Q. How much does that silver plate mean when you look at it now?
MATT FITZPATRICK: The picture is on my phone. It means a lt.
Q. Tell us about last year.
MATT FITZPATRICK: It was bizarre -- very heavy weather. Two days off over the weekend is always a little bit odd. So to get on a Monday finish, get it over the line, obviously a great week.
With my mum, nothing better. I said at the start of the week, I was concentrating on the team. That's what I did and managed to take both.
Q. Normally you play one course, but how do you prep, Kingsbarns, Carnoustie, St Andrews.
MATT FITZPATRICK: I think this is my tenth time playing this tournament. So had a lot of experience at the Old Course. Don't feel I need to put as much effort in because I know what's going on. Obviously the setup is a little different to an Open Championship-type setup. More relaxed, which is nice.
Q. To win it again would be special, wouldn't it?
MATT FITZPATRICK: It would be special. But got to play four days, not just three. We'll see how it goes. Just excitement, to be back playing, hopefully have good weather and a good week.
Q. Talk about the rest of the season.
MATT FITZPATRICK: Probably my worst season to date, not a season I wanted. I didn't feel too much stuff went my way. Didn't play well. Not much to add.
Q. A couple important weeks. You want to be in Dubai, don't you?
MATT FITZPATRICK: Do I want to be in Dubai? I don't know. Or do I want to put the clubs away. Listen, if there is one tournament I want to play is the DP World Tour Championship, a course I've played well on and know well and I love being there. The goal this week is to do what I need to do to try and qualify, but I also understand it's a long way off. My expectations are low. Just going to go out there and enjoy it.
Q. Recently turned 30?
MATT FITZPATRICK: So old.
Q. It's still there; maybe a result will get ou going.
MATT FITZPATRICK: I think it's the opposite; time off will keep me going. It's been a long season and time management hasn't necessarily been the best this year. For me what's important is get away from it and work on my game more than anything. I feel like it's tournament, off, tournament, off, tournament, off, and when you're in that rut, it's hard. It's been difficult.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports