THE 151ST OPEN

July 20, 2023

Matt Fitzpatrick

Mixed Zone

Q. Thoughts on the round? You dug it out at the end there.

MATT FITZPATRICK: Yeah, just a bit of a meh round really. Just never got anything going. Never hit it close enough. Didn't drive it well.

Yeah, probably going to be about average I would imagine at the end of the day.

Q. How frustrating is that given the conditions?

MATT FITZPATRICK: I wouldn't say it's frustrating. Well, I guess it is annoying, but just didn't play well. I can't do anything about that really.

Q. Talk about 17. There was a lot of talk about 17. You did well on that hole.

MATT FITZPATRICK: Yeah, it was nice to make a birdie there. Sort of needed that coming in. But yeah, it's one of those you've you just got to hit it centre of the green this week and you'll be all right.

Q. How do you feel like the course is playing and bunkers specifically?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Good. Yeah, the course is in great shape. They're as good a links greens as I've putted. Greens are fantastic. I think it's a great setup, great layout, and I do think it's a great golf course. I think the bunkers are penal, and I think it's quite nice. I think nowadays bunkers can be seen as you just hit it in there and you'll be okay, but this week you're trying to avoid them.

Q. Did you watch your brother complete his round?

MATT FITZPATRICK: No, I won't. I'll let him go do his thing. That'll make it worse.

Q. 10 years ago you played with Spieth in his debut. Any banter about that or any memories --

MATT FITZPATRICK: No, he just reminded me about that. No, I'll mention that tomorrow, but yeah, that's quite funny actually. I forgot about that.

Q. You said you might be happy with a top 30 this week in your press conference. Is that because you're not feeling on with your game?

MATT FITZPATRICK: No, my average finish at the Open is 40th, so just trying to be realistic.

Q. Why do you think it's just not turned out well?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Couldn't tell you. Couldn't tell you. If I knew, my average finish would be higher.

Yeah, I don't know. I wouldn't say I'm a big fan of links golf. I think -- I don't think this place is -- I think this place is very, very fair. I think some places you end up playing links golf it hit good shots and not get rewarded and vice versa.

But yeah, I think this is one of the fairest golf courses we play. I think it really is fantastic.

Q. Just on the 17th, it seems really penal and a bit unfair is what they're saying. Do you agree with that?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Yeah, you know, it's a tough hole. I think if you hit a half decent shot and miss the fairway, miss the green by a couple yards, you're in the back of the bunker, you're making double, you lose The Open, it's going to sting. There's no doubt about that.

But at the same time, it's the same for everyone. It's going to require a good shot on there, regardless. It is maybe a little bit too penal on that right side, but it is the same for everyone.