PIF SAUDI INTERNATIONAL POWERED BY SOFTBANK INVESTMENT ADVISERS

February 2, 2023

Sergio Garcia

Royal Greens Golf and Country Club

Quick Quotes

Q. Good start today. What were some of the highlights out there?

SERGIO GARCIA: It was actually calmer than I thought at the beginning. Then obviously got windy like it always happens here. I think I made a great second shot on that first hole.

I don't know, I feel like I played well, gave myself a lot of good chances, a lot of good patience because on the front nine, which was 10 to 18 for me, I had some good opportunities that didn't go in, good putts that didn't go in. But I kept my patience, and then on the back nine I was able to make a couple of nice putts for birdie and a couple of decent saves. Very happy with the round.

Q. Course is playing nicely. How is it out there?

SERGIO GARCIA: Yes. Like I said, the front nine until we got to 18, it was fairly simple, wasn't a lot of wind, which obviously made it a little easier.

Then the back nine, the wind started blowing and made it a bit trickier. I was able to hit a lot of good shots in those windy conditions, so I was pleased to see that.

Q. I just have a couple of questions not about this round. You play in the International Series in Oman next week. Have you played there before?

SERGIO GARCIA: No. I think I came there probably about 10 or 12 years ago. I think they just opened the course, and we took a quick look at it. But I'm looking forward to see it. I heard it's really nice, though.

Q. You're playing some of the other Asian Tour events, kind of what you're looking to do playing internationally?

SERGIO GARCIA: It's nice. After three months off and the knee surgery and everything, I think it was important to get some good rounds in before going into Mexico and then coming in the Masters.

So I wanted to -- I know that I need to -- I've been working hard on the leg. Physically I need to get comfortable on the course with the walking and kind of tournament fit, as they say.

Q. Knee feeling good?

SERGIO GARCIA: Yeah, it feels good. It just gets a little tight. I guess it is what it is. As I play more, it will get more comfortable.

Q. You heard the news that the Saudi Ladies International in two weeks time has matched the prize purse to the men's to 5 million. Why do you think that's important?

SERGIO GARCIA: I think it's great. I think it shows equality. We're all trying to make the game better for everyone. It's nice to see the girls, the ladies get the same that we are in this event.

It's nice to see the Saudis coming forward and making that happen.