Q. How would you characterize that round?
JUSTIN THOMAS: It was scrappy. It was a grind. Disappointing. I mean, to finish the way I did was definitely disappointing. But to be even 5-under with how I was driving it was pretty impressive. I just really, for as good as I drove it yesterday, and I felt as in control as I was, I hit some really squirrely drives and try to go figure that out on the range here this afternoon.
But, yeah, I mean, I'm close. I'm in a good spot going into this weekend. Obviously I would like to be a little closer but there's nothing I can do.
Q. What was the difference between how well you drove it yesterday and today, little mechanical things?
JUSTIN THOMAS: Yeah, probably. My tendency with the driver is to get a little long and across the line, and so I would assume that's kind of what it was of. I was trying just to hit shots out there. And I wasn't too far off. The worst drives I hit were really my last two holes on 17 and 18. But I hit a lot of drives that were pretty close, or at least they were solid. But, yeah, just go hopefully iron that out and be good.
Q. How do you feel about the position you put yourself in trying to make up ground heading into the weekend?
JUSTIN THOMAS: I don't know how these guys are going to finish. If one of them birdies December 18, I'm in the same spot I was to start the day, which isn't ideal. I would like to be closer and I feel like I should be. But there's nothing I can do about it. I just, I know that I can shoot a low score out here. I had a chance to do it today with driving it poorly.
So I feel like if I can just get the ball in the fairway, take advantage of the scoring clubs when I can, and keep putting it like I am, I got a chance to shoot a really good score.
Q. Do you enjoy the challenge of a tougher course?
JUSTIN THOMAS: Yeah. It's a lot better than last week. It was a pitch and putt.
Q. Do you feel like that helps you as a chaser?
JUSTIN THOMAS: It's just better, yeah. I mean, you go to a place like last week and you have to really shoot 7-, 8-under just to keep pace. You can play good golf at a place like last week or the week prior and not really gain any ground or lose ground shooting, 3-, 4-under. So a place like this, there's not really a lead that's safe with how tough it can play, but at the end of the day I can't worry about what the other guys are doing I just have to go out and try to make some birdies and stop making mistakes.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports