Hanging out at the Samsung LPGA World Championships I am privvy to a press conference with Ji-Yai Shin of Korea who leads the field after the first round.

Here is a transcript

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MIKE SCANLAN: Ji‑Yai, thank you so much for coming in. A great round, 5‑under par 67. You are now in the lead in the clubhouse. If you would, just tell us about your round today. How did it go?

JI‑YAI SHIN: Actually today my plan is between 3‑under and 5‑under plan. Because I feel so good this morning. Today, just a few holes missed the fairway, but it was good driver today. And iron shot very comfortable. Today my putting is good today. Two days I changed the putter and some club. Today was a good match, so a good score today.

Q. Your thoughts about playing in this kind of condition today?

JI‑YAI SHIN: A little bit tired but very comfortable. I feel so good because I’m very exciting playing here, because just only Top‑20 players play in here, and then I play too. Very comfortable now.

Q. With the fog, the dense fog and the mist, kind of swirling over some of the greens, what was that like? You had a better back 9 it looked like. Was that a challenge early in your round?

JI‑YAI SHIN: No. 10 hole I start waiting about 20 minutes because too many fog. I think just 20 minutes. And then a snack, maybe for me, because the first nine holes we play one hour and 50 minutes. So very fast. Particularly because we were first group. There is more relaxing time.

Q. A good break for you?

JI‑YAI SHIN: Yes.

Q. How did winning the (RICOH Women’s) British Open, how has that changed your place in the game and how much more comfortable do you feel out here in the wake of that?

JI‑YAI SHIN: Actually, a big change after British Open, more in Korea. I’m very famous now. And then the big one is very comfortable, and then I get more confidence.

But after British Open I play more five tournaments in Korea and Japan. Last week I won. Before three weeks, I was second. After British Open I get the confidence. Three weeks I place second. So I’m really waiting the win again. The last three I win, come back here more comfortable, because the last week in Korea I won.

Q. You said you are very famous in Korea now, can you give an example since winning the (RICOH Women’s) British Open? When you go out in public, do people stop you?

JI‑YAI SHIN: Actually, in Korea famous, but in Japan, too, because I play two weeks play in Japan, but everybody know me, British Open champion. I feel everybody watching me.

Q. What is that like for you? Everyone recognizes you now, everyone on the street knows who you are, what is that like for you and your family and your friends when they are with you? Is that very different for you, everybody knows your face?

JI‑YAI SHIN: Yes, actually Korea players, everybody say you don’t come back to Korea, go play America. Everybody playing say.

Q. That’s actually the perfect lead‑in to my question. Will you play on the LPGA Tour full‑time next year? What are your plans?

JI‑YAI SHIN: Yes, I think playing in America, I think.

Q. Is that exciting for you? Is it a little scary? What are your thoughts about that?

JI‑YAI SHIN: Not scary because I’m long time waiting for this Tour, and then actually now is my dreams come true. I almost play 10 years. I always dream this tournament, but I can play now. So it’s exciting, yes.

Q. You are part of the Asian players that have had a tremendous season in the golf. Do you consider the Asian players having the best season so far?

JI‑YAI SHIN: I think so. Many players play this Tour, LPGA. Yani Tseng, or Seon Hwa Lee, Korean players, many wins. I think success because now very young Asian players playing here. But very good play now.

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Ji-Yai Shin came into the field of 20 for this tourney, #20 in earnings for the year with $314,464. She is just 20-years old and is making her debut at the Samsung World Championship. She started playing golf at age 11 and in nine years she has 22 victories, 18 in Korea. Last year she won 10 KLPGA events in 19 starts. Next year, she will play the American LPGA events.

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