MASTERS TOURNAMENT

April 6, 2021

Corey Conners

Mackenzie Hughes

Quick Quotes

Q. All right, gents. Welcome to the Masters. We've been hearing so far the course is fast and fiery. What are your perceptions after the practice round today?

COREY CONNERS: Yeah, definitely nailed it. I think, particularly compared to November, it's got a lot more speed to it. The greens are rolling quicker. Had to adjust some of the notes in my book to play a lot more break in the greens, and certain spots around the green where you maybe had a chance in November, you don't have much of a chance right now.

So it's definitely firmer and faster, but just beautiful condition. It's really, really nice.

Q. Mac, you haven't been back for a few years. What was it like to get back out there?

MACKENZIE HUGHES: Yeah, for a Monday, Tuesday, last couple days, it's been everything you want. I think most guys would agree that it's kind of like Saturday/Sunday conditions already, which is pretty amazing. The golf course is ready to go. It's firm, fast, and it's going to be -- it will make for a great tournament because you can use a lot of slopes, and imagination is a lot more prevalent, I think.

Q. Let's have a little fun here. Corey, tell me why Mac is going to play well here this week.

COREY CONNERS: No one's short game I've played with is better than Mac. His creativity, his touch around the greens, his knack for making key putts, long putts. Fortunately, he's my partner a lot of the time in our practice rounds, and I've reaped the benefits of him making a number of really clutch putts coming down the stretch. So that part of his game separates him from a lot of guys out here. He's striking the ball really well, as well.

Q. Mac, reverse. Tell me why Corey's going to play well this week.

MACKENZIE HUGHES: Because he's doing everything really well. He's been driving it great his whole life, so he'll probably keep doing that this week as well. Been hitting his irons well his whole life, will keep doing that, and rolling it nicely. So the same Corey that I met when I was 13 over at Listowel Golf Club trying to beat him at the Future Links.

So it's been really fun to play today and kind of share the experience, and hope people have a great week.

Q. What are your expectations for this week?

COREY CONNERS: Just going to enjoy the experience. I've been playing well lately. I've got a lot of confidence in my game, expecting to continue the solid play. Hopefully, keep hitting it well and make things as easy as possible for myself. Stress-free golf would be nice.

I expect to shoot some under-par rounds and hopefully get in the mix come Sunday. It was great playing with Mike today and hearing the stories about when he won. Try to give myself the best shot I can.

MACKENZIE HUGHES: Yeah, similar to Corey, I feel like my game's in a good place, and I have played in enough majors now to have the experience to feel comfortable. I think it's about trying to get yourself in position for Sunday. The way the course is playing, it won't take crazy low scores. It will be a test of patience and discipline to hit in the middle of the green sometimes and take your medicine.

So I'm looking forward to the week. Expectations are to be around hopefully later on Sunday.

Q. Did you learn anything from Mike [Weir] today, either of you?

MACKENZIE HUGHES: Just a couple things here and there. I mean, he knows it all right.

COREY CONNERS: He knows the place pretty well. It was great to pick his brain out there.