THE AMERICAN EXPRESS

January 19, 2024

Sam Burns

PGA WEST Pete Dye Stadium Course

Quick Quotes

Q. 61 today, had a chance for a 59, didn't happen. Still, a really, really good round. Take us through what went well?

SAM BURNS: Yeah, I mean, parred the first three holes, had a couple early looks.

Then eagled the 4th. That kind of kick started my round a little bit.

I did think, overall, just a really solid day. I hit a lot of quality shots and was able to make some putts.

Q. We couldn't see what the shots were doing, exactly what it was looking like. Maybe take us through the eagles and some other highlights?

SAM BURNS: On 4 I hit a really good tee shot in there, had 5-iron in. Hit it to probably 15 feet or so, was able to make it.

Then hit a good one off 11. Had a really good number, perfect 7-iron. Hit it in there close to three feet.

Those were key holes today, for sure.

Q. When you get on that type of roll, are you, is it just head down, go to the next one?

SAM BURNS: Yeah, I think, based off the scores, obviously everybody's shooting some good numbers, so I think just trying to keep pace and trying to hit as many quality shots and get as many looks as possible. I think the greens are really good around La Quinta, and here, and Stadium, so I think it comes down to being able to make some key putts.

Q. Early season still, one start at Sentry, this would be a good indicator the game's in a good spot. Does it feel like that?

SAM BURNS: Yeah, I think I was able to come out here early and get some work in with my coach, just because the weather at home's been pretty bad. We got some good work in the past few days, and game's feeling solid.

Q. David Toms won at The Gallery here in the desert, and now you're on a roll. What is it about the desert that you LSU Tigers love?

SAM BURNS: Not a lot of humidity here, I know that. I don't know, hopefully, can kind of copy what he's done. He's, obviously, had a fantastic career. Somebody I always looked up to. He's been a mentor of mine since I was a kid. Yeah, if I could have half the career that he's had, I would be happy.

Q. Tomorrow on the Stadium, the tougher of the three, quote unquote. What's the approach tomorrow?

SAM BURNS: I think just same thing. I played well around there in the past, so, hopefully, try to kind of build on that, and go out there and just hit as many quality shots as possible, see if we can make some putts.

Q. Have you shot 59 before?

SAM BURNS: Nope.

Q. Came close earlier this week, sounds like.

SAM BURNS: Yeah. That was from the up tees, so doesn't count. I don't count it.

Q. A good little primer for this week.

SAM BURNS: Yeah, for sure.