Q. Solid start in your defence. How did you find it out there?
K.J. CHOI: A little tension to start, mistake in No. 1 on the par, is really feeling a little heavy. The second hole is a bogey, oh, no. Then three birdies on front nine, 3-under par is more confidence coming in. And look in the fairway, the two bunkers are exactly my distance with the driver, short of the bunker. So I hit it harder, no problem. Every time I see in the fairway.
Green speed is not fast but slow but a little bumpy. So big difference than last week to this week. Depends on my speeding. Today's putting is very good. Reading is much better. Couple hole mistake, No. 1 and No. 13, the par 5, it's birdie but first shot in the bunker and lips out. Chip out in the birdie.
Good position. Still finished very strong, played very well. I've learned today, okay, but tomorrow, I do.
Q. I know you said you were nervous the first couple of holes, big picture of you as defending champion and they announced you on the first tee. Playing with Pádraig and Steven helped you along maybe?
K.J. CHOI: Still I learn links style, British Open, really difficult. I grew up in Korea, never this style. No way. That's why technical, chipping and shot-making and 3-woods, drivers, make it shot, very long. So tomorrow, a little comfortable and starting two o'clock, but most comfortable to play tomorrow.
Q. Can't take too many excuses tomorrow as defending champion.
K.J. CHOI: Yes, everyone is very good play, the guys follow me, but anyway, today is very nice and more comfortable. Starting tomorrow again, so I'm slow but catch up.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports