What they said: Ryan Palmer

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CROWNE PLAZA INVITATIONAL: Transcript archive

Q. Ryan, talk about the opportunity that you have to been able to perform in front of all of your friends out here?

RYAN PALMER: It was unbelievable. You know, this being my home course, friends of Marelo (phonetic), friends of the country club here, to go out and place like this today and to put on a show for them was nice. It was unbelievable. I've been waiting for this day to come for a long time this year. I finally got the putter rolling, finally roll the ball.

Q. You had quite a following all day, and actually you were a little emotional making that birdie on the 18th hole?

RYAN PALMER: I was. I struggled there. I didn't really struggle. I just didn't hit good shots starting on the back 9. I fought my way through some good pars. I hit a great shot on 15. I hit a good putt there, making it. And making the 20 footer on 18 was the icing on the cake today, so I'm going to enjoy this for a while.

Q. Were consulted on any of the changes, were you a part of it and what do you think about the way the golf course is playing?

RYAN PALMER: No, I wasn't consulted at all. But playing here daily of course, that's why you are seeing the scores like Stricker. I think the changes are great. I've asked a lot of guys, they really love it, they enjoy it. I think it's been a great change.

Q. Hey, I don't want to make you jealous, I see you are wearing a blue and silver star on your shirt, we got to go to the blue ribbon cutting, the grand opening of the cowboy stadium this week?

RYAN PALMER: Yeah, that thing is going to be awesome. It's pretty cool to get a tour of it. Tony Romo it's pretty cool to carry the star around the states.

Q. It's pretty cool you are able to shoot

RYAN PALMER: It's awesome on your home track in front of your home crowd, you can't write it any better.

Q. Ryan, you like birdies in bunches?

RYAN PALMER: They came today. It was an awesome day. The start I got off to, I birdied the first three. And got up on 5, and then I made it three more in a row. You just kind of lay low for a while, I guess, until the last two holes. I've been hitting it good for a long time now. I finally got the putter rolling, a new putter in the bag, finally making putts, it's been a while.

Q. Did it come around today?

RYAN PALMER: Very much so. It was good yesterday. I just never got close enough to making it. Today I made it close. I made a lot of 20 footers and a few 15 footers. You know, once I got going on a roll it seemed to come in bunches a lot like you said. I'm always a guy that makes a lot or birdies, and I make them a lot in bunches. You know, it's special to be here on your home course in front of your family and friends and home crowd. You know playing in front of this crowd, with these numbers at Colonial, is awesome.

Q. Do you feel like you have an advantage?

RYAN PALMER: Yes and no. I love it on the greens because there is so many subtle breaks. My caddy, James, is a member here, and quite a few times club champion, so we know every break and bounce on these greens because we play so much. A small advantage there, yes.

Q. Is it your best round ever at Colonial, or your best round ever?

RYAN PALMER: Both. Best round ever, best round of the year, best round competitive of the year, best round in a couple of years.

Q. Any disadvantages to family and knowledge. You said yes and no.

RYAN PALMER: Probably the pressure I put on myself. Because I want to play so good. I made the cut here every year. I haven't played as well as I wanted. With so many people coming to town to watch you, and you get all of these tickets for them, you want to perform well for them. I just need to go out there and hear them screaming and hollering and rooting you on.

Q. Have you spent a lot of time on the new course, you know, since they had the changes?

RYAN PALMER: Yes. I was playing it the day they opened it. When I'm home I play it three or four times a week with the big game they call it here. I definitely play it every time. The greens are softer now which is unfortunate because it plays quick when it's firm. But it will be a fun weekend.

Q. What will you do tonight to stay relaxed?

RYAN PALMER: We have the zoo here that the tournament putts on, we will take the family to the zoo and have fun.

Q. How does that wind present today, that West Texas wind that we're use to?

RYAN PALMER: Very much. I think there is a little wind coming. Nothing that will be blowing hard, 10 or 15 mile. If the wind is blowing, the crosswinds and firm greens, this golf course is tough. Hopefully we will get a little wind. Stricker is playing unbelievable. He will be hard to catch. I will just keep on doing what I'm doing and see what happens at the end.