Media Center Interviews

April 6, 2019

Third Round Interview with Corey Conners

Q. Corey, it was a really interesting day the way the weather started, the hot start. I know there's probably a few more birdies you could have squeezed out of it, but still, 66, you must be very pleased.

COREY CONNERS: Yeah, I'm definitely happy with the score. I played really well, gave myself a lot of chances. Yeah, it was a little bit of a grind at the start, but I was really focused and got off to a good start and didn't let the elements sort of distract me. Really happy with the score.

Q. Pardon the pun, but how do you weather through the weather early because you flushed a couple of shots there, it was coming down hard.

COREY CONNERS: Yeah, I just tried to block it out really and just focus, take a deep breath and just be really committed to the shot and not worry about what was falling from the sky because it was raining pretty good on a few of those approach shots. Just tried to be committed and act like it was just another shot.

Q. The 16th, we thought there was another hole-in-one. You're up there laughing and then you win the closest-to-the-pin competition when all is said and done. That's a pretty fun little rally there.

COREY CONNERS: Yeah, it definitely got pretty loud after Jordan hit, and then Si Woo, I thought it went in again. That was a heck of a shot that he hit. And yeah, I just tried to refocus. There was a bit of a distraction there and I was able to, yeah, get focused and hit a nice one.

Q. (No microphone) after that Monday qualifier to get here into this PGA TOUR event, 66 today. What have you done so well not only today but throughout this entire week?

COREY CONNERS: Yeah, managed my game really well, struck the ball fairly solidly, got myself out of trouble and I was able to roll in a few putts today, but I gave myself a ton of chances. Hit a lot of quality iron shots. (Inaudible) tee ball, so that's been the real key for me so far this week. It's a tricky golf course and ball-striking is very important and I feel like I've been really solid.

Q. If we can first get some general thoughts on your round today?

COREY CONNERS: Obviously really pleased with the round. Hit a lot of very nice iron shots and was able to make a bunch of birdies. I left a few out there, but I'm really happy with the score, really no complaints. Ball-striking was great and converted some nice birdie putts.

Q. Do you have a good attitude, Corey, considering Monday, six men for one spot? Do you kind of feel like you're playing with house money this week?

COREY CONNERS: Yeah, to an extent. I mean, I feel like I belong in the field, so it was great to have Monday qualified and was really excited to get into the field to start with. But yeah, I've had a lot of opportunities this year and just trying to put together another good week.

Q. It's been more than a few missed cuts. What is it this week (inaudible)?

COREY CONNERS: Yeah, I feel like my iron play's been a lot sharper, hitting it really close and making birdies a little bit easier by hitting it so close. Also, putted a little bit better. Done a better job also on the par 5s just converting birdies. Last few weeks I've given myself chances or good looks at birdies, just wasn't able to convert them. This week I've done a good job of converting birdies.

Q. You've got a real shot at winning this. Describe your emotions right now. How are you feeling?

COREY CONNERS: I'm really happy to have myself in this position. I think everyone wants to have a chance to win. I've given myself a chance through three rounds and we still have a round to play tomorrow, but I'm really excited. I've been in this position a few times before where I've been near the lead and I've got some good experiences to draw off of and hopefully can get over the edge.

Q. How much did the rain affect you? After it rained, how did the course play?

COREY CONNERS: Yeah, it was coming down pretty good at the start. I just tried to block out the rain as much as I could. The ball wasn't traveling quite as far, but I was able to hit some really solid shots so it didn't affect me a whole lot. I was thinking it would soften up the course maybe a little more than it did, but it still played pretty similarly to the last few days.

Q. Did you feel like you were in the zone out there?

COREY CONNERS: Yeah, definitely. I had a really good feeling with a lot of my shots and just my own world basically, yeah. Was able to hit a lot of good ones and felt comfortable.

Q. On the eighth hole, your second shot, did it go through the tree or did you go under?

COREY CONNERS: Yeah, I went under, just punching a 4-iron just down the fairway, yeah.

Q. What will you do tonight to prepare for tomorrow? Are you a routine guy, or what will you do?

COREY CONNERS: I pretty much have the same routine. Just going to be another night. I'm pretty good at sleeping, so make sure I get a good sleep. Yeah, just get up and get loose in the morning, get ready for a good day.

Q. What did you hit at 16?

COREY CONNERS: I hit a 7-iron.