PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

May 18, 2023

Higa Kazuki

Oak Hill Country Club

Quick Quotes

Q. You were 4-under through five holes. What were you feeling at that point?

HIGA KAZUKI: I think I had a good rhythm on the fourth hole that I was able to birdie. My putt was -- I felt good with my putting, too. So I felt like that went well throughout the four holes.

Q. When you came here and it was delayed with the frost in the morning, did you envision a start like that?

HIGA KAZUKI: When it got delayed, I thought I was going to play in very cold weather. I felt a little lucky that I was able to be able to play a little bit high temperature than I predicted.

I had three clothes on, but I was able to play with two clothes on, so that felt better.

Q. At any point after those five holes, did you look at the leaderboard and see your name at the top, and what did you think at that point?

HIGA KAZUKI: Last year I was playing well at the Japanese Tour, and I was able to play like this at the Japanese Tour, so I was very happy that I was able to play the same on this tough course. Yes, I very enjoyed playing today.

Q. Have you been in a position like this at a major before?

HIGA KAZUKI: At the majors I think this is the best start I was able to play. Last year at the Open, the Masters, I wasn't able it on play that well, but today, yes, I felt very good and confident.

Q. Did the Masters invite and that experience back in April prepare you well for today and this week?

HIGA KAZUKI: At the Masters, I had a lot of things in my mind, but I think the one thing that I could say is that Matsuyama, Hideki, he has taught me a lot of things during the rounds, the practice rounds. I think that is a very important experience for me to be able to be at this ground.

Q. What has Hideki taught you or shown you for these kind of bigger tournaments? What was his best piece of advice?

HIGA KAZUKI: It's like he has taught a lot, so I don't know how to pick one. I think the most inspiring thing was to be able to practice and play with him and be able to talk about what is this PGA TOUR is all about.