SHRINERS CHILDREN'S OPEN

October 17, 2024

Taylor Pendrith

TPC Summerlin

Quick Quotes

Q. Taylor, in with a 10-under 61 on the first round here; ties your career low on TOUR. How exceptional was that from a ball striking standpoint for you?

TAYLOR PENDRITH: Yeah, I played really nice today. Got off to a good start. Was able to get that groove with my driver and found a lot of fairways.

From there, I had a lot of good numbers today. Feel like we had the same number a few times and I was able to hit some close wedges. Made a lot of putts inside ten feet. Yeah, everything was on and it was nice to -- would've liked to birdie the last or make eagle, but I'm still very, very pleased.

Q. Just mentioning that last hole, you had a little over 200 in there on the par-5. Were you anticipating, was 59 in your mind at that point?

TAYLOR PENDRITH: Yes and no. I knew if I did make eagle I would have a chance to shoot 59 or would shoot 59. Hit a really nice drive and knew I was going to have around 200 in.

Tried to be aggressive and hit a good shot and just didn't catch all of it and came up short right in the bunker. Me is my caddie didn't really talk about it, but I think we both knew I was going to try and hole the bunker shot.

Obviously super solid round. Yeah, feel good.

Q. Were you just a little bit surprised? You've come off a little bit of a break. The last tournament was Presidents Cup. You mentioned in Florida with the hurricane coming you you probably couldn't do much practice. Did you come here with any sort of the expectation?

TAYLOR PENDRITH: Not really, honestly. I think I played maybe three times since the Presidents Cup, and then was planning on practicing and everything was closed.

So my coach was here, Derek, on Monday and Tuesday, and we got a lot of good work in. For me, I feel rested and excited to play.

And yeah, I didn't really expect a 10-under I would say. I thought I would be a little bit more rusty than that. You know, obviously thrilled and yeah, just got to keep getting back into the rhythm of things and the next few days. Yeah, feel good.

Q. You're definitely having a career season. What's different for you this year?

TAYLOR PENDRITH: I think there is a few things. The confidence level is up for sure I think. Was able to win last year, this year, and have some really solid finishes at some big events, and that gives you a lot of confidence.

I would say my putting has improved the most. It's the biggest improvement in my game from the last couple seasons. I've been able to roll in some nice putts. Just seeing them go in gives you more confidence.

Yeah, I guess it's a confidence thing.

Q. It's early in the tournament. Just looking ahead, what would a multiple-win season mean to you at this point?

TAYLOR PENDRITH: I mean, yeah, be pretty cool. Yeah, obviously it's just day one, but I really like this golf course. I've had some nice low rounds here in the past. Had a good finish last year, so I've got good vibes out here and really like the golf course and the layout.

The conditions are going to get tricky I think the next day and a half. Just got to grind through that and, yeah, hopefully just grind it out and see what happens.

Q. Looking ahead in the fall what's your plan? You shot 61 in Bermuda. Any thoughts going back there, but anyplace else you're going to play this fall?

TAYLOR PENDRITH: Just here and then I'm going to go over to Japan and play.

Q. You could potentially be like the poster child for the FedExCup fall really, making a way for guys to lock up status. Obviously last fall was super huge for you as you were able to solidify your spot in the top 125 and set yourself up for the season you've had. How crucial was last fall in just the year that you've had so far?

TAYLOR PENDRITH: Yeah, it was huge. You know, with all the changes that happened I had to play very well in the fall. You know, I came here last year and was able to finish tied for third and that solidified me to have my card this year.

Fall is really important. I really enjoy all the fall events. I've had to play them a lot. Pretty much every tournament in the fall I really like and feel comfortable at, this one especially. I had a good result last year, and so I'm happy to come back and play.

I know it's an important time of year for a lot of guys and I've been there for sure. It's stressful. But it's a different feeling for me obviously already locked up for next year. It's a different feeling I guess out there playing. But I really enjoy this place.