TNT commentators: Ernie Johnson, Ian Baker-Finch, Bill Kratzert and
Vince Cellini
Baker-Finch on how the course
conditions could favor Gary Woodland (-5) and Rory McIlroy (-5): “It’s a bomber’s paradise and no one
fits that description better than Gary Woodland or Rory McIlroy.”
Baker-Finch on The Ocean
Course: “It’s unusual. It’s a [links] course that
appears to play low so you want to bump it around but you have to get [the
ball] up in the air and spin it.”
Baker-Finch on how Rory
McIlroy (-5) is leading a youth movement in golf: “As more young
players like Rory McIlroy win, more young players right behind them feel they
can win as well.”
TNT’s
Vince Cellini interviewed Rory McIlroy (-5) following his first round:
McIlroy on taking
advantage of the good weather during his first round: “I had to
take advantage of the [weather] conditions because I don’t think
it’s going to stay like that for the next four days. It’s nice to
shoot a good round in those conditions and it gets me off to a good start in
the tournament.”
TNT’s
Vince Cellini interviewed Tiger Woods (-3) following his first round:
Woods on his first round:
“I’m pleased. Anything in the 60s is going to be a good
score.”
Woods on his mindset
during his first round: “I was patient today…but
it’s one of those things where you can’t force the issue. You have
to continue to plod along and I did that today.”
TNT’s
Vince Cellini interviewed John Daly (-4) following his first round:
Daly on his good play in
recent weeks: “All year, I’ve been really close to playing
good golf. I think when you make a bunch of cuts, you give yourself a chance to
do that. The last few weeks have been really good.”
Baker-Finch on The Ocean
Course: “It’s a ‘bucket list’ course. If you get
a chance to play here…put it on your list.”
Baker-Finch on course
strategy at The Ocean Course: “It’s so hard from these
tight lies to elevate those pitch shots with spin. It’s going to be a key
part of this [PGA] Championship to be able to do that.”
Kratzert on Ernie
Els’ first round (E): “This is as well as I’ve
seen Ernie strike the ball. He’s been very impressive today.”
Baker-Finch on Davis Love III (E): “Davis still hits the ball
a long way with his silky-smooth swing.”
Baker-Finch on Adam Scott
(-4) “facing the music” after his British Open collapse earlier
this year: “It’s good to be able to talk the talk but
[Scott] did it the very next day. That’s what I really enjoyed hearing
from Adam - ‘I know I lost. I’m disappointed but I learned so much
from it and I feel my game is good enough to win more.’”
TNT’s
Vince Cellini interviewed Adam Scott (-4) following his first round:
Scott on the importance
of a good start: “It’s very important.
It’s great to get out on the right foot during a Major and not be chasing
really hard because it’s hard to chase tough golf shots on these golf
courses. For me, starting today, that’s a mission accomplished.”
Scott on rebounding from
his performance at the British Open a few weeks ago: “You have
to take advantage when you’re playing well. Obviously, I was playing so
well at The Open and moving forward, I couldn’t let those last few holes
spoil my good play. Last week, I was a little out of rhythm but it came back
quickly this week and today felt good.”
