Q. All right, joining be today after the first round of the FM Championship is Allisen Corpuz. Great round today. Entering tied for first, tied for first with most birdies made today as well. Talk us through your round a little bit.
ALLISEN CORPUZ: Yeah, started out really solid. Had a good look for birdie on 10 that just didn't go in.
Stuck it to three feet on 11, so made a birdie kind of early to start round.
Yeah, just putter was rolling really well today. I had a lot of really good looks and got to convert a lot of them.
Q. You made back-to-back birdies on 15, 16, 17. Heading into the home stretch, how were you feeling? How are you keeping your mind clear? You were one the last groups out today. Long day obviously.
ALLISEN CORPUZ: Yeah, I think just whenever I start to get a little quick, just focusing on routines and taking in the moment. I mean, Jay has been on my bag for my entire career now so he's one of my best friends. It's always really nice to be out there with him and spend time with him.
Q. You started the year great this year and then it's been a little bit rocky since. Can you talk about how it feels to be back at the top again and kind of how you kept your headspace clear after everything that has gone on this season?
ALLISEN CORPUZ: Yeah, just feel like golf is such a funny game. Even if it hasn't been the results that I wanted to see, it's just felt really, really close all season.
So like you said, it was a good start to the season and kind of just feel like things are starting to turn the corner a bit.
Yeah, it's really exciting to be in this position again.
Q. I don't think I would call you a veteran on the LPGA by any means yet, but we've had some really, really strong rookies this year. As someone who has been on Tour a few years, what does it mean to you to see such great up-and-coming talent and also what advice do you have for people rising through the ranks and breaking out so young?
ALLISEN CORPUZ: I think it's awesome to tee. I think ultimately what we all want is the Tour to keep growing and getting better and stringer. That's happening every single year. It's awesome to see.
Like you said, there is no lack of talent out here. Everyone comes out here ready to play. I think they're doing just fine without my advice. I would say just enjoy the ride. You're really only out here for so many years so just appreciate it out here.
Q. I know you pride yourself on being accurate. How critical was that today to put yourself in the fairway and put yourself on the green?
ALLISEN CORPUZ: Yeah, absolutely. I think there is a few spots on this courses where the rough gets really thick, or even with just how form they are, if you miss the fairway suddenly your drive is 30 yards back of where it should be and it starts to play really long.
So actually put a new driver in the bag this week and been feeling really comfortable off the tee this week.
Q. What led to that decision to test a new driver on a golf course that really requires accurate tee shots?
ALLISEN CORPUZ: Yeah, it's just kind of the same thing. It just -- the old one just felt a little off. I'm not really sure what it was. Just wasn't feeling comfortable.
So just came out here Monday and was like, hey, can we maybe find something a little better, and we were able to. I think a lot of the game is just comfort, just finding something that felt a little better has made a world of difference.
Q. Finished T4 here last year and it was really wet out here, a bit soggy of a golf course. It's firm out there this week. How have you seen this golf course change from year this year and what has this led to on your scorecard today?
ALLISEN CORPUZ: Yeah, like you said, just really firm, really fast. I feel like I love it when courses play like this. Greens are rolling so well so you know if you pick a good line and hit a good putt it'll go in.
I think any time a course plays a little firm it'll play a little shorter as well. So had a lot of scoring irons into the greens today and, yeah, was able to get a few pretty close.
Q. How long had you had the other driver in the bag?
ALLISEN CORPUZ: End of last season to now, yeah, uh-huh.
Q. What is the new one?
ALLISEN CORPUZ: It's just kind of back to more where my old specs were. I just been working on trying to get a little stronger this season and the other one was spinning just a little too much.
Q. What does it mean to have all the equipment trucks here?
ALLISEN CORPUZ: It's awesome. I mean, I've been a long time Ping club user and they've been so supportive of everything I do, so really grateful to have them out here and just awesome to have them on site this week.
Q. You've always had such great perspective on things. Where does that come from? Have you always been a patient person when things aren't going your way? Is that a learned thing?
ALLISEN CORPUZ: Yeah, I think my parents have always instilled that in me and my demeanor lends itself to that. I think a lot of the experience. I went to college for five years so I was there an entire year longer than most people are.
Just I think just having the support around me, my family and friends, has always given me that comfort.
Q. When you're inevitably feeling some impatience, you want something to turn the corner, what do you do off the golf course for some release, hobby or anything that you pour yourself into?
ALLISEN CORPUZ: Yeah, I read a ton. Me and Sarah actually. I think I'm still working on a recommendation list she game me my rookie season, so slowly working my way through that. Recently been getting into TV shows as well. Yeah, anything to take the mind off things.
Q. What are you watching?
ALLISEN CORPUZ: The Summer I Turned Pretty and then Schitt's Creek.
Q. Getting off to a hot start is fine and dandy; golf tournaments aren't won on Thursdays. How do you keep the pedal down and focus and move forward?
ALLISEN CORPUZ: This is just a course I've seen a ton of birdies on the last year and today, so just trying to like you said, keep the pedal down and just keep trying to hit good shots. Staying in the moment, just one after another.
Q. I know and you Megan Khang are best friends. How fun is it to watch her be de facto host this week? Do you get any good local recollection as far as food goes off the golf course?
ALLISEN CORPUZ: Yeah, I love Megan so much. It's just good vibes come to Boston and knowing she's the hometown girl. She's been having an amazing career, season, and it's awesome to see. She's always been such a good role model and like older sister for me. No, I love that for her.
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