SANDERSON FARMS CHAMPIONSHIP

September 29, 2022

Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Country Club of Jackson

Press Conference

Q. Christiaan, six birdies, just one bogey, 5-under par today. Excellent start. Wonder if we can get some comments.

CHRISTIAAN BEZUIDENHOUT: Yeah, I traveled well today. On this golf course you have to come out of the fairway to firm greens, so you have to play the golf course out of the fairway, which I did great today.

Gave myself lots of looks for birdies. Hit a lot of greens. Actually, I think I only missed one or two. Good greens today, so yeah.

Q. Any of the birdies stand out?

CHRISTIAAN BEZUIDENHOUT: I got off to a nice start. Birdie on 1. Birdie on 2. Settled down a bit.

Yeah, I hit a lot of good shots out there today, so gave myself lots of looks. You know, I'm just happy with the solid start today.

Q. How is your energy level after last week at the Presidents Cup?

CHRISTIAAN BEZUIDENHOUT: It's good. I managed myself well over that week. Obviously, only played two times, but Sunday night was a little built rough, so I just turned out on Monday, took a day off. Had an afternoon nap on Monday, and I started my prep Tuesday morning.

Q. What do you take away the most from last week?

CHRISTIAAN BEZUIDENHOUT: Just the whole vibe on the team. Just to see the guys come together as a unit for one week. You play against most of the guys every week against them, and it was just nice to see the guys just pull together as a team, rooting for each other every day, every shot they hit. It was just special to have been a part of that.

Q. We talked a little last week about how maybe that experience could propel you into some better golf, and obviously, you played very well today. Do you feel like that could be a real springboard for you hopefully going forward here into this next season?

CHRISTIAAN BEZUIDENHOUT: Yeah, of course. You learn a lot playing against the best players in the world, and last week was most of the best players were there. We faced a strong U.S. team last week. Every week that you play against the best players in the world, you can play your game, and that's the only way you're going to get better.

Q. Who is the leading partier for the international team on Sunday night?

CHRISTIAAN BEZUIDENHOUT: Sungjae Im, I think. (Laughing)

Q. How big a factor was a win today?

CHRISTIAAN BEZUIDENHOUT: There was a lot of crosswinds on this golf course, lots of holes that are next to each other. It was a massive key to keep the ball in the fairway today.

It was tricky out there, especially to judge the wind, especially if it comes crosswind. You're never sure if it's going to help or hurt a bit. The club selection was crucial, but we managed it well out there today.