JOHN DEERE CLASSIC

July 1, 2022

Emiliano Grillo

TPC Deere Run

Quick Quotes

(In progress.)

EMILIANO GRILLO: 3-, 4-under you you have to play well on every single part of the game. So today was the case. Obviously I feel like I left quite a few shots out there, so it was one of those days that could have been a very special one.

But I'm happy with the result.

Q. With the weather in the morning, did you see the scores the guys were posting? Did you get a sense that a low one was out there today?

EMILIANO GRILLO: I never look at the morning wave because usually plays very different. I know it was soft and I knew it was going to be softer for us, so it was probably the easiest course that we could find out there.

It was super soft. A lot pins in the front and a lot of balls that feeds towards the hole.

So like I said, never look at the way they play because you might see something and then it plays totally different. So I try to stick to my strategy and just go with it.

Q. How big was the scramble on 17 for you to make par?

EMILIANO GRILLO: Yeah, I mean, look, 17 is one of the holes that you try to make a 4, not -- I wasn't too happy with a 5.

Obviously after the driver and after the third shot I knew I was going to be very happy with a 5. Definitely not the thought process when you're standing on the tee.

But, yeah, I was more happy with the driver on 18 after yesterday's bogey on that one. So that kept me going, kept me rolling for the front nine, which was my back nine.

Q. Did kind of seem like a jump start. Did the way you played on 17, did it anger you? Motivate you? What was the feeling after that disappointment?

EMILIANO GRILLO: Look, a par is a par. There is a lot of times you can complain about a par, but like I say, after the tee shot and then the third shot, I was just happy to be on the green.

So walking to the next hole with a 5 wasn't the end of the world.

Q. You set yourself up well so far with FedExCup. Are you thinking about that at all here this week?

EMILIANO GRILLO: It is what it is. I haven't played great all year, so I'm just happy that I have an opportunity to be -- still have the chance to grind my way in, and I'm trying to do that. If it works out, great. If it doesn't, we'll continue grinding.

Q. What's the mentality heading into the weekend? You look at the leaderboard and see what J.T. is doing out there, do you stay aggressive? What's the mindset knowing he's going so low?

EMILIANO GRILLO: You mentioned J.T., I would be surprised if he continues -- I mean, if he reaches 30- or 32-under I would be surprised.

Obviously he's been playing really well so far and it's hard to keep doing the same. The same applies for everybody. It's kind of hard to keep playing the same way for four days. Obviously you're going to have to grind your way through the weekend, and that's what I'm planning to do.

Obviously if I keep playing the same way, I'll be very happy.

Q. First start here. Just you thoughts on deciding to come here and how much, if ever, had you seen the course before?

EMILIANO GRILLO: I mean, I have to play everything. He just asked like I'm pretty far behind in FedExCup. I have to play in every tournament that I can.

I don't like playing a lot, but tournament director was very persistent of me coming here for first time. Obviously it's been great so far, so I like the golf course, so hopefully won't be my last.

So we'll see.

Q. Lastly, question to ask about your approach shot -- your greens in regulation are incredible. 17 of 18 greens; 31 of 36 through 36 holes. Specifically was asked to ask you about your approaches at 3 and 6 on your back nine.

EMILIANO GRILLO: 3 and 6.

Q. You stuck both of those close.

EMILIANO GRILLO: Well, I wouldn't say stuck, but they were close. I still had to make the putt. No, it wasn't -- you know, obviously I wish they were closer. I like tap-ins, I like gimmes. It's easier when you don't have to grind and think a little bit more.

Yeah, obviously stats don't lie, and it's nice to see some balls going close to the hole, and especially when they go in. When you see putts go in, that's when the smiles come out.