Q. How would you assess the round today?
PATRICK CANTLAY: I thought I played really well today. I think lowest of the day. No real mistakes. I could have made a few more putts, but all in all it was a great round.
Q. What did you feel like was working so well with your swing? You seemed like you were dialed in from the start.
PATRICK CANTLAY: Yeah, I've been working hard with Jamie the last couple months and a lot of that work has really been paying off. My swing feels like it's in a really good spot. The little cut shot with a little off on my 9-iron on the 17th hole really shows how much work I've put in and how it's paying off.
Q. What were some of the things you've been working on with him?
PATRICK CANTLAY: Just fundamental stuff. I'm in Florida all year and when it's blowing 20 you have a tendency to get on your left leg at setup to control the ball into the wind. So just getting a little more on my right side at setup and it's cleaned up a lot of stuff in my swing.
Q. (No microphone.)
PATRICK CANTLAY: No, but I was right there.
Q. Did you think you maybe had one on 11, a hole-in-one?
PATRICK CANTLAY: Yeah, it was awfully close and I was awfully close on 3 as well.
Q. What do you anticipate tomorrow's going to look like with the three of you guys playing great and so close together?
PATRICK CANTLAY: Yeah, it's nice to be out with Xander. We actually haven't played that much together in tournament play, maybe only three times in the last three, four years. So it will be good to go out there again with him. Hopefully both play really good golf.
Q. Is it easier to get your competitive juices going when you're playing with a friend or is it a little bit tougher?
PATRICK CANTLAY: I don't think there's much difference. I'm out there grinding as hard as I possibly can. And my focus was really good today. I thought I stayed in it the entire 18 holes and that's all you can ask for.
Q. Last time you and Xander won a championship you guys won a title together. Be a little bit different going against each other tomorrow. But you have a pretty good friendship. What will that be like playing against him tomorrow?
PATRICK CANTLAY: Yeah, if only it was a combined score again this week we would be doing well. It's always nice to be out with him, if he's on my team or if he's not. I'm going to go out there tomorrow and try as hard as I can and let the chips fall where they may.
Q. What sets Xander apart as a golfer?
PATRICK CANTLAY: He's very consistent. I think you saw that today. Even when he hit a loose shot or something he didn't let that affect him. Didn't make too many mistakes. He closed with a few birdies. So I expect a great challenge out there tomorrow.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports