What they said: Bobby Gates

text size

MORE INTERVIEWS: Viking Classic transcript archive

Q. Can you tell me about the beginning of your round. Obviously, you started off with a pretty rocky start.

BOBBY GATES: Yeah, I had a good shot on 10, missed a short putt, and made a 20 footer on 11 for a birdie and three putted 12. I was a little disappointed. 13, I hit a pitching wedge there and brought it back in the cup.

Q. Can you just tell me about 13.

BOBBY GATES: Yeah, I hit a 3 wood, just kind of a little draw around the trees and kind of down about 130 yards. Cut a little pitching wedge in there, and it caught the slope, and it came back right in the hole.

Q. And from there you made five more birdies?

BOBBY GATES: Yeah, I hit it really close all day. I left so many out there and hit it pin high in two on 18 and didn't get up and down. I played really well, but I left a lot out there. I could have been really good. Hopefully, I'll capitalize on that the rest of the week.

Q. Do you think the rain and the lifting in place, do you think that makes it a little bit easier?

BOBBY GATES: Yes. The golf course drains pretty well. The hot sun and wind we had today will help dry it out. I think the lift and place definitely helps because you get mud all over the ball every time you hit it on the fairway. I hit a lot of 3 wood today, just kept it in play, got in the fairway where I could clean it. That was a lot of help.

Q. I understand a lot of golf yet to be played, but you're in pretty good position going into the final three days. What's that mean to you?

BOBBY GATES: Just I've been struggling lately. Just been really close and haven't made it, haven't really got any momentum going. So my new goal this week is just to keep that going. Keep thinking about hitting it like I've been hitting it. It hasn't really been rewarded lately, so hopefully this week will be the start of it.