Q. You're the youngest player in the field; just overall thoughts on the experience of being out here?
MASON HOWELL: It was a fun day. Fun playing in front of the crowd. I wish I played a little bit better. But it's just an experience I need to soak up so I can look forward to playing some more in the future.
Q. Is there a moment that kind of stands out, whether it's having your name announced or just the first roar of the crowd?
MASON HOWELL: No, it's definitely special off the first tee. First tee of a major, you're always juiced up and amped up. I was just ready to get started all week. Now I just don't want it to end.
Q. Would you describe it as like a nervous excitement?
MASON HOWELL: Definitely a nervous excitement. You're always going to be nervous on the first tee, but it's a little bit different at a major. I've been excited ever since I finished final qualifying to tee it up and get started.
Q. What's it like being in high school, being in a field as prestigious as the U.S. Open, 125th at Oakmont?
MASON HOWELL: No, it's definitely special. There's not obviously many people that have done it before. To be in that small list of names that have been in that category, it's super special, and definitely a moment that I'll remember forever.
Q. Somebody wrote earlier this week, Georgia, not exactly known for producing thoroughbreds in golf. You could be that guy. Do you carry that pressure with you when you go out there?
MASON HOWELL: No, Georgia has a lot of great players. Yeah, I want to keep that tradition going. Yeah, there's like eight Dawgs in the field this week, so happy to be one of them.
Q. What are the nerves like contending for a state championship in high school and contending here today?
MASON HOWELL: It's definitely way more here, like 10 times the people -- way more than that, actually. But high school golf and major championships are just a little bit different.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports