U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

August 12, 2021

Joe Highsmith

Oakmont Country Club

Quick Quotes

Q. So 3-down after the front, what are you thinking to yourself?

JOE HIGHSMITH: Yeah, I mean, I actually -- I was 3-down but I felt like I got some momentum on 7, 8, 9. I lost the 8th hole but still was at least hitting some good shots finally.

Started off the really poorly when we went out yesterday and I ended up getting kind of lucky to only be 1-down. Ended up losing the first hole today and kind of snapped out of it.

Then I told myself, you know, like he was playing well, but all I can do is go out there and do my best. Maybe he'll give me a few holes, which he kind of did in there, too. I also won a decent amount on my own balls.

So, yeah, just tried to stay in it and stick to what I was doing and really focus on each shot. That's always what it comes down to, is making committed swings.

Q. Is there one stroke or shot that jump started the comeback?

JOE HIGHSMITH: I think so. I made a really good putt on 10. I felt like I was building on 7, 8, 9 to get a touch of momentum back, and then he made a great two-putt on 10 and I had like a 15-footer.

He was 3-down and we're running out of holes, and so I made that put and just the mentality is different when you're building and you win the hole and you're only 2-down now instead of 3.

I think that was probably the turning point for sure.

Q. Once you draw even, is there a different mindset from that point forward?

JOE HIGHSMITH: For me there wasn't today. I figured I was playing well and I was getting the momentum back, so just keep doing what I'm doing. Doesn't make any difference what he's doing or what the match is at. Just try to play my game and stick to that.

Q. Next opponent this afternoon had a blow-out win, won 8&6. Grayson Blunt. Do you know that name?

JOE HIGHSMITH: Uh-huh.

Q. But what would you do between now and then with that time period to get ready?

JOE HIGHSMITH: Yeah, I'm probably just going to go back to the hotel and get some food and hang out for a bit, and then just come back out and keep doing what I was doing on the back nine.

Yeah, so just relax and hopefully we can dodge some weather here and get back out this afternoon.