THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP

March 25, 1999

Joe Ozaki

JOE OZAKI: Today's round being the first day, especially on this golf course, safety is the key. Making par is a good score. That is what I tried to do just all day, just try to make pars. If a birdie chance presented it, I would go for it. That is how I played today. I played well; didn't have any bogeys, and played a good, steady round.

JOE OZAKI: Wind always blows here, so you just get used to it. Nothing out of the ordinary to have the wind blow as it did today.

JOE OZAKI: Yeah, it was difficult, but really the greens to me were softer today than they were during the practice rounds. Seemed like a lot firmer yesterday and Tuesday. Really wasn't, I mean, the green firmness wasn't that much of a factor for me today.

JOE OZAKI: This course really isn't a long hitter's course. This course takes patience. The greens are smaller; requires accurate iron shots, and that plays into my strengths, and so maybe that is why I play well here.

JOE OZAKI: Hit 4-iron and maybe 25 feet. Number 14, second shot 4-iron, and maybe 40 feet. 16, second shot 3-iron, I hit left edge up-and-down. Six feet. I didn't go for it at 16; I was playing safe all the way. Actually, I was aiming to the left edge of the green. I apologize for that, but --

JOE OZAKI: Exactly right. It was the type of round that I had hoped to play, anticipated, and everything worked out well for me today.

JOE OZAKI: I feel good about my putting. A lot better than last week. I am happy with my round today. 3-under was a good score today and I will take it. Thank you very much.