Q. Sam, 6-under par, best round of the day. How would you assess that?
SAM BURNS: I think any time you shoot under par on this golf course, it's always good. Even more so in these conditions. I think I knew going out, the front nine was going to be somewhat gettable. Most of the hole is downwind. Then kind of once you make the turn, just strap in and buckle the chinstrap because you know it's going to be difficult. Overall, a really solid day.
Q. You went on a stretch of seven birdies in 10 holes. You mentioned conditions were favourable. How important was it to capitalise when you had conditions in your favour?
SAM BURNS: It was huge. Yeah, you have to do that around this place. You're not going to get a ton of chances with that wind direction on the back nine.
I knew going out, we needed to get off to a good start. It wasn't really ideal to three-putt (no audio). But, yeah, overall really solid.
Q. And how proud are you for your resiliency in coming back from the front nine on Thursday thinking you might not be able to make the cut and now you're in contention?
SAM BURNS: Being 7-over through 11 wasn't kind of what I had in store, or in mind to start the week. I was 5-over through eight at the U.S. Open and played well there, finished ninth.
I knew I wasn't out of it. I knew it was going to be difficult and I made it a lot tougher on myself. I was proud of how I hung in there and kept fighting.
Q. Do you have any good Shane Lowry storeys?
SAM BURNS: I'm sure I do. I can't think of any off the top of my head. I'm sure at some point, yeah.
Q. You're smiling. It seems like he's a guy that everybody smiles about.
SAM BURNS: Shane's awesome. I love Shane. He's a great guy. He's a great player, great competitor. Shane's kind of one of those people that would do anything for you.
Q. What is it about his skill set that translates in this test.
SAM BURNS: I think -- growing up over here, I think he's very accustomed to this style of golf. Like I said, he's a great competitor. When things get tough, he seems to get better.
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