Q. All right, here with Ashleigh Buhai after her first round. Past champion of this event. How did it feel to be back out here this week at ShopRite?
ASHLEIGH BUHAI: Yeah, always a good feeling coming back here when you've won on a course. Got good memories. I tend to like playing here.
The wind picked up pretty quickly, like almost from the second hole today. Pretty happy with the way I played today.
Q. Anything in particular that stuck out about your play today?
ASHLEIGH BUHAI: I hit the ball really well. Been searching a little bit and felt like I found something yesterday. I was close last week at U.S. Open, but obviously such a tough golf course.
So, yeah, hit it really good. Left a few putts out there, but still, these greens can get tricky so I was able to stay patient.
Q. In a 54-hole tournament, obviously it's key to get off to a good start. At a tournament like this where at the end of the first round going to be 10, 15, maybe even 20 players within a couple shots of the lead. What kind of mindset do you have to have to navigate an event where there is a sense of urgency not there for a 72-hole tournament?
ASHLEIGH BUHAI: I think most three-day tournaments feel like that, but because this course, especially in the afternoons can get tricky with the wind, you don't need to push. I always feel like if you're within like between 6- and 8-under after two rounds you're in a good spot.
That's what I learnt over the years, yeah. So you definitely just don't push. Just keep staying in it, hitting the shots, and hole one or two putts.
Q. Obviously with Linnea did last year was remarkable, but a lot of past winners have come from sort of off the pace you would say a little bit.
ASHLEIGH BUHAI: Yeah.
Q. Is there any reason for that?
ASHLEIGH BUHAI: I think I always -- like when I won, I also came from behind. It's always easier to chase, and this is a golf course that you got a lot of wedges in your hands so you feel you can stay aggressive.
Again, if you play well on this course it's because you've holed a lot of putts, which can get tricky. Yeah, you have wedges so that's why I think players can stay aggressive from that point of view.
Q. Just the course playing-wise, anything different about it this year as opposed to previous years?
ASHLEIGH BUHAI: No. I think it's playing pretty similar to last year, yeah.
Q. Is there anything about that stretch today from 3 to 7? You had four birdies in five holes there. I don't remember past years how you have done...
ASHLEIGH BUHAI: When I won I got off to a really hot start. Yeah, hit a lot of really good shots. Missed two six-footers on 12 and 13 which were a little frustrating, were Tanya just said to me, just stay patient. Keep doing what you're doing, giving yourself the chances.
That's all I can do. I hit a lot of good shots today.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports