Q. Not a surprise, near the top of the leaderboard heading into Sunday. What did you find today that helped you out there?
NASA HATAOKA: Yes, I feel like today was one of the toughest condition out of three days but I feel like I was able to hit solid shots, especially distance-wise. I think that really helped my game today.
Q. It got windier today. How did you adjust?
NASA HATAOKA: Yes, I think my decision was on point today. What helped me today was my management with trajectory, if you want to hit it high, there was a time I need to hit it low, I was able to hit both.
Q. You're a player that's dangerous when you're a few back heading into Sunday. You tend to go low and put yourself in the mix. What changes when you're a couple back and chasing? What do you think about?
NASA HATAOKA: Yes, I feel like I can get on top if I hit the same way I did today, and if I can make more putts, I feel like I can do better.
Q. Are you a player that prefers to chase instead of be in the lead?
NASA HATAOKA: I feel like I like to be on the top rather than chasing someone. I've had a situation where I had to chase and I didn't feel very comfortable.
Q. We have one more major this year. There's a lot of really good players, including yourself at the top of the leaderboard. How much does a Sunday in competition like this prepare you for that major next week?
NASA HATAOKA: Yes, it's been a while playing this links golf course, so I think it's a really good preparation for myself to play next week. I'm in a really good position, too, so hopefully I can do the same thing tomorrow. Looking forward to tomorrow.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports