BLACK DESERT CHAMPIONSHIP

October 10, 2024

Bowen Mauss

Quick Quotes

Q. What were the nerves like on the first tee and what was it like to make your PGA TOUR debut?

BOWEN MAUSS: Yeah, I was really nervous on the first tee. More nervous than I thought I would be. But a lot of excitement, too.

Q. What are your takeaways from the day?

BOWEN MAUSS: I take away from the day that I can hang out with anybody if I have my "A" game. I definitely didn't have it today, but still hung in there and tried. Not a terrible score.

Q. What did it feel like compared to the match play and the U.S. Amateur?

BOWEN MAUSS: Definitely the most nervous I've been, especially with the crowds, bigger crowds than I've ever had before, so definitely more nervous, but it was awesome.

Q. Is there any favorite memory of the day?

BOWEN MAUSS: My birdie on the par-3, 15. That was probably the best one of the day. The crowd went loud.

Q. What do you think tomorrow will be like after having gone through it today?

BOWEN MAUSS: I hope to putt better for sure. I didn't hit the ball too bad. I kept the ball in play all day. Just had a few three-putts and missed a few six-footers out there, so hopefully I clean that up and play better tomorrow.

Q. How would you describe what the whole atmosphere is like as a high school senior to walk on to this stage?

BOWEN MAUSS: It's awesome. I had a lot of support behind me and a lot of people cheering me on. They definitely helped me out today. Yeah, it was fun.

Q. You said you proved to yourself that you can hang with these guys. What was the moment or the shot that proved that to you?

BOWEN MAUSS: I wouldn't say there was any specific moment. Just knowing that I didn't have my "A" game today and I still shot only 2-over. I know if I clean up tomorrow, I can shoot an under-par score and hang around with anybody.

Q. How long were you dealing with the nerves, the whole round or just the first shot or first hole or --

BOWEN MAUSS: The first hole it was pretty bad and then I kind of settled in after that.

Q. Did you eat anything or could you hold down food?

BOWEN MAUSS: I actually ate a good breakfast and then I ate a couple bananas out there, so I ate pretty decent.

Q. What does it feel like when you're nervous?

BOWEN MAUSS: Heart rate definitely goes up and just try and breathe and calm myself down.

Q. Playing partners help you at all?

BOWEN MAUSS: My caddie Clay helped me out today. We talked a lot, kept it kind of chill, not too serious, but still having fun out there.

Q. Who is he again?

BOWEN MAUSS: My caddie Clay.

Q. How do you know him?

BOWEN MAUSS: He's my swing coach, and I've known him for five or six years. He's watched me play for a while now.