Q. Birdies at 8 and 9 get you in the house at 7-under par. A little different conditions this morning for you guys of all chilly, the wind was a different direction. Had some rain. Thoughts on the conditions and how well you played.
SEAMUS POWER: Yeah, it was totally different. When we finished yesterday the greens were firm and kind of crusty on top, and come out this morning and unexpectedly in the rain. I knew it was be overcast out on the green; certainly wasn't expecting the rain.
Yeah, overall it wasn't too bad. Wind never really got up. I don't know if it's going to get up today. It was nice. The greens are fantastic. Yeah, overall (indiscernible).
Q. What was the key to your round today as far as the game is concerned?
SEAMUS POWER: I kind of hung there early. Hit a couple loose tee shots early and made a couple good par saves an 13 and 14, and that kind of -- you know, when you get off to a rough start sometimes it's tougher to turn it around, so it was nice to hang in from there. Made a couple brides at the end to put a nice finish on it.
Q. You Monday qualified and right now you're a shot off the lead. Take us through that grind and what it's like just to try it get in one of these events on a Monday and now play yourself into contention.
SEAMUS POWER: Yeah, Monday qualifiers are tough. A lot of good players and only four spots. One of those days you need y9our game to be there. I've been playing really recently and I got -- I Monday qualified for Charlotte, whenever that is five, six weeks ago. So that gave me a bit of confidence. That was the first time Mondaying for a PGA TOUR event.
All of a sudden it just doesn't seem as un-doable in a way like it had before. So that gave me bit of momentum. Yeah, as I said, the game is in good shape, so made enough putts on Monday.
Q. So you talked a little bit about it there, but the good form; you've kind of got into a little bit of a run here. What's happening?
SEAMUS POWER: Yeah, to be honest, it was really in the fall. Like it didn't show because we didn't get many events in the fall, but like since the COVID return my game has been pretty good. I really struggled. I had a lot of elbow pain in the fall, which really kind of -- wasn't able to kind of show off. I knew my game was going to be in a good way, but then I was able to get my surgery done.
Once I kind of got back into full practice, maybe February, March, it was in a good spot. It's just when it was kind feel comfortable. I know when I hit a poor shot I know where it's coming from for probably the first time in a long time.
So, yeah, just been able to put stuff together.
Q. And those things combined probably give you a lot of confidence along with your performance at the Palmetto Championship recently. That must have contributed to that, too.
SEAMUS POWER: Yeah, I played very well. I played very well in Dallas and in Palmetto. I had a frustrating double on the back nine on Sunday, which kind of put a little bit of a dampener on the ball.
But I know my game is in good shape, and hopefully I will be in a decent spot here going into the weekend. The fans are also back. (Indiscernible) back nine on Sunday and see if I can push on.
Q. Looking at the statistics it seems like your iron play has been really stellar.
SEAMUS POWER: Yeah.
Q. Does that stand out to you?
SEAMUS POWER: It does yeah. Again, I was able to figure out some techniques. My irons have been very good. Driver is coming along. It's the biggest club, the longest shot, so there it's always going to be a little bit harder.
But it's getting there. I know the irons are doing really well. I mean, even on the last hit a couple quality iron shots and you put up a lot of shots, where last year and last couple years I would be -- even after hitting a good tee shot I would put it to 25 feet, and you just don't make a lot of 25-footers.
Able to get in there nice and close and nine is a perfect example. Yeah, just trending the right way.
Q. Were you offered a spot in the Irish Open at all?
SEAMUS POWER: No, I wasn't. And it would be one of those ones if I was I don't -- I mean, the fifth year, it's just a lot of unknowns. I would love the play the Irish Open every year, but you still have to worry about your job and trying to secure -- if I got a win or something like that, I mean, I would play absolutely every year.
But you got to have -- you got to make sure you have a job starting in September. It's something hopefully in the future I can get back. I played in 2019 and had a great time. Hopefully if I can play well, kind of get myself into a better situation with status, be more opportunities.
Q. And having said that, with the status and where you are now what's next for you schedule-wise? Just trying to play everything you can?
SEAMUS POWER: It is, yeah. It's one those I don't know. Detroit as of this morning I was four or five out of the field. We've been moving back up a little bit, so I'm hoping for something similar.
It's in my hands. If I have a good weekend I get into next week, so hopefully. And then I think I will John Deere and Barbasol following two weeks, and maybe Minnesota and then Barracuda.
So I'll have some opportunities for the first time kind of all year. Just got to get a chance to build some momentum, so hopefully I can, yeah, make it count.
Q. You mentioned Barracuda. That course was the first time last year and you played well.
SEAMUS POWER: Yeah, it's lovely, it's beautiful there. I've thought really played I've played -- I think I've played Barracuda pretty decently every year. I don't know. I think the format is kind of refreshing. I'm not sure. You kind of -- you make a bogey and it doesn't seem as destructive, it's only one; whereas as there are birdie out there so you make double back.
So I don't know. I've always kind of liked it, and the course this year again, but last year was beautiful. Like absolutely incredible. Looking forward playing that again.
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