THE MODERATOR: All right, we would like to welcome Nathan Franks to the media center here at the 2025 ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic. Nathan is in the field by virtue of winning The Q at Myrtle Beach.
I guess we will start there. Tell us a little bit about your experience at The Q and how much it means to get into this event.
NATHAN FRANKS: It was awesome. First time I played in front of that many cameras and it was a little nerve-wracking at the same time.
Q. What are you looking forward to most this week as your PGA TOUR debut?
NATHAN FRANKS: Looking forward to a chance or to get a chance to compete against some of the best players in the world and see where I am and where I need to get better.
Q. As far as this week is concerned, what does success look like for you?
NATHAN FRANKS: That's a hard question. I don't know. Just going out there and playing as good as I can; see where that ends up.
Q. How did you even receive this invitation and why do you think you were chosen to be one of those guys with all the golfers and all?
NATHAN FRANKS: I'm not sure why I was chosen, but my coach got an email and told me about it. I was just excited to play in it.
Q. Maybe for those who are less familiar with your game what's your strong suit? Is it off the tee? Irons? Putting? What are you most comfortable with?
NATHAN FRANKS: I guess with everybody, it depends on the day. But I usually hit my driver pretty well, or straight, not very far.
Once I get in play I can go good.
Q. Do you remember as a kid would you come out to any PGA TOUR events? Do you have any memories of a specific tournament or following around any players?
NATHAN FRANKS: I went out to Quail a couple times with my dad and always wanted to go see Rory and Tiger, like everybody else.
Been to the Masters few times.
Q. Were you a kid that would try to get a ball or autograph signed?
NATHAN FRANKS: Not really. I just liked sitting on the range and watching everybody practice and looking at all the different swings.
Q. Any players specific to this field you're looking at possibly meeting or chatting with, picking their brain on their game?
NATHAN FRANKS: All of them I guess. I don't know. (Smiling.)
Q. You are a Gamecock, sitting in CCU territory, and you had rivalry with Andrew Swanson for closest to the pin, Clemson Tiger. What made you chose Gamecocks out of these three powerhouses we have in South Carolina?
NATHAN FRANKS: I mean, our practice facility is awesome and we have a great business school only an hour and a half from home. Campus is only an hour from my home course, so I think that had a lot to do with it.
Q. Where is your home course?
NATHAN FRANKS: Musgrave Mill in Clinton.
Q. And are you excited to play with everybody over the next few days? How do you fancy your chances?
NATHAN FRANKS: I'm excited. I mean, I don't know, I'm excited to play.
Q. If I'm not mistaken, your regional is in Washington State.
NATHAN FRANKS: Yes.
Q. It would be Monday, correct?
NATHAN FRANKS: Yes.
Q. So what kind of travel arrangements have been made for you if you make the cut, play through Sunday, and have to be across the country and teeing it up the next morning?
NATHAN FRANKS: Still trying to work that out. Coach is working on it. He told me to play and we'll figure it out.
Q. Sticking with college and tournament play, what does preparation for tournament during the week of look like, and maybe even in comparison to this week? Does much change?
NATHAN FRANKS: I mean, more practice rounds this week, but actually preparing and getting ready, not much changes. Just getting as much practice in as you can and get your game in as good of a place as you can before the tournament starts.
Q. Growing up playing golf, I know you have a couple individual wins in college if I'm not mistaken; going back to your childhood, when did you know golf would be something you wanted to pursue?
NATHAN FRANKS: When I told my dad I didn't want to play baseball anymore. (Laughter.)
Q. A lot of people are traveling in for this around the world. How does it feel to be a Gamecock competing in your home state?
NATHAN FRANKS: I mean, it's cool to actually get to play in a PGA TOUR in South Carolina. It's awesome.
Q. Just growing up in South Carolina, how much did you play down here as a junior and what were your thoughts on Myrtle Beach growing up and coming here and playing in a PGA TOUR event?
NATHAN FRANKS: I mean, until I -- I played in the DJ World Junior my sophomore year I think. I think COVID canceled the junior year one.
Up until then I hadn't played in Myrtle Beach a lot. I have since then, like a couple college events; now this.
I mean, it's a cool place.
Q. What are the biggest challenges or mental challenges that you think you'll face during the event this week?
NATHAN FRANKS: I mean, I think just all these guys are really good, and just, I don't know.
I might have to get back to you after the week on that one.
Q. Nathan, so back to the fun stuff. There is a lot of celebrities turning up tomorrow; more than we have ever had here before at Myrtle Beach for the TOUR, which we started last year. I don't know if you're aware of who's coming in, but have you heard any names and who are you excited to see?
NATHAN FRANKS: I haven't heard of anyone who is coming. I haven't looked. I don't know. (Laughter.) Honestly.
Q. Do you have any family or friends that will be following Thursday and Friday for sure?
NATHAN FRANKS: Yeah, I think my parents are coming down. Depends on how my sister plays this week. She has a tournament, too.
Q. What's been the reaction of family or friends or team mates reaching out after they found out you got in?
NATHAN FRANKS: They're all excited and hoping I play well.
Q. I have a question: Do you feel like The Q, competing in that, has prepared you for this with all the cameras? I think there were like 12 or something like that on you guys.
NATHAN FRANKS: Yeah. I mean, yeah, I think definitely takes some getting used to be in front of all the cameras. I think that definitely helped, but I don't know. I think.
THE MODERATOR: Nathan, thank you for the time. Best of luck this week.
NATHAN FRANKS: Thank you.
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