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Q. Ally Ewing, 3-under 68, a really good day out there. Talk us through it.
ALLY EWING: Yeah, it was a really solid day. My ball-striking was really good. I think I only missed a couple fairways, too, which helps on a golf course like this.
I was able to roll in some putts towards the end of my round to really solidify those shots that I was hitting.
So exciting, good start. A good test of golf in Pine Needles this week, so excited for the first round for sure.
Q. 3-under on holes 4 through 7. Talk us through those birdies.
ALLY EWING: Yeah, on hole 4 I hit a nice shot to probably 10 feet, rolled it in.
And then I actually made a great birdie from the pine straw on hole 6. I had to kind of keep it low or actually under a branch and executed the shot really well and rolled in about a six-footer there.
And next hole hit a really good shot to about eight feet. Obviously that comes down to really good strategy but also shot execution and able to capitalize and roll those putts in.
Q. What was your experience with Pine Needles during your practice round and how do you feel the course suits your game?
ALLY EWING: Yeah, it's definitely a shot-maker's course. It requires a lot of precision and accuracy with your approach shots. Obviously you have to get the ball in the hole so you have to roll it really well, too.
But for me it's just kind of executing shots but also just getting around the golf course and understanding you look away from pins that are kind of wanting to draw you over to a pin that's five off the edge, but knowing that it kind of rolls off.
I know I'm not going to hit every shot perfect, I'm not going to execute every shot perfectly, but if I have a really good mindset, get good pitch numbers, and look away from flags when I need to, I think that's a really good strategy, good game plan for the rest of the week.
Q. How do you prepare for this type of event? It's going to be a long four days.
ALLY EWING: Yeah, I think for me it's just -- when I first started out on Tour making this event was such a big deal because it's a great event. It's our United States Open, and it's the one that you circle on your calendar every year to hopefully peak for.
For me it's just kind of coming into the week and preparing like I prepare every week on the LPGA, really dialing in speed control on the greens. These greens can get really quick with the Bermuda and everything.
Just kind of trying to execute a game plan for preparation and then really dialing in my speed around the greens.
Q. I guess you've got a good history here with the North and South victory. Is this a place you feel really comfortable with?
ALLY EWING: Yeah, I mean, it definitely feels like the South to me just with Mississippi roots. It's definitely hot, which I can't really say that -- I guess I am used to it, but I don't necessarily just love it, but it is something I'm used to and just trying to maintain and keep your body hydrated, keep yourself rested as much as you can.
I do love the North Carolina area. As you said, I have some great memories here. I'm just really dialing in that and the positivity that I have from that, as well.
Q. What did that North and South victory mean to your career?
ALLY EWING: It was a huge milestone for me in my amateur career. I think that would have been prior to making the Curtis Cup, so that was a big thing for me to solidify hopefully a Curtis Cup selection eventually.
It's got a great history; obviously prestigious No. 2 is where we played our match play portion that year. It was definitely a huge part of my amateur career and what I really pride myself on as being a North-South amateur champion.
Q. You mentioned the heat; is it any advantage at all for players to get out early on the course today when it's not as sweltering as it might be this afternoon?
ALLY EWING: Yeah, there's probably some, but I don't really know the forecast for the rest of the week. You have a morning wave, you have an afternoon wave, so I'll get that wave tomorrow and just kind of fight through the heat, stay hydrated.
But definitely this afternoon getting off the golf course as soon as I can and getting rested and hydrated to get ready to go again tomorrow afternoon will definitely be in the plan.
Q. Did anybody ask you about winning the North and South?
ALLY EWING: Yes. Big win for me in the amateur books.
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