Media Center Interviews
April 2, 2026
First Round Interview with Andrew Putnam
Q. Andrew, excellent round, tied for the lead at 6 under. If we can get some comments on your play.
ANDREW PUTNAM: Yeah, it was a pretty smooth first nine. We started on the back. The back's usually a little easier. Took advantage of pretty decent scoring conditions. I joked with my caddie that every time I had a 9‑iron I hit it to like two or three feet. I think I had three of them on the back nine I kind of tapped in, and a couple good wedge shots. Yeah, 5 under on the back.
Q. And what were the conditions like out there this afternoon?
ANDREW PUTNAM: Yeah, it was pretty mellow on the first nine. We're used to a lot of wind out here. It got a little tricky at the end. The wind started coming up, a little blustery, couldn't figure it out. I think the morning had pretty still conditions and started getting a little tougher towards the end.
Q. A couple top 15 finishes for you. Just talk about this golf course and how it suits you.
ANDREW PUTNAM: Yeah, this is always a course I kind of circle on the calendar as favorable. Valero treats our families incredibly well and it's a course that fits my game. You've got to drive it straight, and premium on irons. Feel like it's probably my ninth or tenth year here, so always good coming back.
Q. Talk a little bit about your season, T‑2 right out of the gate, American Express. Talk a little bit about the rest of the year and what you're trying to find at this point.
ANDREW PUTNAM: Yeah, been playing pretty good. It's been a weird year with the schedule, not really knowing what I'm getting in. Sixth week in a row right now, probably in the last seven years I never played that much, but just kept getting in. My body felt healthy and felt like my game was in decent shape. Haven't really felt like I've capitalized on how well I've been playing, so hopefully this is the week to do it.
Q. So no fatigue or anything at this point?
ANDREW PUTNAM: Not too bad. It's been fun having my family out for this stretch. They're here this week. Been feeling good.
