PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

May 20, 2021

Cameron Smith

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island

Quick Quotes

THE MODERATOR: Welcome back to the 2021 PGA Championship here at The Ocean Course. We are very pleased to be joined by Cameron Smith. Cameron posted an even par 72, four birdies, four bogeys, so some up-and-down play. What did you experience out there, and how are you feeling after round one of the PGA.

CAMERON SMITH: Pretty good. I thought the ball-striking was really up there today. I thought I putted well. A couple more putts go in and I'm right up there. Yeah, no work for me tonight. I'm just going to get a good rest and be here early in the morning.

THE MODERATOR: What was the wind like in the late afternoon? It seemed to be a little more docile than maybe the practice rounds. Would you agree with that?

CAMERON SMITH: Yeah, I think so. I think it was just more consistent this afternoon, too. We didn't get those really big gusts, which is nice. All those holes downwind I thought were really good chances at birdies and then it's kind of strap in for the ones into the wind.

So no, it was good. Good test.

THE MODERATOR: And how about your short game? How did that fit today? You said you left a couple putts out there. Is that something -- have you been putting well coming in?

CAMERON SMITH: Yeah, I've been putting good. The putter actually felt really good today. Just yeah, a few of those mid-range putts, 5 to 15 feet go in, like I said, I'm right up there. It feels good. The pace is good on the greens, I just need them to drop.

Q. You have to come out here early tomorrow and get that back side first. Will you try to get off to a bit of a flyer before you hit 14 through 18 and sort of get yourself up there?

CAMERON SMITH: Yeah, when you tee off the back, you basically get nine straight into the wind. You get 1, 2, 3, 4 as well. Yeah, that will be a grind in the morning. I'm not sure how the wind was this morning but I'm sure it was a little bit lighter. You know, hopefully, hopefully we get much the same in the morning and we are able to take advantage of the conditions.

Q. Is it all about patience for you in these conditions? You know you'll drop a shot or two but don't do too much damage if you just keep your head on?

CAMERON SMITH: The last five holes I played 2-over and basically didn't really miss a shot. I hit a bad drive on 18 but it didn't really feel bad. That's just the way it is around here. You just have to take advantage of those downwind holes as much as you can and really hold on and hit really good golf shots into the wind.