Sep 2, 2016:
Paul Peterson (Usa), First Round 64 (-6)
That’s an impressive start?
It was a much better start than last year. I felt really good to get off to a good start. I was reading the greens well and putting the ball in play. I’m continuing my strong wedge game so I’m really happy.
What did you learn from last year?
It is really fun to come and play on this course again. Last year was my first time but it shows how far I’ve come in a year. Some things might have worried me in the past. Now I’m able to see where I want to hit it and do it pretty well.
It was pretty much a hangover last week but you are back to your best this week?
I was so low on energy last week but just happy to make the cut. I got my energy with me now with this nice mountain air and my girlfriend is here with me this week. I’m feeling really good.
Mike Lorenzo-Vera (Ita), First Round 64 (-6)
I just noticed when I signed the card that I had a five under back nine, I knew I was playing well but it was just being consistent. I managed to finish the last three holes in one under. I almost got the watch with a hole in one at 13 but it just hit the pin. I was really accurate all day so I’m very happy about that.
I need some points in the Race to Dubai so I’m playing as well as I can. Hopefully some good rounds will pop up so I’m happy about this.
I’m not going to complain about this course because I shot six under! The grass is really good around the greens now, the chipping is a bit more fair this year but just in case I’m trying to hit every green anyway.
Scott Hend (Aus), First Round 65 (-5)
An eventful end on your first nine holes? (Started from 10th tee)
I made a couple of mistakes. It is not hard to make mistakes out here. I managed to birdie 18 and played solid on the inward nine to have a good round.
It is a tough stretch on 16, 17 and 18?
The 16th hole is quite tough. The green is tricky. But you try and hold on through that part of the round and take advantage of the rest of the golf course.
What suits your game on this course?
Nothing… This is a very precision type golf course as you can tell from all the past winners. It is not a golf course which you can bludgeoned to death. A lot of patience is needed here.
You have to put in more thought into your shots because of how the altitude affects the yardages?
We teed off at 8am and for the first nine holes the ball doesn’t go as far but as it warms up you pick up another three or five yards on your irons. You have to be aware of how the conditions are, when it is heating up or where the wind is coming from. It can be quite tricky for the guys who are playing here for the first time.
How does this golf course rank in your top-10?
This course is one of the top-fives for me. It is beautiful here and I always look forward to coming back here. The golf course drives you nuts but to be here in the surroundings is phenomenal.
Li Hao-tong (Chn), First Round 65 (-5)
That’s a good finish for you?
It was a tough start for me (bogeys on hole 11 & 12) but I played quite well after that. I had a lot of birdie chances and sank a lot of putts. I’m looking forward to the next three rounds.
What pleased you most about your game?
I’m more consistent as compared to the last few weeks. I’m working with a new coach and it seems to be paying off.
What do you think of Crans?
This is my second time here. I played here three years ago and I enjoy the food and the place. I’m very happy to be here.
Danny Willett (Eng), First Round 65 (-5)
Did it all go according to plan?
Not really. It was an early start and I had a terrible warm-up this morning. This is one of the places where you have to get it into position off the tees. I got the ball into play on the first few holes and felt a little bit better. After six holes I made a few good golf shots. This course suits my eye for some reason, it always has. I rolled the ball good and didn’t quite expect a 65 this morning.
Been playing golf with your caddy?
We have been. He told me that I’ve got to be playing more during my weeks off instead of hitting loads of balls. We played four or five rounds. Luckily because I played enough rounds at home I feel like my game is there or there about. You kind of hitting a few more shots instead of hitting perfect shots. I think that really helped.
Do you feel like a more experienced player in the Ryder Cup team?
I don’t know to be honest. You class them as rookies in the Ryder Cup but we all have fantastic pedigree. We’ve all won a lot of tournaments around the world. You got some experience in the field as well with Westwood, Garcia, Rory and Stenson. I think there are a lot of hungry guys who want to go out there and show what they can do.
Looking forward to the first day?
I’m a little bit nervous but I’m looking forward to standing on the tee. People say it is the most nerve wracking tee in golf but I’m looking forward to being on there and taking on some Americans.
What do you think the winning score will be at the Omega European Masters?
If the wind blows the greens are faster and firmer. You can get out of position pretty quick. If you can get to -13 or -14 at Crans, I don’t think you will be far away. There are guys day-to-day who shoot six or eight under but rarely do the guys put four of them together. Out of nowhere this course can jump up and bite you.
Asian Tour Release
