ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL

March 2, 2023

Patrick Cantlay

Bay Hill Club and Lodge

Quick Quotes

Q. How would you characterize your round today?

PATRICK CANTLAY: I thought I played pretty well today. The course is playing tough, greens are fast and firm. This is my first time here so still getting used to the place. But I'm happy with my start and in a good spot.

Q. What did you learn about the course over the last if you days that maybe helped you play so well today?

PATRICK CANTLAY: I think it's extremely important to drive the ball in the fairway. If you get out of position you really have to be careful. Sometimes just not make a big number. The golf course is very hard if you get out of position, but manageable if you're playing from the right spots.

Q. Did you have a feeling it might fit your game, having never played here, at least in the API?

PATRICK CANTLAY: I didn't really think about it much. Still, like I said, trying to get used to it. I haven't played it too much. I just played 27 holes before today.

Q. Is this easy or harder than most places you have to go learn quickly?

PATRICK CANTLAY: I don't think there's much to learn around here. I mean, you know where to hit it, it's just hard to hit it there.

Q. What got you going early on the back nine with the birdie stretch?

PATRICK CANTLAY: I think it's a stretch of some gettable holes. I hit a really nice shot out of the fairway bunker on 11. Made a nice putt there and kind of got me going.

Then you should get the par-5 if you drive it where I did.

Only a wedge on the next.

So those are kind of the scorable holes and fortunately took care of business there.

Q. What did you hit out of the fairway bunker?

PATRICK CANTLAY: Gap wedge.

Q. Forecast is for blowing 22 tomorrow, with gusts to 30. What's the most important thing you have to do tomorrow?

PATRICK CANTLAY: I think just stay patient and hit solid shots. In the wind it's really important to hit it solid and keep you wits about you.

Q. Was it a situation where this just didn't fit where it was? This being your first time here, did you watch it and figure you would play here one day?

PATRICK CANTLAY: Yeah, I think I just usually play a heavy West Coast and this is right after the West Coast. And in the past I've taken a couple weeks off.