BMW CHAMPIONSHIP

August 18, 2023

Matt Fitzpatrick

Olympia Fields Country Club

Quick Quotes

Q. What was working best for you out there today?

MATT FITZPATRICK: On the front nine, I'd say my approach play. On the back nine I'd probably say my putting. So yeah, it was a combination of the two. Just felt like I gave myself a lot of chances on the front nine, didn't necessarily take them, and the back nine was kind of hanging around, and I managed to make a few.

Q. Where do you position this course in terms of the scale of difficulty that you guys play on TOUR?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Yeah, I'd say it's definitely more difficult than your average PGA TOUR. I think you've only got to look at the scores. Obviously there's only 50 guys here, so it is a smaller field, but arguably 50 of the best.

So yeah, it's definitely more difficult than the average one, I think.

Q. Do you prefer one type or the other in terms of --

MATT FITZPATRICK: Yeah, I personally prefer it being more difficult. I don't like it when it's a birdie fest. I hate those golf courses. I just think -- it just doesn't suit me personally. I just don't enjoy that.

Q. Why do you feel like you're putting well this week?

MATT FITZPATRICK: I think the greens are great. I think they really are. I think there's a lot of slope on these greens, and I think you've got to be really in good control of your speed.

I feel like that's what I've done well so far this week.

Q. If you play a schedule in which you really need to be there, and it's one of those courses that you so little enjoy, like a birdie-fest, what kind of attitude do you have that week?

MATT FITZPATRICK: I think it's one you've got to work on. I think it's a case of just trying to view it as part of the process of seeing how your game is. I think more than anything, I think I've just got to be realistic with your expectations. If it doesn't suit you, then I think you've probably got to just try your best to hang on in and just literally use it to see where your game is at at that point of the year.

Q. On this golf course, what happens if it doesn't rain the rest of the week, which I don't think it's going to do? The rough is really thick. Does it get easier or harder?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Hopefully it's going to get firm and fast. I remember when it was here a couple years ago, and it was fantastic. Come Sunday the greens were boring erring yellow and the fairways were running, and it becomes a real tough test. You've got to hit fairways. It becomes more penal off the fairway and missing the greens, so you've really got to plot your way around.

Q. I know you were out at the new store the other night, but can you talk about your relationship with Bettinardi Golf and what they've made for you to play with out on TOUR now?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Yeah, obviously I've been with them for a few years now. They made me a putter that was like my old putter, Yes!, C-groove, so they did a fantastic job with that, and I feel really comfortable in using it.

Q. Can you talk about putting yourself in position for the weekend with where you're at right now?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Yeah, I'm delighted. I know where I need to be in that top 5 or 6, I think, to make East Lake. That's obviously one goal.

But at the same time, I feel like my game has not been where I want it to be. These two rounds are sort of a really positive step in where I want it to be and going forward.

Q. Did you calculate the scenarios, like look at a table, or did you hear from someone?

MATT FITZPATRICK: No, I've not even looked at it. I'm just trying to concentrate on hitting my driver straighter.

Q. Is that going to involve any range work tonight or in the morning?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Yeah, yeah, I'm going there right after this. You're holding me up.

I'm kidding.

Q. Did you notice any changes in the golf course from day one to day two at all?

MATT FITZPATRICK: A little firmer, not massive. Not a lot. Obviously we weren't placing today, so you could get something a little bit sketchy if you get a wrong spot.

But on the whole, in great shape.

Q. Do you think it's going to get as firm at all this weekend as it did last year?

MATT FITZPATRICK: I think so. If the weather stays as forecast, I think it'll be good, yeah.