The LPGA Women's Golf Tour's "Annika Driven by Gainbridge at Pelican" kicked off on November 14th (Japan time) at Pelican Golf Club in Florida, USA, and will be broadcast live daily on WOWOW. With just two tournaments remaining this season, 12 Japanese players, including Miyu Yamashita, Mao Saigo, Reo Takeda, Ayaka Furue, Akie Iwai and her sister Chirei, and Hinako Shibuno, will be competing in this big tournament with a total prize money of $3.25 million. Ahead of the tournament, the Japanese players spoke of their enthusiasm.
◇Miyu Yamashita
--You've been playing in Japan for a while now, how are you feeling, including your physical condition and jet lag?
I'm a little jet-lagged, but I feel fine.
--You've been on a good run, winning the Maybank Championship in Malaysia and coming in third at the Toto Japan Classic. Can you look back on those two tournaments?
It was extremely hot in Malaysia and the course had some ups and downs, but I was able to play with a good image in mind and it was a good week. The temperature difference at TOTO was extreme, but I managed to keep myself in good condition and played in good condition.
--It was cold yesterday this week but it's gradually getting warmer. What are your impressions of this course in Florida?
There were quite a few ups and downs in the Asia Series, but this week's course is flat and the greens seem difficult. The slope is steep, so depending on where you miss, you'll end up in a difficult spot, and I felt like there were quite a few places like that.
-How do you feel about your shots so far this week?
I feel like my shots are better this week than they were last week, so I'd like to be able to show that in the match.
-Finally, please tell us your enthusiasm for this week.
I would like to play my best this week and do my best to move up at least one place in the rankings.
◇Mao Saigo
--There are now just two games left this season. How are you feeling right now?
The year has really flown by, and although there are only two games left, I hope to give it my all.
--Please tell us what you've been working on this week.
I've changed the image of my swing a little, so I hope it works out well.
--It's been a bit cold in Florida this week, what are your impressions of the course?
The fairways and greens seem a little softer than last year, but I don't think it's particularly difficult. If I can play my best, I don't think my golf game will be too bad.
-What do you think will be the key to moving up this week?
It's a little harder to get run on the fairway than last year, so I think I'll be holding a slightly longer club, so I'd like to increase the number of birdie chances I can get. The greens have a distinctive Bermuda feel, so I think putting will be the biggest key.
--Please tell us your enthusiasm for this week.
I didn't get very good results last year, so this year I'm hoping to get some revenge, and I'll do my best this week to play in a way that I'm satisfied with.
◇Reo Takeda
--You've been back to back in Japan this week, so how are you feeling physically?
We've had a string of consecutive games, but I think I'm in top physical condition.
-Did you have time to refresh yourself or eat delicious food in Japan?
It had been a long time since I'd been back, let alone played in a game in Japan, so the Japanese food was really delicious.
-What are your impressions of this week's course?
The distances are good and the greens are undulating, so I think it's a pretty difficult course.
--There are only two games left, is there anything you want to keep in mind?
There are only two games left this season, so I want to be conscious of playing until the very end and not regretting anything.
-Finally, please tell us your enthusiasm for this week.
I will do my best for four days this week as well.
◇Katsu Minami
--You've had back-to-back matches since Japan, how are you feeling physically and in shape?
I'm feeling fine. Jet lag isn't bothering me that much this time, so I think it's great.
--Can you look back on last week's tournament in Japan?
I couldn't play well. I was able to improve on the first day, but I couldn't improve on the next two days, so I ended up with a disappointing result, so I'll do my best this week.
--How do you feel about being back in Florida?
I thought it was surprisingly cold. Yesterday in particular, it was much colder than in Japan, which surprised me a bit, but the impression of the course was still really good. I was glad that I was able to have a fun practice round.
-Finally, please tell us your enthusiasm for this week.
The Asia Series is over and there are only two games left, so it feels like time has flown by, but we haven't won yet, so I would like to end the year with a win if possible, so I will be working hard this week with all my energy.
◇ Yuna Nishimura
--This is your first tournament on US soil in a while, so what kind of preparations have you made so far?
I've had the opportunity to play in three tournaments in Japan, and I've made a lot of great discoveries. I think my shots and putting are in good shape.
--We're entering the climax season, so please tell us if there are any areas you would like to be conscious of.
For now, this will be my last match, so I think it would be good if I could look at my feet and focus on what I need to do now, concentrating on each shot.
-Finally, please tell us your enthusiasm for this week.
It's not a course I'm very good at, but I think being able to play there will give me confidence again, so I'll do my best to play well over the four days and compete for the top spots.
*... "Annika Driven by Gainbridge at Pelican" will be broadcast live every day on WOWOW. The first day (November 14th) and second day (15th) will be broadcast from midnight, and the third day (16th) and final day (17th) will be broadcast from 3:30am on WOWOW Live and WOWOW On Demand. WOWOW On Demand will also have a "Japanese Players Only Camera" that focuses on the play of Japanese players, which will be broadcast live. The first day will be broadcast from 2:25am.
