SANDERSON FARMS CHAMPIONSHIP

October 3, 2024

Michael Thorbjornsen

Country Club of Jackson

Quick Quotes

Q. Great playing today, opening round 63. How would you assess your round?

MICHAEL THORBJORNSEN: It was good. It was a little sloppy on that first hole, but it's kind of weird starting off with a par-3. But obviously holed out a bunker shot, which was a great shot, to kind of kick-start the round.

I was a little stray off the tee with the driver maybe the first five, six holes, but really managed to sort that out and hit a lot of fairways on the back nine. Definitely played better on the back nine than I did the front nine, just took advantage of good breaks and made a couple putts.

But feeling pretty good, hitting the irons well, so yeah.

Q. Obviously going into the second round currently in solo second, what have you learned throughout your rookie season and this first summer on TOUR?

MICHAEL THORBJORNSEN: I've learned a lot. I think this summer -- obviously I didn't play good golf at all. My game wasn't in a great spot. Then kind of putting myself in these tournaments where you have the best players in the world, you're really going to get exposed.

But yeah, just had to put in some good work these off weeks and understand that to play good golf, you don't really need something special, just hit fairways, hit greens, and have a couple putts drop here and there, and you'll produce some good results.

So yeah, just tried to keep that mindset going with me. Just work hard on the off weeks, get my work done in when I'm here at these tournaments because I haven't played some of these courses. Really just take it day by day.

Q. You mentioned it was your caddie Drew's birthday. You guys got any plans to celebrate? How are you going to celebrate this 63 for him?

MICHAEL THORBJORNSEN: Yeah, we'll probably just find a nice little dinner spot that has a TV so we can watch the Thursday Night Football tonight. Other than that, unfortunately it is a tournament week for him, but I'm pretty sure he's enjoying the play today, and we'll have some fun this weekend, as well.

Q. The scores were really low today, lots of low numbers. Was it just perfect conditions?

MICHAEL THORBJORNSEN: Yeah, I think the greens right now, the greens are rolling great. They're not too firm. I think when I was 3-under through four or five, I didn't think I was playing great golf. But yeah, I think I told Drew, someone might shoot 59 today after maybe I was playing nine holes. I don't think the rough is too long. The pin positions were pretty accessible.

I mean, I feel like this course can fit everyone's eye. It's pretty straightforward, right in front of you. Doesn't really try and trick you all too much. I think that's why scores are pretty low.