THE MODERATOR: Pleased to be joined by Aphrodite denying ahead of the JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro. Aphrodite, starting off, this is your second LPGA start. How does your comfort level feel this week so far before CPKC?
APHRODITE DENG: Yeah, I definitely feel more comfortable this week just knowing what to expect. Last time there were a lot of crowds and I assume there will be a lot more this time. I've been preparing leading up to this event.
Q. What is something you feel like you improved or learn since your last start at CPKC?
APHRODITE DENG: Yeah, I've improved on my course management, knowing when to go for pins and when to play conservative. Also worked on my distance control and my short game.
Q. It's been a big couple weeks for you. Signed with Malbon and had ANWA as well. Can you put into some words how maybe this whirlwind of the past couple weeks has been?
APHRODITE DENG: Yeah, past couple weeks have been really exciting. Signing Malbon has been really cool because I really like their clothes. It's really unique.
Also got to meet the founders Stephen and Erica and they're super neat people.
Also playing at ANWA was super cool. Being able to play Augusta and watching the Masters this week on TV was really cool.
Q. Just pretty simple: What are you looking forward to most this week in LA?
APHRODITE DENG: Testing my game in this really strong field and learning a lot from them. Yeah, I'm really excited.
Q. What was your biggest takeaway from ANWA, playing Augusta, Champions Retreat?
APHRODITE DENG: Yeah, I think just staying like consistent with my mental. After hitting a bad shot, knowing that I can bounce back. Because it's really easy to drop on the leaderboards when it's really tight.
Q. What do you like about El Cab Country Club? What parts of this course suit your game and what are the challenges?
APHRODITE DENG: I think the course just like the greens being really undulated, I've been practicing a lot leading up to ANWA for that. I think I'm pretty good on the greens here.
The distance is a little long for me, but yeah, working on it.
Q. Has there been a Tour player that you've gotten to know a little bit or got advice from anyone here?
APHRODITE DENG: Yeah, I talked to Brooke a little bit. She's been really nice. I saw her at CPKC and we met, yeah.
Q. I'll be totally repetitive on this. I'm sorry. Thoughts on the course? Was your first look at the course yesterday. Thoughts and expectations for this week?
APHRODITE DENG: Yeah, I think just playing my own game and knowing that I've already put the work in beforehand. The course is really pure. Rough is pretty long.
Yeah, I think it'll be fun.
Q. Tell us about when you got the call and when you first heard about the sponsor invite here, your initial reaction.
APHRODITE DENG: Yeah, I was really happy and my parents were really happy for me and I told all my coaches and friends that I was playing. I'm really grateful for the opportunity.
Q. Your experience last week or two weeks ago at Augusta National for the ANWA, what was that experience like for you?
APHRODITE DENG: Yeah, it was really unreal. Being on the grounds of Augusta was really cool and being able to play to two times.
Q. Was there something you got from the pro shop or merch that was fun for you?
APHRODITE DENG: Yeah, at Augusta? Yeah, my mom bought so much stuff. We spent like $500.
Q. She get one of the gnomes?
APHRODITE DENG: Yes. She did get one of the gnomes. It's like sitting on our kitchen table.
Q. I was going to ask, are you going to keep it or resell it?
APHRODITE DENG: We're going to keep it. Some are for gifts for our friends.
Q. When did you get the sponsor invite, the call? Where were you?
APHRODITE DENG: I was just on the range practicing.
Q. I am excited that you signed with Malbon. Did you get to go to the Malbon house in Augusta? Any fun events that you went to or were you focused on ANWA?
APHRODITE DENG: Yeah, I got to go to the ANWA house afterwards and I met Stephen and Erica. Didn't set up everything yet, but it was really cool talking to them.
Q. Okay. Cool. Do you have a favorite club in your bag right now that's working really well for you?
APHRODITE DENG: I would say my putter because usually when it's good it's pretty good.
Q. Nice. Do you have a pre-tournament routine, any pump-up music you listen to or favorite breakfast?
APHRODITE DENG: No, not really. I just go to the gym and warm up before I tee off.
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