THE MODERATOR: Welcome to the interview area with Rio Takeda. 4-under 68. Nice play out there. Can you talk us through your round?
RIO TAKEDA: Actually, the 1st hole, the starting hole was a pinch. I had a little problem. However, I made a very long putt, and after that it was in a good mood and then good cadence, and I made several, few bogeys, so this round went very well.
Q. What are some of your original or first impressions of the golf course?
RIO TAKEDA: The first, that the long distance, and the second, that there are only a few trees. So I felt that we have more impact from the wind.
Q. Rio, you're a player who obviously makes a lot of birdies. Do you enjoy the grind of a tournament like this?
RIO TAKEDA: Yes, rather than fights against the long drives, I like this kind of major with lots of putting skills.
Q. What were your expectations coming into the week? And as you were making your way around the golf course, a lot of people have talked about patience. How did your patience kind of ebb and flow through the round?
RIO TAKEDA: This is a major tournament, so before I came here, I was very much excited and very happy to join this. During the play, I really agree that patience is very important. So I thought that I have to be patient and just wait for the chance to come.
Q. A lot of people are visually intimidated by this course the first time they see it, but the scoring in past championships has generally been pretty good. Is the course not as difficult as it first appears to be when you see it for the first time?
RIO TAKEDA: Yes, that is true, and some holes had very difficult pin positions however, and so it was difficult. However, with the par-5 that I was able to make really good birdies. So it was good.
Q. What's been the most difficult part of the transition of playing on the LPGA as a rookie?
RIO TAKEDA: These courses are different from the Japanese courses, and the courses are more difficult. So when I first came and I was not familiar with these courses, that I was not able to play too well.
But as I get used to these courses, I started to be able to focus on my own play.
Q. What about outside of golf, life?
RIO TAKEDA: When I moved, those courses are very far apart. So I have to travel very long distance. However, yes, I am enjoying visiting here, living here.
Q. What did you learn from your exceptional finish in your debut in the U.S. Women's Open last year, and how much more comfortable are you this year coming here?
RIO TAKEDA: Yes, last year it was my first time, and I was not that familiar with the atmosphere. However, this time that I have that experience under my belt and also that I have attended several games. So I feel like I am doing a lot better this year.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports