Read a transcript of the post-Round 2 interview with Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners.
Read a transcript of the post-Round 2 interview with Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners.
Q. Here with Corey Conners and Brooke Henderson. Just starting with you, Brooke, what did you see out of Corey today as you guys, different format, obviously getting used to kind of some new play?
BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, I’m definitely happy that alternate shot is over. It’s definitely the most stressful of the three days I would say. I feel like we handled it really well. We had a couple bogeys early I guess, but we were able to get them back and shoot some nice birdies on the back nine, which got us under par and climb up the leaderboard a little bit as well.
I feel like we did leave some shots out there a little bit, but anytime you’re under par in alternate shot I think you’re pretty happy.
Q. Corey, was there any strategy, any game planning going into today?
COREY CONNERS: You know, we talked about who would play the odd holes and even holes and I think our strategy worked out pretty well. I thought we did a good job of, as much as we were a team, just like hitting shots that we were comfortable with.
There wasn’t a — it’s a stressful format, but I feel like we did a good job of not putting too much stress on one another. Brooke hit a lot of great tee balls and left me some pretty tasty looking approach shots. She was able to hole some nice putts as well.
Definitely would have liked to get a couple more to fall, but it was a fun day and looking forward to getting everything to come together for us tomorrow.
Q. Some of these teams, the players just met this week. I assume you guys are a little more comfortable with each other. Does that show up especially on a stressful format like today?
COREY CONNERS: Yeah, I think so. It’s pretty easy for me to be relaxed walking alongside Brooke. She’s pretty — she’s always got a smile on her face out there and she’s really fun to be around.
I think we haven’t crossed paths as much over the last number of years lately, but yeah, we know other a little better than some of the other teams. Both proud to represent Canada in this event and our respective tours, so it’s been a lot of fun.
Q. Just curious, a lot of male amateurs aren’t able or haven’t been able to come watch the ladies play. Corey, what do you think an average male player could learn from watching the women’s game?
COREY CONNERS: It’s astonishing. I don’t get to watch them up close very often myself. I knew they were really good, but I’ve really been blown away. The consistency, the way they handle themselves and manage their game is really, really impressive. I think they certainly play within themselves. They’re really committed to their plan or their shot and definitely amateur golfers can learn from that.
I don’t think many amateur golfers in the world can do what they do. It’s been awesome to watch and fun to be a part of.
Q. Brooke, you’ve obviously played a lot of golf here at this venue. How’s the vibe different this week, crowd sizes, how would you compare it?
BROOKE HENDERSON: It’s been so fun this week, just the unique format, different styles going every single day, it’s so cool. And then to have PGA with the LPGA, it’s one of the best weeks I’ve had in a long time. Everyone’s just really upbeat, the crowd atmosphere, energy, the vibes has all been amazing.
Hopefully we can go out tomorrow and really put on a good show and really finish it in style. But it’s been a super fun week for me and I’m happy that I had Corey as my partner.
Q. Now that you’ve played two formats together the first two days, have you given any thought to or sort of thought about tomorrow’s new format with the modified four-ball and what you might bring to the course that will help you tomorrow?
COREY CONNERS: Yeah, I think it’s going to be a fun format. I think I like our games in that format. I think we’re both pretty strong off the tee and with our ball-striking, so I think us both having looks on as many holes as possible is going to be a big key and give us an advantage. I think if we just kind of stick to what we do best, we’ll be able to have a lot of birdie looks and hopefully get the putts to fall tomorrow.