THE MODERATOR: I'm joined by Lilia Vu at the 2025 Honda LPGA Thailand tournament.
First things first, you're a past champion of this event. Thinking back to this time in 2023, what do you remember most about this week?
LILIA VU: I think that was my most meaningful win. It was my first win out here on the LPGA. I feel like I wasn't really in contention and then was able to make a really low run on the final Sunday.
I just remember being so locked in and so dialed. I knew I was making a bunch of birdies, but just kind of kept my head down because I was so far behind. At one point I remember looking at the leaderboard on 15 and just trying to stay in my own lane and try to make as many birdies as I can coming in.
If not, it's okay. I've done my best. If I win, then I win. If not I gave it a good run.
Q. And coming back here, you practiced probably yesterday. What about this course do you feel suits your game?
LILIA VU: I think it's just so fun. I think there are different lines and all types of different greens that you kind of have to think about your shots going in. You can't be on autopilot. You have to think about every shot, and that's the type of game that I like to play.
Q. A lot of things have happened since you won here in 2023. Just how do you think your life changed from that moment?
LILIA VU: I think it's changed so much. Now I even have a cat. That was one my bribes with my dad if I won another tournament. It's just been so fun kind of learning my game and what works for me and what doesn't.
Last year wasn't that great with an injury and trying to basically play through the season but not hurt myself. I felt like I was kind of tanking towards the end, just losing strength and momentum.
So I feel like I'm coming into the season with a new mindset where like you either win or you get feedback and you learn from it.
Q. That's what I was going to ask you about. What do you think you learned most in addition to that from 2024?
LILIA VU: I think just preparation. Usually the biggest thing for me is not really my golf skills. It's more if I'm healthy enough, and if I don't have to think too much and it all comes together.
I have the best people around me that help me to my goal, and I'm just trying to stay patient and have fun out here.
Q. The first time we're seeing you on the LPGA Tour in 2025. How was your offseason? Did you do anything fun? How did you prepare for this year?
LILIA VU: Yeah, I would say I took a long offseason. Had a lot of fun at home. Saw family. Saw my cat. Went on a girls' trip in Napa. I feel well rested.
Q. What are you looking forward to most about 2025? Long season ahead.
LILIA VU: Haven't thought too much about it. I'm just really excited to be back. I was really looking forward to starting my season in Asia. I feel like it's kind of like a reward for playing well the previous year. You get to go to Asia and enjoy the food, the people, the weather.
I feel like Thailand and Singapore, a lot of the fans come out and really appreciate women's golf and it's really fun to play in an environment like that.
Q. Have you tried any food here?
LILIA VU: Last night I went to MK Hotpot with Pajaree and a couple other players, so that was really fun. We got this really good roasted duck there and barbecued pork. It was really good. And we had some dessert after.
Q. How does your game compare now to your game in 2023?
LILIA VU: Oh, I always think there is lots to improve in my game. I feel like I'm never quite satisfied. I do think what's remained the same is kind of my mindset and how I play golf. I feel like even if I'm not feeling so well in the warmup, sometimes when like we're in tournament rounds it just clicks and I kind of know how to play with what I have.
Q. Can you ask you also about Jeeno. You've played with her quite a bit. Can you sum up her game?
LILIA VU: I love Jeeno. I always told her she's way younger than me, but I look up to her in like all aspects of her life. I feel like she is just always having fun, eating at great places. She has the most fun on the golf course. Her game is fantastic. Really no weakness. I think she's just a great person all around.
Q. There has been a lot of talk about slow play and the LPGA are planning on addressing that. What are your views?
LILIA VU: I know that it's definitely been cracked down a little bit more. I don't think about it a lot because I think I don't consider myself a slow player. I'm fine with it. It doesn't really affect me.
I think it'll be better for the Tour because sometimes we're waiting on holes for a while. We don't want to do that. With my back, if you ever see me waiting a while I'll be walking in a circle on the fairway. It would be nice to just get up to my ball and be ready to hit.
THE MODERATOR: All right, thanks, Lilia.
LILIA VU: Thank you, everyone.
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