FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 29th, 2018

NOTABLE QUOTES: ANA INSPIRATION, THURSDAY’S PM COVERAGE (7-9:18 PM ET) – LINDBERG LEADS AT 7-UNDER; THOMPSON T7 AT 4-UNDER

Golf Channel Notable Quotes
ANA Inspiration
Thursday, March 29, 2018 (First Round, Afternoon Wave: 7-9:18 p.m. ET)
Mission Hills Country Club
Rancho Mirage, Calif.

On Pernilla Lindberg, leader at 7-under par
Tom Abbott – “Great finish. 65, the low round of the day. Lowest round of the season so far for Lindberg.”
Grant Boone – The first player out in the afternoon wave and the last player to finish in the afternoon wave shoot the two low scores of the day in Recari and Lindberg.

On Beatriz Recari, T2 at 6-under par
Recari speaking with Golf Channel’s Lisa Cornwell following her round
Recari – “I felt very solid tee-to-green. Last week I played really well, I felt like I was very consistent tee-to-green. The ball just didn’t go in on the green, but that gave me a lot of confidence going into this week. In the past my game wasn’t at the right level, but I think that from the beginning today I felt very confident, I knew my strategy and I stuck to it. Whenever I was in trouble I was in a good spot and was able to get up and down quite easily. Overall I just played really solid and very happy with how it went on my first round, and I want to keep it up over the next few days.”
Recari – “I’ve always felt very comfortable here. If I was going to win a major it was going to be on this course. I think it really suits my game. I’ve never been to Augusta but it really feels like our Masters. There is so much tradition here. The course is always in pristine condition and is tight off the tee.”

On Lexi Thompson, T7 at 4-under par
Judy Rankin – “She has got the driver in this beautiful groove and it is putting her in a position to try to hit it as hard as she can. That is what she did on the 3rd tee and she got a great result. I have never seen a player this far down.”
Jerry Foltz – “The markings for this is one of the driving measuring holes [No. 12] stops at 300. Myself and our volunteer had to count another 48 yards. 348-yard tee shot.”
Rankin – “She has found her groove.”
Rankin – “When her game is on, she owns this course.”
Foltz – “She becomes almost the definition of unbeatable when she starts making putts.”
Foltz – “She has proven she is not rattled this week.”

Lexi Thompson speaking with Golf Channel’s Lisa Cornwell following her round
Lexi Thompson – “I get to hit my driver a lot on this golf course, which is nice. I didn’t get to hit it so much last week at the Kia. I feel very comfortable with it and this golf course definitely sets up for my game off the tee. I just get to aim up the right and fire away.”
Thompson – “It is amazing the fan aspect of this tournament every year. It is truly amazing. It makes me feel so special. Just for all the players, there are so many fans our here supporting us. I remember two little girls that were following me every day last year and were giving me high fives, especially with everything that was going on. They were out here again today giving me high fives in between every hole. It just put such a smile on my face and makes me feel good, no matter how I play they are always there rooting me on.”

On Paula Creamer, T20 at 2-under par
Karen Stupples – “This is only her fifth round of golf in tournament play in the last six months. Not a bad performance.”

On Mission Hills Country Club
Rankin – “Great conditions, just a tough golf course.”
Rankin – “The golf course won in some ways, but there definitely was some golf that was a winner as well. I think it is the beginning of a great championship.”
Rankin – “Two things make a difference on this course – when the rough is high or when the wind blows.” 

-NBC Sports Group-