Q. Opening round 4-under. What did you like about it?
CARL YUAN: Definitely a good score on this course. Yeah, it's definitely a challenging track. Happy with how I played. I played really freely today, which I haven't been doing last couple tournaments. I'm glad mentally that I kind of had a turnaround. I tried to just have as much fun as possible out here. I think that's just who I am. And it suits my game. I had a great time and happened to shoot a good score.
Q. Any key things that were kind of having that breakthrough or having more fun playing more freely?
CARL YUAN: I mean, I think I had a couple weeks off the last couple weeks. Yeah, it's kind of thinking what I do well and what was good about my game. I don't think there's much changing technique-wise, it's just mentally. I mean, there's more passion, more love for the game. It's tough coming out here trying to protect, trying to make cuts. Just have a good time and shoot a good score, yeah.
Q. Challenging course. What's the key to navigating a round?
CARL YUAN: I think definitely hitting the fairways is crucial out here. Being in the rough it's just tough to get to some pin positions. Yeah, I think if you would be able to hit more greens, definitely avoid some bogeys or even big numbers and take your chances on the par-5 or the little easier holes.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports