Q. A few under par, 69, on day one. How would you describe your performance today?
SIMON DU PLOOY: Yeah, it was kind of a struggle in the beginning. Didn't hit the ball good at all. My bunker play was shocking.
But then the last through holes, finished up nicely. I'm very pleased with the round.
Q. Talk us through those last three holes. Three birdies to finish off the round. You must be really pleased with how that's turned out.
SIMON DU PLOOY: Yeah, 16, hit a terrible shot, iron shot, left of the green. Chipped it in for birdie. That was kind of -- I'm very pleased with that. 17, made a good solid birdie. Then 18, I had 192 in the rough. I pulled my driver left in the rough, and I was kind of in two minds to go for it or not. I took a 6-iron and then just hit a good shot, just trickled over. Lucky to not have rolled down into the hazard. Then up-and-down there for birdie. It was kind of good.
Q. Does that give you confidence or momentum going into tomorrow's round? It's a nice way to finish off that round. Does that give you a bit more of a boost as you look forward to tomorrow?
SIMON DU PLOOY: Yeah, definitely. Starting a tournament under par is always good. Just going to try and get a little bit of practice in on short game and bunker play, and then hopefully tomorrow goes better.
Q. How do you cope with the heat? It's tough out there and seems demanding. How do you cope with that?
SIMON DU PLOOY: Yeah, it's very hot out there. I've got an extra cloth just to wipe my face every now and then. But yeah, just drink a lot of water and try and get in the shade when you can.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports