Q. How would you characterize the match today?
PATRICK CANTLAY: I thought I played pretty solid pretty much all the way through. I think I made six or seven birdies and no bogeys, so I was really happy with how I played.
Q. You got maybe a little tight down the stretch. Was there kind of a turning point in the match where you felt like you grabbed control of it?
PATRICK CANTLAY: No. I mean, I had to make a birdie putt on 18 just to win, so it was a tough match all day. Never felt like I got too far ahead.
But I played really solid, and I'm happy after the first day with a couple more matches left before pool play ends.
Q. You said you played solid. What was the best part of your game today?
PATRICK CANTLAY: I think I controlled the golf ball really well in the wind and I drove the ball really well. I had a lot of birdie looks. I actually didn't make too many putts today, so hopefully can make a few more tomorrow.
Q. How big is a day one win in this format?
PATRICK CANTLAY: Not that big. I mean, there's three matches. I don't think I've ever made it out of pool play. I may have won my first match almost every time. You've got to go 3-0.
It would mean more if it was a normal match play tournament and you sent half the field home after today.
Q. Talking to Xander about this earlier today and he never made it out of pool play before. You're both kind of bulldog type of personalities. Is there a reason you think you haven't made it out of pool play?
PATRICK CANTLAY: I think the format is pretty weird. I would like it better if it was just everybody played a match and they knew they were going home if they lost.
I've run into some buzz saws on Friday before, so the only way to change that is just play better, so that's what I'm going to try to do this week.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports