Q. Is there something about Danielle that brings out the best in you?
LYDIA KO: You know, she is obviously one of the players that I've known for the longest time out here. She's kind of taken me under her wing. Even though we may not text each other every day or don't live in the same city, I feel like she's always got my back.
You know, if she wants to talk to someone about anything I'm always there for her as well. There hasn't been many times where we've played in the final group. I know she's been playing such amazing golf going into today, so I just tried to focus on me and tried to play the best golf I can.
I know at points it was a bit of a grind, but I'm glad that I could get that done.
Q. A spectator told me yesterday, coming to his first event, lifetime fan of the LPGA, but his first event, it's just great to see Lydia being Lydia again. Do you feel like you're game is getting to the point or is at the point where you can play consistently the way you did this week and have done so much in the past?
LYDIA KO: Yeah, I think last year was kind of a big turnaround year for me. Even the fall of 2020. When we had that long time off I think it was kind of a time for me to look back at what are the things I need to work on and just take a whole new approach to things.
Started working with Sean, and I think he's been a huge help in the technical standpoint getting me to a point where I feel like it's natural and I'm not trying to make positions. At the same time, him clearing some of the questions and the not-so-good ideas in my head as well.
So, yeah, I feel like it's been much more consistent and last year. I feel like even though I didn't win on the LPGA at the end of the year, I put myself in contention quite a bit.
I think when you keep knocking on the door you feel like at one point it's going to open.
Q. Bunch of Top 10s coming down the stretch at the end of the year last year. You've talked about wanting to retire from the game at an early age, which we all hope is not true. In that process there are goals to achieve, one of them being the Hall of Fame. This puts you to 21, six points short of qualifying for the Hall of Fame. Is that an immediate goal, long-term, or just a bonus if you play well?
LYDIA KO: You know, obviously I have to play well, win, to kind of collect those points along the way. All those awards and accolades and being in the Hall of Fame is great and not many people are there. If I could have my name alongside the many amazing legends in this the Hall of Fame, it would be a huge honor.
I know there are still things in my game I want to improve and get better at to kind of give myself a run for it. My mom did ask me the other day, she said, Hey, what if you're near retirement age and you're one point off. Are you going to keep playing? I think I just have to be realistic at that point, do I think I can get this done or not.
When I'm out there playing I'm just trying to make as many birdies as I can and shoot the best score and just enjoy being out here. If I can get all the other things done at the same time it is a bonus, like you say.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports