THE MODERATOR: 8-under 64 today. Can you just talk about what was working for you out there.
KURT KITAYAMA: Felt like everything was kind of going for me today. Hit it well, made a lot of putts. So just overall it was just, it just felt really solid.
THE MODERATOR: Coming off a top-10 at the RBC Heritage, do you feel like your game has been trending lately, is there anything you've been working on in particular.
KURT KITAYAMA: I feel like we're always working on something. But, yeah, the swing's starting to feel not as fighting it, getting kind of savey, being a little more fluid. Today kind of felt like that.
THE MODERATOR: Did you play this course 10 years ago?
KURT KITAYAMA: No.
Q. What were your takeaways from just the practice rounds and being out there yesterday? What did you notice was challenging?
KURT KITAYAMA: It was definitely playing longer than most courses we play. Just kind of, just a challenging golf course tee to green. The morning though it was nice because we had hardly any wind until the last few holes. Yesterday's afternoon round kind of got windy and that's when it gets really tough. It plays a little tricky.
Q. Playing partner Sudarshan Yellamaraju, he also had a good start. What's that like when your playing partner is doing well and you guys can kind of get in a good rhythm to start the day?
KURT KITAYAMA: It definitely helps when you're both playing. The rhythm -- being first off too helps. We didn't have to wait for anyone, kind of going at our own pace, not worrying about being behind or waiting on a group. And so when you're both playing well it's nice to feed off each other's energy.
Q. What do you see in him as a rookie? Is this one of the first times you've gotten to play with him?
KURT KITAYAMA: Yeah, this is my first time. Really solid player. Yeah, I mean, he had a couple, I feel like three bad holes this week so far. And, I mean, he had a nice, he was playing really nicely today. He made double on 17 and bogey on 18, but I like his game.
Q. 17 and 18 was a really tough closing stretch yesterday, the whole field was pretty much over par with that. What's the key to closing it and coming in at the end?
KURT KITAYAMA: I mean, the drive on 18 is extremely difficult. Especially in the afternoon, it's playing into the wind, so you take it up that narrow side. Luckily today -- I mean, today I was, I had enough to get over, but I kind of, your bail out is right. You're kind of at the mercy of a lie and angle with the trees. Even in the second shot you got water left, wind off the right. So just it's just tough, yeah.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports