THE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

June 22, 2023

Ronan Kleu

Quick Quotes

Q. A very convincing win to make it to the quarter-finals at the Amateur Championship. You must be very proud of how you played today.

RONAN KLEU: Yeah, very much so. It was a grind this morning, and I had to play all 18 holes. Got to see all the pin positions. This afternoon, as well, we both played a really good match. I putted nicely and was able to finish it out on 14, which was cool.

Q. Didn't look like you were down ever in the match. Did you really feel in control?

RONAN KLEU: Actually I was 1-down after 1, and then from then onwards, it took a little bit. I was a little bit nervous, but brought it back and started playing a lot better towards the back nine, and then took control for sure.

Q. What has been the strength of your game in the match this afternoon?

RONAN KLEU: I would say my approach play and putting. I've been working a lot on my putting the last couple weeks, and my approach play has always been my strength, and Hillside requires a lot of good second shots.

Q. Links golf you need to have a really sharp short game and putting. Is that why you've been practicing so much?

RONAN KLEU: Partly, yeah. In general, in college we play a lot of tough courses that require a good short game, as well, and now links golf is the same thing. I think any golf course you're always in good stead if you have good putting and short game.

Q. You're the second Swiss through the quarterfinals. Do you know Max well?

RONAN KLEU: Of course. He's right over there, as well. It's awesome, we travel as a team. Two out of the eight players, one quarter of all the guys through are Swiss. Really proud of that, and it's a privilege to be able to represent Switzerland.

Q. Tell us a little bit about your background. How did you get started playing golf?

RONAN KLEU: I started when I was eight years old. I did some time in South Africa. We lived there a bit, and we lived on a golf estate, so it was perfect. Played with my dad, my granddad, and then in Switzerland, went through the different levels of squads, and finally ended up here in beautiful Hillside.

Q. Are dad and granddad good golfers?

RONAN KLEU: Yeah. I think I have to say that, legally obligated. They definitely love the game, and they've been a big influence on me.

Q. When would you say you first started beating dad?

RONAN KLEU: Probably when I was about 16. That's generous.

Q. Who would you say your biggest influence, golfing influence is?

RONAN KLEU: In terms of just pure play, I would say it's my dad. He's been with me the entire journey, and he's helped me along the way for sure.

Then in terms of role models, I would say Ernie Els.

Q. What's your natural shot shape?

RONAN KLEU: With my irons, it's a draw. Off the tee, it's a cut.

Q. What's your favorite yardage for your wedges?

RONAN KLEU: My favorite yardage I would say is -- you're catching me off guard.

Q. What's your favorite club in your bag?

RONAN KLEU: It's going to be my 2-iron.

Q. Where is your miss?

RONAN KLEU: Which?

Q. Well, you tell me.

RONAN KLEU: Driver, right.

Q. What's the biggest strength of your game?

RONAN KLEU: Approach play.

Q. What three or four holes out here at Hillside really suit your eye?

RONAN KLEU: I'd have to go through those. I love the 13th and 14th, the hills on each side. Other than that, I like the par-3s. You can work some shots in either way.