MASTERS TOURNAMENT

April 3, 2023

Jason Kokrak

Quick Quotes

Q. Anything different this year than last few?

JASON KOKRAK: Other than maybe 13, I don't really see too much of a difference. I mean, there might be some minor changes here and there, but nothing too special. Golf course is in incredible shape. Obviously a little soft because we've had a lot of rain, but it's pristine.

Q. What's the adjustment been like? Obviously coming into last year's Masters, you played more events. Haven't had as many events, but what's the adjustment like? I'm sure you're a little bit more refreshed, but is there some adjustment not playing as much coming in here?

JASON KOKRAK: Without a doubt, being a guy that lives and resides in the state of Ohio, I definitely don't get the on-course practice as much. But ramping up the schedule, I've been practicing a lot a home and seeing some results the last few weeks, just kind of trusting some of the stuff I've been working on.

Looking forward to this week. I think the game has been trending, and I think if the putter cooperates, I think we're in for a good week.

Q. How many times have you played the week before a major, or do you play more the week before a major or do you normally take the week off?

JASON KOKRAK: So I like to play leading up to the major and maybe take the week off prior. I've had a lot of success a couple of wins early on in my career, I've taken weeks off prior to come in fresh.

But I kind of try to treat it similar to any other week that I normally play, a couple nine-hole rounds, don't try to wear myself out. Similar setup to what's worked in the past. I played a nice golf tournament last year here, so kind of the same setup, nine holes a day, prep on the golf course more so than on the driving range.

I struck it nicely last week in Orlando. Didn't putt it particularly well, but looking forward to some really consistent greens in such a great place here at Augusta.

Q. A little bit different golf course last week. What's the biggest adjustment do you think between that course and this course?

JASON KOKRAK: Besides everything, the green speeds were, I would say, pretty fast downgrain, so I think it kind of prepared me a little bit for that. Chipping was very difficult down there in Florida, so it's a big difference, so coming here I think it's going to be kind of an easier -- I'll have an easier time chipping, and this place, there's not a blade out of place.

I think it's just adjusting to the green speeds depending on how fast they're going to get and relying upon your short game like when you do miss a green here and there. Obviously it's all mown into you, a lot of into-the-grain shots which you've got to use maybe a 52 or a pitching wedge to roll it up on to the green.

But you're going to make bogeys out here, you're going to make a few birdies, so eliminate the big numbers and kind of plot your way around this place.

Q. I've seen DJ, Bryson, wearing their team shirts. How many different colors do you guys got?

JASON KOKRAK: We don't actually have too many different colors, but we're wearing the logos this week. We're really amped up about the team aspect that we've been doing, and really enjoying that aspect of the competition that we're in right now.

Nonetheless, this is a slightly different format for four days, concentrating here at a major championship, just like I would at any other major, regardless of how I was playing.

Q. Has the reception been better than you expected?

JASON KOKRAK: It's been incredible. You get to see longtime friends that you haven't seen in a long time, caddies, players, people, staff, all around Augusta. I mean, it's been great. I didn't expect anything less. I mean, you heard people talking behind a microphone, but I think what people do behind a microphone and what people do to somebody's face is a little bit different.

I didn't expect anything different.

Q. You didn't hear a lot of "nutbags" today?

JASON KOKRAK: No, not to my face or anything.

Q. I mean, the Freddy-Phil thing?

JASON KOKRAK: Yeah, people are entitled to however they want to say it, and if they want to say it behind a microphone they're entitled to say it behind a microphone. I didn't respect a comment unless it's to somebody's face.