Q. How does it feel to finally be here, home event? How do you feel about how the fans showed up today?
BRANDEN GRACE: It's amazing. This is what we hoped for. They're coming out in the numbers. They're coming out to support the event. I feel South Africa has been hungry for a big golf event like this and this experience. It's a dream for all these kids to see their heroes, Bryson, DJ, all these guys, Phil, Louis, and it's just amazing. I get goosebumps when I say it all the time, but it's really a phenomenal feeling and it's great to be able to start the day or the week the way that I did today.
Q. Were you surprised by the atmosphere?
BRANDEN GRACE: Not at all. I must say, it was quite nerve-racking on the first tee. I know there wasn't that many at that stage of the day, but when we got to where everything is happening, it got loud. But it's awesome. This is what it's all about. The people here, we've got some of the best fans in the world, and it's time to give back, and it's awesome for them to show up and support us.
Q. The whole team started in different groups. Did it still feel like you guys were feeding offer each other?
BRANDEN GRACE: 100 percent. We didn't really want to try to expect too much going into today. It's tough hosting the event. We've had our own part in getting the event here, and then it's like, there's a lot more to do than what you would normally do at a normal golf event, but it's been great. Listen, I saw when the guys started going, I think everybody just got on the bandwagon and one thing led to another, and look at it now.
Q. Did you feel pressure to show out on day one?
BRANDEN GRACE: It feels amazing, but I think it could have gone any way, whether it's bad or good. At the end of the day, we're so stoked to be here. We're so stoked to play in our amazing country and to give people something to cheer about. What a day it's been.
Q. Your eagle ignited your final nine holes. Talk about how that felt.
BRANDEN GRACE: I felt I played actually really good. I still don't know how I bogeyed my second hole; I hit it short in the water. But it just didn't make sense; the numbers were good, everything was good, the shot was good.
Then I missed a few putts, gave myself the opportunities but missed a few putts, and then I hit a real phenomenal 3-wood. The guy said I hit the flag; I don't know, but it stopped about six feet behind it. It really just got it going.
Then a couple of good swings and there you go, 7-under.
Q. How is the course playing? Are you seeing any adjustments you need to make for the final three rounds?
BRANDEN GRACE: No, I think it's going to be some of the stuff -- we were obviously very lucky with the weather today. As you know, in Johannesburg you can never know what's going to happen. But I think it's going to be similar. The guys have done an amazing job after the big cloudburst yesterday to get it back in this condition, and what a place and what a tournament.
Q. I don't know if you saw how Charl was playing.
BRANDEN GRACE: I've been looking, and I know the last time I looked, Charl was 5, Dean was 5, I think Louis was a couple under. Yeah, the boys, everybody showed up, so that's good. We're exactly where we want to be.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports