Q. Fantastic round of 62. Started with six consecutive birdies. What were you thinking as those six holes were unfolding?
ALEJANDRO DEL REY: I just knew if I hit a couple good drives on the first couple holes, I'd have good chances of making some birdies, and it was a little bit of everything. I mean, good drive on 1. You set up a really good option.
No. 2 is always playing tough, and then just followed up with good shots in good moments, I guess, and made a couple long-ish putts that you take them as they come and not really expecting them but yeah, pretty happy. Very happy with the start.
Q. Do the numbers 5 and 9 enter into your head like they do ours?
ALEJANDRO DEL REY: At some, but of course it's playing a par-70. So it's a touch easier but you can never say it's easy shooting 59.
After six holes, I was 6-under through six but still didn't feel like I was hitting the ball as good as I probably wanted. I don't know, hitting decent shots at the right moment and making putts, but I still struggled a little bit off the tee all day. Trying to keep it in the fairway; that's been tough so far this week.
Q. You were the last man in the field replacing Sebastian Söderberg. So that meant you got a cracking draw with Rickie Fowler and Adam Scott. Was it inspiring to be in that sort of company?
ALEJANDRO DEL REY: Yeah, it was really sweet. I played with Adam in Dubai, the final round. I shot a trillion shots. I think I shot like 80; so I wanted my revenge out here this week.
But it was fun. He was very nice both days with me, and just playing with two very good players, it's always amazing. You pick a little bit of their game and you see where I still need to grow.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports