PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

May 21, 2021

Hideki Matsuyama

The Ocean Course at Kiawah

Flash Quotes

THE MODERATOR: We are pleased to be joined by Hideki Matsuyama, who posted a 68 today. You've thrust yourself right back into the throes of this championship. Maybe talk about your play today, and we'll open up the floor for questions.

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: I really hit my driver and second shots very well today, and that gave me a lot of birdie opportunities, which I was able to capitalize on.

Q. It looks like the way you have to play this golf course, you have to accumulate a lot of birdies, as much as you can, until you get to 14, 15. Do you get ready for that?

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: Yeah, you're absolutely right, from hole No. 5 until 12, you'd better make some birdies on those holes because those last four or five holes are very difficult. Being able to make birdies on those downwind holes makes it a whole lot easier because you're not under the pressure. You can lose a stroke here or there on the final holes.

Q. Everyone is kind of happy, some players finish early today, and they're going to be playing early in the morning tomorrow. How much different is it going to be between the morning wave and the afternoon wave Saturday and Sunday?

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: Yeah, it's up to the weather what's going to happen between the morning wave and afternoon on Saturday and Sunday. However, hopefully my play today will carry over to the weekend.

THE MODERATOR: Hideki, thank you for stopping through. Have a good evening.