Invited Celebrity Classic

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Irving, Texas, USA

Las Colinas Country Club

Mark Hensby

Quick Quotes


Q. Took a little bit for the playoff holes, but you got it done. First PGA TOUR Champions victory. Taking in that moment, what does it mean to have your first win out here?

MARK HENSBY: Obviously now I can set a schedule. I know what I'm going to get in now. That's obviously the best part of it.

I would have liked to have played a little better today. I didn't play exceptionally well. But once I saw I still had close to the lead there with three to go, I kind of knuckled down and got it done.

Q. What do you think this means? Does this just give you the confirmation and validation and confidence moving forward that you have this win under your belt, just kind of that hunger for more?

MARK HENSBY: Yeah, I think so. I think once you win, it takes -- it kind of gets that -- I don't know, not so much pressure, but just that monkey off your back that you feel like you should win. Hopefully now it takes a little pressure off knowing that you're in every week, and yeah, looking forward to it.

Q. We talked earlier and you talked about not proving to anybody. You had nothing to prove to anybody. Any different feeling with that today?

MARK HENSBY: Yeah, a little bit. I think the harsh reality of this Tour in general is it's hard for guys like me to get out here. You write to tournament directors and it's pretty much an instant no or a no response, which is kind of a little sad, so to speak. Now at least I don't have to worry about that and I can just go on with my business and make my schedule how I want and play where I want.

Q. Does this make you and your wife's decision in December worthwhile now?

MARK HENSBY: Oh, for sure. For sure. Yeah, for sure. As I said, we've seen the article and everything that we've done in it. It's definitely more rewarding now knowing that what we did has come to what it has right now, for sure.

Q. You gave him a shout-out, but what does it mean to have Wayne on your bag this week?

MARK HENSBY: Oh, great. He works really hard. He tried to talk me out of hitting that 3-wood in regulation, and I'm like, no, dude, I'm feeling it, so I'm hitting it.

But he did a great job this week. As you know, caddies, it's a tough job. I wouldn't want it, I can tell you that. But no, he did a great job, and hopefully we can get a few more wins going forward.

Q. What are you going to do to celebrate tonight?

MARK HENSBY: I'm tired. I was going to drive back to San Antonio, but I'm going to stay here tonight. I'm going to have a few drinks and just relax.

Q. This is your first win since 2004, John Deere?

MARK HENSBY: Yes.

Q. How does it compare to the 2004 John Deere? How does this one stack up? Did you think you would see this day?

MARK HENSBY: You know, I had a couple of mini tour wins, so I know that doesn't count as anything, but I think that -- actually I never thought about it until you just said it.

I think it's just a relief when you win on any tour, to know that you've got some status now. In that respect, it feels pretty much the same, yeah.

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
132214-1-1002 2023-04-24 01:16:00 GMT

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