THE 149TH OPEN

July 16, 2021

Tony Finau

Mixed Zone

Q. Tony, a lovely round from you today, 4-under. Talk to us about the highlights.

TONY FINAU: Yeah, thanks. I played nicely. Got off to a nice start and kind of rolled that momentum through the front nine. Played really nicely right at the turn.

Put a little bit of a damper on my round in the middle bogeying 10 and 12. Was able to bounce back late in my round.

Having just to par 18, you know, I didn't finish the way I wanted to yesterday. Left a sour taste in my mouth. Today I wanted to finish a little bit better and I was able to do that.

Q. Do you enjoy playing links golf because you played well at Royal St George's and I remember you played well at Portrush?

TONY FINAU: Yeah, no doubt. I love links golf. I don't get to play it very often. A lot of years this is the only links golf I play all year. I definitely enjoy the creativity it takes to play this type the golf.

I like having a lot of options off the tee, into the greens, around the greens. So it's a lot of fun for me to play this type of golf, and I've enjoyed playing it up to this point in my career.

Q. Well done on today. You mentioned obviously playing well at Portrush. You got up there had a really good finish. How much confidence does that give you going into The Open this year?

TONY FINAU: Yeah, it gives me a lot of confidence. Shane kind of ran away in Portrush, so it's not like I felt like I had a chance to win. So when you have a high finish it's a great feeling. Gives you some confidence.

That is the last time The Open has been played, so I enjoy links golf. I think I've had some success on it, and I look forward to the test this week. My game is in a good place. I'm hitting it nicely. Get that putter rocking I think I can make a run.

Q. You're always a popular player. Have a lot of support out there today?

TONY FINAU: Yeah, no doubt. Was a lot of fun having the fans back out. I've missed playing The Open. The Open atmosphere is one of a kind. 16 and 18 are pretty special. They got a lot of people around those holes with the grandstands; 18 is something we always look forward to as players.

You know, we really enjoy it. I really appreciate the fan support. I've had a lot of it this week, and hopefully it continues on the weekend.

Q. And what would it mean to you to get your name on the Claret Jug? Obviously we've seen some great American players over the years who have achieved it. I know for British players it's probably the biggest trophy to win. Maybe not necessarily for all the American players. What would it mean to you if you could do it?

TONY FINAU: Yeah, mean everything to me and to my career. I've had a lot of close calls in major championships. To be able to finally cap one off and do it as the champion golfer of the year at The Open Championship would be extremely special.