CHARLES SCHWAB CHALLENGE

May 25, 2023

Tom Hoge

Colonial CC

Quick Quotes

Q. 4-under, 66, can we get some comments on your round?

TOM HOGE: I got off to a really good start when the wind was down. There were a lot of birdies to be made right off the get-go with soft greens and no wind. So tried to take advantage of that, then struggled a little bit in the middle of the round.

It was a nice way to finish there with a birdie on 6 and then holed one out from the fairway on 7.

Q. What was your yardage on 7?

TOM HOGE: I had 157 on 7, and I was kind of going back and forth between 8 and 9-iron as the wind was kind of moving downwind just more across. Ended up going with an 8-iron, and I guess it was the perfect club.

Q. How happy are you to get off to a good start. You've had three straight missed cuts at an event that means a lot to you, I know. How happy are you about this start?

TOM HOGE: For sure. The last few years, I really struggled on Thursday then kind of fought back on Friday to try to make the cut. It was certainly a focus this year to try to get off to a good start. Try to be a little more patient and letting the round come to me. Making a few birdies off the bat was really nice.

Q. I heard the roar on No. 7 but didn't see the shot. Was it a slam dunk eagle?

TOM HOGE: I think so. I heard it hit the pin. It was interesting, when we got up there, usually if you slam one in there, it will beat up the hole pretty good. The hole was clean, no ball marks around the hole. Looks like it just flew in perfect.

Q. A lot of TCU fans. Is that more calming in a way or more pressure? How do you view that support out there?

TOM HOGE: I would say today on the first tee was probably as nervous as I've ever been on the golf course. I certainly feel the pressure to try to play well in front of all my friends that have come out and tried to support me.

But it's a lot of fun having them out there. Certainly moments like that are great.