PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

May 22, 2022

Mito Pereira

Southern Hills Country Club

Flash Quotes

JOHN DEVER: Good afternoon and welcome back to the 2022 PGA Championship here at Southern Hills. We are joined by Mito Pereira, who carded a final round 75 today. Mito, an interesting day with lots of highs and an unfortunate low on the 18th. Could you kind of summarize that hole, what you went through and not being part of the playoff right now?

MITO PEREIRA: Obviously sad to be here and not in the playoff, not make par, just straight win.

On 18, I wasn't even thinking about the water. I just wanted to put it in play, and I guess I aimed too far right. I just hit in the water.

It's not how I wanted to end up this week, but really good result. Played really good. Today I was really nervous. I tried to handle it a little bit but it's really tough. I thought I was going to win on 18, but it is what it is. We'll have another one.

THE MODERATOR: One to learn from.

Q. You said you were really nervous today but how were you feeling standing on the 18th tee knowing what you needed to do, and did that impact the way that shot came off?

MITO PEREIRA: I was feeling the same. I wasn't like really different. It was like that all day. I mean, I thought I was nervous the first day. Then I thought I was nervous the second day. Then I thought I was nervous on the third day but the fourth day was terrible. I mean, this morning was tough.

I don't know, I mean, I just played it through, and actually had a one-shot lead on 18 and that was pretty good and sad to hit it in the water. I mean, I wish I could do it again.

Q. What do you think you get out of week going forward?

MITO PEREIRA: I just played really good golf, three days. Get a little bit of experience for this fourth in the final group on a tough course that you have to hit it well. If not, you're going to shoot 5-over. I just didn't hit it really well today, and for next time, I'll just be a little bit more prepared.

JOHN DEVER: Maybe talk about the par putts you had on No. 9 and 16. Those gave you a good bolt of energy and got you to the 72nd hole in good shape.

MITO PEREIRA: Yeah, those were pretty big. On 9, I made two bogeys in a row and then it was for the third one on 9. So that one was big. The up-and-down on 10 was just unreal. Then on 16, I make that putt and then on 17 just one more roll to get in, short on-line. Just good memories for this tournament. Just taking out the 18th.

Q. The putt on 17 obviously just narrowly did not go in and that would have given you a cushion. Can you talk us through that part too, and how much that meant to not get that one to drop?

MITO PEREIRA: I hit a really good shot off the tee. I thought it was going to land on the green, and really close, but it just landed really soft. The chip was a little -- it wasn't that good, but then that putt, I just hit it really good, really good line, and just didn't go in.

I mean, if I would have made that, it was a little different, but still, I have to do par on 18 to win a major, you know.

Q. 18 tee shot, was that the same swing you hit yesterday?

MITO PEREIRA: Yeah, low and straight. I'm really confident with that one. I don't know what happened.

Q. Did you notice anything change in your golf swing throughout the day, anything different?

MITO PEREIRA: I mean, it's just -- you're in such a stressful situation that, I mean, everything can change. Just got to learn how to do it better. Keep like training for it, and like I said, didn't feel that good today. I just played it through but was a tough day.

Q. What were you feeling walking up to the 18th green?

MITO PEREIRA: I mean, I was really trying to get myself there to make up-and-down. It was really tough. I thought I hit it really good. Walking down on 18, just a little bit of both, like ashamed to be in that position that had -- maybe that was my second shot there. But on the other side, just happy to be there. I mean, I finished third on my first major this year. I think I have to really just hold to that.

Q. What was it like walking off 18 green and seeing your friends and family there?

MITO PEREIRA: It would be nicer if I would have win, but it was nice to see all the guys there. It was a great week for me there also.

JOHN DEVER: It sure was, Mito. Hold your head high, have a great night, and thank you very much for this week.