THE MODERATOR: Great start to the round, highlighted by an eagle. What did you like about your round today?
MAXIMILIAN KIEFFER: First 12 holes were amazing. I was 9-under after 12. I didn't hit the ball amazingly, the ball striking wasn't awesome. I'm still a little jet lagged from last week. The body didn't feel great. But I rode the putter really well. The putting has been the key.
THE MODERATOR: You mentioned jet lag. Coming across from Scottish Open when did you arrive here?
MAXIMILIAN KIEFFER: We arrived Monday evening. It's quite a long traveling. Normally going west is not so difficult. But, yeah, this time it feels a little bit more difficult. Maybe because of the altitude and the heat. So, yeah I'm looking forward to rest now.
THE MODERATOR: What was your practice schedule like? Were you able to see all 18 holes before hand?
MAXIMILIAN KIEFFER: I played nine holes Tuesday, nine holes in the pro-am. It's an amazing place. I'm glad I made the trip. I'm glad I'm here. It's very nice. It's a great golf course. Good chance for us for the European guys to show ourselves in America. So I'm very glad I'm here.
THE MODERATOR: How familiar are you with this format? Different for this week. Have you ever played Stableford before?
MAXIMILIAN KIEFFER: No, never played this format. It's different, that's for sure. You have a bit more aggressive mindset, I think. You want to make more birdies and, yeah, that was good today. Maybe should always have a bit more aggressive mindset.
THE MODERATOR: Does the game plan change any more going into tomorrow's round?
MAXIMILIAN KIEFFER: No, I don't think so. It's just day by day. Four rounds is always a long tournament. So just day by day, shot by shot. But I'm definitely going to try and stay aggressive, try and make as many birdies as I can.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports