U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

August 15, 2022

Michael Thorbjornsen

The Ridgewood Country Club

Quick Quotes

Q. Finished up at 3-under, in a great position. What was working for you today?

MICHAEL THORBJORNSEN: Just a little bit of everything. I mean, obviously hit my driver well to put myself in the fairway, give myself good looks at the green. I think the biggest thing, though, was probably my course management today. I was talking to my caddie after the round just thinking, there wasn't a single shot that we hit out there that we regret hitting or anything like that. You'll make some bogeys hitting some bad shots, but that happens. But just I think tee to green, just very smart approach to the round today.

Q. A birdie on your first hole but three birdies on the back nine for you. How were you able to turn that on and start getting the ball in the hole?

MICHAEL THORBJORNSEN: I don't really think anything changed. I might have missed maybe one or two good looks on the back nine, which was my front nine. Just felt like I played the same on both nines.

Yeah, I had a couple decent looks on the front nine, managed to make a couple putts, and yeah.

Q. How do you think your experience in big-time events like this and specifically USGA events puts you ahead of the field from a mentality standpoint?

MICHAEL THORBJORNSEN: It definitely helps. I think this is my fifth Am now. Going into the week, you know that the course is going to be very tough. It's almost like U.S. Open conditions. It's playing like one, as well.

Just knowing coming into the week and not being surprised by anything, like how long the rough is, how fast the greens are, stuff like that, how tough the course is, yeah, it just feels like another event, another Am, and I just feel very comfortable out here.

Q. What's the game plan for tomorrow to seal the deal and head into match play?

MICHAEL THORBJORNSEN: Same game plan. We have a little different game plan at the other course but just trying to hit the same shots, hit your driver straight, hit fairways, hit your approach shots on the green, make two putts, try and make pars, and if it goes in, good for you, that's a great birdie. Just trying to keep my head in it and really just try and play smart.

If I can have no regrets at the end of tomorrow's round no matter what I shoot, I'll be happy.