LIV GOLF PROMOTIONS

December 12, 2024

Jose Islas

Riyadh Golf Club

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Speaking to José Islas after a 5-under score in round one. A near perfect round today, five birdies in a row through that middle stretch, another one to close out on 18. How was the course today, and what did you learn out there on the course and how did you play?

JOSÉ ISLAS: The course was in really good conditions. I learned a lot throughout my round today. I played with borrowed clubs. They lost my clubs at the airline. They're supposed to get here today.

I learned a lot about strategy on the course. I think I really did apply what I've been trying to do the whole year, to play the simplest shot, try to have 18 chances at birdie, which sounds -- it's pretty hard to do, actually. I just tried to play the simplest shot with no expectations at all, and it ended up really well.

Q. What's the strategy if your clubs arrive between now and round 2? Looking good for playing tomorrow? What happens if those clubs arrive between now and then?

JOSÉ ISLAS: Yeah, I'm going to the airport right after this. I've been fighting with the airline for four days now. Hopefully they'll be here. If not, I think they're working pretty fine.

Q. Have you spoken with any of your fellow Mexican players, Abe or Carlos Ortiz, prior to this event and what have they told you about the tour?

JOSÉ ISLAS: Yeah, I spoke with Abe. He played here last week, so we spoke a little bit about the course. I look up to both of those guys. I think we can learn a lot about their games and how they manage it inside and outside the golf course. I spoke mainly with Abe.

Q. Obviously another three rounds to go, but all going well this weekend, what does next season on LIV Golf Tour look like for you? What's your ideal season for 2025?

JOSÉ ISLAS: Well, Fireballs would be really nice. To be honest, any team would be really nice, but Fireballs just because Abe is there.

I'm looking forward to having three more good rounds of golf and hopefully be here next year.

Q. Whose clubs did you play with?

JOSÉ ISLAS: Shout-out to Shane. It's a friend of my caddie from England that lives here. He drove here yesterday to bring the clubs, so I played a practice round with those clubs. That's it.

Q. It obviously didn't really impact your game. Did you feel comfortable right off the bat when you started practicing with those clubs?

JOSÉ ISLAS: Not at all. Not at all. I mean, they're really different from what I used to play. Funny story is the second hole that I played with those clubs, hole No. 11 yesterday on the practice round, I made an eagle from 165.

I think they work pretty well. I think it's not about the clubs, it's more about how I thought the shots that I was going to hit, so I was with no expectations at all. I think that's why it really worked.

Q. Are they Titleist clubs?

JOSÉ ISLAS: Yeah, T200, those fat ones with stiff shafts, really upright. I play flat. I play blades. It's completely opposite.

Q. You turned pro earlier this year; is that right?

JOSÉ ISLAS: Correct, yeah.

Q. Obviously you've won a couple of tournaments this year. How has it been since becoming a pro?

JOSÉ ISLAS: It's been kind of weird, to be honest. At the beginning, playing for money, I think there are a lot of things that nobody tells you.

Q. Would you say it's impacted your performance just trying to learn the ins and outs of being a pro? You have had some success.

JOSÉ ISLAS: Yeah, definitely, and also being around a good team. I think I've been really fortunate with the people that I'm surrounded by, so my coach, my sponsors, my family. They've been really a great support for me, especially at the beginning of my career. I mean, I think without them, I wouldn't be here for sure, and with them, I'm going to get to the place that I want to get for sure.