Q. Can you share some of your thoughts on the course setup here at Abu Dhabi Golf Club?
TAICHI KHO: Yeah, Abu Dhabi Golf Club is looking great this week. The layout itself is spectacular, and it's conditioned really well. It's one of the best courses I've ever been to. I know they've had a lot of Tour events here in the past, and I can see why. I'm really looking forward to having a good week out here.
Q. From the outside looking in, what was your impression of LIV Golf in 2023?
TAICHI KHO: Yeah, I did follow LIV closely over the past couple years, and I think what they're doing is revolutionary. It's really doing a world of good for the game, and selfishly I feel like it's benefitted me a lot, as well, with having the International Series on the Asian Tour, I've been able to play a lot with these LIV guys, and they're world champions. They're, major champions, and I've been able to learn a lot from them, so I feel like that's a big part of my growth this year is to learn from all these LIV guys. Overall it's been a really great experience so far.
Q. There's only three players qualifying this week. Do you feel confident handling that kind of pressure?
TAICHI KHO: Yeah, I think the format is set up in a way where if you play decently each day, it gives you the opportunity to get those three cards on Sunday, so I feel like with how the format is with 18, 18, 36, the opportunity is there for everyone. It doesn't have to be spectacular golf all week around, but you just have to play well at the right times, and I feel like the opportunity is right there.
Q. On the team element, is that some incentive for you for your participation in LIV Golf next year?
TAICHI KHO: Absolutely. I think the team aspect of LIV is great. I played five years at Notre Dame, so playing college golf on a team there was some of the best memories that I've had in golf. To be able to do that with world-class players would be incredible. I'm sure I'll learn a lot. I'm sure I'll benefit a lot from the camaraderie. I'm sure the golf will be really fun, as well.
Q. LIV Golf will be playing in Hong Kong next year. Does that increase your desire to participate?
TAICHI KHO: Definitely having LIV in Hong Kong next year is a big motivator for me to have a good week this week or just find my way on to LIV eventually. I think the Hong Kong Golf Club is a great venue to host a LIV event. I think the atmosphere is perfect for it, and I think, yeah, just the thought of playing in front of my home crowd and friends and family at my home course is a true motivator, and for it to be a LIV event is extra special.
Q. How do you think LIV Golf is going to be received in Hong Kong?
TAICHI KHO: I think LIV Golf will be received very well when it goes to Hong Kong. I know a lot of people are already very excited about it. There's a lot of talk going into it. I know there's a lot of buzz around it, so I think when the time comes in March, it's going to be a really big deal.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports