AMGEN IRISH OPEN

September 15, 2024

Rasmus Højgaard

Royal County Down GC

Quick Quotes (2)

Q. What does it mean to win this prestigious event?

RASMUS HØJGAARD: It's massive. It's one of those tournaments that you want to put your name on, so it's awesome.

Q. You started the day three shots back. What did you tell yourself this morning?

RASMUS HØJGAARD: Well, I was trying to aim for a number. I was trying to get to 8-under and then see if that was going to have a chance.

You know, I stayed patient out there. Was only 1-under after nine. Knew I had to find some gold on the back nine. Got away with a chip-in on 10, and it sort of elevated my game a little.

Q. Two key moments on that back nine. The first being on 10, and then on 17, as well. How key was that?

RASMUS HØJGAARD: Yeah, again, 17, it was a poor second shot. Bit worried that it might have been plugged in the bunker. But was obviously very happy that I saw it was a good lie. Gave me a bit of confidence that I could get it up-and-down, and then to hole it was obviously a key moment for the outcome.

Q. The atmosphere was electric all day. Got quite tense in the final few holes. Could you feel it out there?

RASMUS HØJGAARD: Yeah, I was nervous. I was shaking out there the last few holes. I obviously knew that Rory was going to be there because he's got the whole support on his back there.

Yeah, it was nerve-wracking going down the last few holes knowing that he was right behind me.

Q. Obviously winning a tournament, but to do it in the manner you did, taking down the home ear oh in Rory, all the expectation was on him today and you came through the field a little bit. Do you feel that was quite key today?

RASMUS HØJGAARD: It's always hard to put into words how it all shapes up towards the end. I was trying to focus on obviously myself and not let all the emotions take over. It's so easy to start thinking ahead and I managed to stay present. It's always a cliché but I managed to do that today. I think that's really helped me to make those birdies coming in.

Q. I know you set out this season to capture one of those PGA TOUR cards. You've pretty much done that now to join your brother on the PGA TOUR next season. How nice is that feeling?

RASMUS HØJGAARD: Yeah, it's great. Yeah, it's been my biggest goal for this season. Last year was a bit of a -- that was hard. But yeah, it made me more motivated to get it this year.