports