BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

September 14, 2023

Marcus Helligkilde

Wentworth Golf Club

Quick Quotes

Q. 64 is what it took to lead the first round last year. We didn't think it might be on the cards out there, especially how much tougher the course is playing. Tell us how you did that today.

MARCUS HELLIGKILDE: I did it by hitting it terrible on the range, and as my coach says, I asked him, what should I do, and he's like, yeah, you're probably going to play great. So that was what happened.

Q. Incredibly, I think Eddie Pepperell said the same thing last time he won. Played a terrible Pro-Am, went to the course and it was incredible. Was there anything not clicking in your game out there? Because this course demands everything to be working it well.

MARCUS HELLIGKILDE: I wasn't striking it quite good but it was -- everything was just kind of okay. Everything was in play from the tee. I was hitting decent shots into the greens, and I was holing a lot of putts.

Q. You do have a top 20 and top 5 finish in your last three appearances in tour, so there is DNA in you that a good round was out there.

MARCUS HELLIGKILDE: Yeah, I've been playing pretty well since I came out after the break, and because of some other circumstances, I haven't been able to practice that much. I haven't been playing practice rounds the last few weeks. Kind of takes the pressure off. So that's a good thing.

Q. How did you find it out there today generally? It's such an elevated event and we have so many crowds and the history speaks for itself.

MARCUS HELLIGKILDE: Down the last few holes when I was putting in a good score, people started to come out, and the atmosphere is just amazing here. It's one of the best events I've ever played in. I love being here.

Q. It's quite a round to follow tomorrow. I'm guessing you're going to pray for a bad session at the range tomorrow morning?

MARCUS HELLIGKILDE: Yeah, probably. I'm just going to try to do my best and enjoy being out here.