Q. Haven't seen you for a few weeks. How have you been? I know you couldn't play in the Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown because of injury. How you doing?
NELLY KORDA: Yeah, took that time to really focus in on my neck injury and feel good. Happy to be out again. Sad to miss the Hanwha Classic. I love competing in Korea. I feel like the fans are so passionate so they're so fun to play in front of.
But happy to be back.
Q. Describe this atmosphere. Two of the biggest sports stars in the world, yourself and Caitlin Clark. Just describe this atmosphere.
NELLY KORDA: It's crazy. That first tee was something out of a book almost. But it's so fun. It's cool to see how many people she brings together to another sport, and it's fun to hang out with her. She's super cool. We saw each other last week at an outing, and, yeah, I mean, it's nice to be alongside greats; even her teammates are super fun.
It's been a blast so far.
Q. We're going to walk and talk. Is that all right?
NELLY KORDA: Yeah, of course.
Q. I've been noticing a lot of young women, girls in the gallery here. You don't see as many at a regular tournament. How important is that and what does that mean for not only the LPGA but for women's sports going forward?
NELLY KORDA: To see that, that's probably the best part of being out here, inspiring the next generation, seeing those girls look up to us and saying they want to be in this exact spot in the next couple years.
Because we were those girls, right? So I think I it's very important for everyone to have role models. I had amazing role models. So it's really cool to see.
And, yeah, just I hope they love the game of golf as much as I do.
Q. What do you learn from Caitlin Clark. Obviously you said you were at the outing. Had a chance to chat away from the cameras and fans. What do you learn from a player like that?
NELLY KORDA: I think she enjoys everything that she does. You know, it's -- there are only so many things that you can juggle. There are so many things we have to do, and for her to be so laid back and relax and have fun and chitchat with everyone is cool to see.
Q. I understand you got some new shoes you developed.
NELLY KORDA: Yeah.
Q. Is this going to be a gift for Caitlin?
NELLY KORDA: Yeah, so I gifted her some shoes before the round, so hopefully she uses them. She did say -- or did ask me if they're going to make her golf better and I was like, guaranteed.
Q. Did you sign them?
NELLY KORDA: No, I didn't. I hope she uses them. I gave her a gift back of this little PE collection, which has been super fun to make. I'm very grateful.
If you told me this, I don't know, ten years ago when I was in the crows that I would have my own shoe and be here playing in front of everyone and inspiring the next generation I would tell you you're crazy, so it's been a lot of fun.
Q. It's fantastic to talk to you and I know you're really enjoying this atmosphere. Couple more holes to play, so we'll let you do that.
NELLY KORDA: Thanks, Tom.
Fastscripts by ASAP Sports...
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports