“A third victory this season, your first in a WGC and the world number 1 spot, do you realize what is happening to you?
It’s definitely a lot of emotion. I’ve just had a crazy few months. There was my first victory in Phoenix (February 13) and now it’s the third after a long week. I really don’t know how to describe these emotions. I’ve been thinking about winning this tournament since last year (he failed in the final) because coming so close to victory left a funny taste in my mouth. It feels good to finish the job this time. It’s pretty cool to do all of this in front of my family. They supported me so much from the beginning. But I don’t feel like a world number one. I’m the same guy as four months ago and hopefully that won’t change.
It seemed like you were in a weird state all week…
Yes, I would say this place has a special place in my mind and in my heart. I have fond memories of my college years there.at Texas University). It’s been a long journey so far. I struggled in college where I had issues with my swing and my injuries. I had a lot of it during this period. That’s what makes this victory so special.
“I guess I’m making up for lost time a bit”
When did you realize that the world No. 1 spot was within your reach?
Honestly, it never really crossed my mind probably until the last green and I had to erase it really fast because Kis (Kevin Kisner, his opponent in the final) is a hell of a putter and if he had putt in it could have turned the game around. I saw him come back against Adam Scott earlier this week and I didn’t want the same thing to happen to me. So I blocked everything all of a sudden and it was once the match was won that the emotions invaded me.
This first place in the world, have you dreamed of it?
It’s not a goal that I didn’t want to achieve or that I didn’t feel able to achieve. But let’s say I grew up in the Royal Oaks (Dallas’ venerable golf course), wearing long pants to practice, because I wanted to be a professional golfer. That was my dream. I dreamed of being there, I have always been fiercely competitive and being able to play here was already a goal in itself. Ranking never crossed my mind.
43 days ago, you still hadn’t won anything. You are at three victories and world No. 1. How to explain it?
I’m not sure, I guess I’m making up for lost time a bit. I’m a little dizzy, frankly. Obviously I’m happy, but I find it hard to put into words how I felt when Kevin missed his last putt. »
