U.S. OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP 2023

June 17, 2023

Collin Morikawa

The Los Angeles Country Club

Quick Quotes

Q. How would you assess your day?

COLLIN MORIKAWA: Up-and-down round. Kind of a description of I'd say all three rounds so far, but I'll take a score under par. It was nice to get a birdie on 17.

Hit some really good shots and hit some pretty poor ones, as well. Just kind of have to manage that for the final day tomorrow.

Q. How do you feel about today's round?

COLLIN MORIKAWA: Just like I said, really up and down. Made some bogeys, made some birdies. That's golf. Out here it's a fine margin, whether you're going to be having a good birdie opportunity or whether you're going to be trying to save par from about 80 yards.

I had a lot of both today. I was able to right the ship, make a lot of pars heading into the back nine.

Q. What do you think held you back this week from contending?

COLLIN MORIKAWA: I just have gotten off to kind of bad starts. I've been 2-over the first day, 3-over the second day. Today was just birdie, bogey, birdie, double. Just never really got any momentum.

Out here you've got to get some momentum, especially with these guys being double digits under par.

Q. What's the mood out on the course?

COLLIN MORIKAWA: It's great. Being out in LA, being home, seeing a lot of friends, family, it's always great. Having a major championship out here, the energy is just amazing. Even though the fans aren't really close, it's awesome to be out here in LA.

Q. It's a workout, this course, isn't it, walking around?

COLLIN MORIKAWA: It is. It's a long walk, long day, slow rounds. You definitely like your rest after.

Q. How much has the course changed over the last couple of days?

COLLIN MORIKAWA: Yeah, today wasn't that different from what I think we had yesterday afternoon. I thought yesterday afternoon you definitely saw some firmer, bouncier greens. I expect no water probably tonight; hopefully the sun stays out for tomorrow.

I think what we saw yesterday afternoon was kind of the toughest we'll see throughout this weekend.

Q. What will the leaders see coming down the stretch that maybe they haven't seen?

COLLIN MORIKAWA: 16 has got a favorable pin, but the tee box is another 10 back, so it's even longer.

17, you've just got to -- 17 and 18 you've got to hit good drives. You hit good drives you can have a mid to long iron in, give yourself a good approach shot, give yourself a good look, maybe 20, 25 feet for birdie.

15, I don't know what a lot of the field has done. I'm guessing a lot have gone left and given themselves that putt, but we'll see how aggressive guys get and see if they want to risk a wedge and see if they can put it pretty close.