HERO DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC

January 19, 2024

Nicolai Højgaard

Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club

Press Conference

Q. How do you feel about that performance?

NICOLAI HØJGAARD: I feel pretty good out there. I feel like I was playing well. The course played tougher today with firm greens and a little bit more wind than yesterday. So I actually felt like a good round. Didn't really get it going on the back but somehow made up for it on 17. So yeah, a good grind.

Q. They tucked the flags out there today. Difficult to access them. Paramount on driving the ball; did you find that?

NICOLAI HØJGAARD: Yeah, there are certain pins that if you just miss it on the right side, you've got no shot. There's a few out there.

But if you keep it in the fairway, you can have plenty of chances on this course, and that's really the way to play it. If you're going to play well, you're going to hit fairways.

Q. What do you mean, missing 17 on the right-hand side, you have no shot. You slam dunked it for a two. What are you talking about?

NICOLAI HØJGAARD: Yeah, but I mean, it would have been over the green. It's a tough shot from the right side, and you know that but it tough to just miss it. When you have to miss it left, it's tough sometimes to miss it left because you want to hit a good shot on the green. In general, the course is playing as it should. It a great test and looking forward to the week.

Q. You got a chance of playing with your brother tomorrow. Were you aware of that on the board, and how many times has that happened?

NICOLAI HØJGAARD: Yes, I saw his name up there. We've probably played together a couple times in my career as a professional so I think it will be fun. There are a few guys at seven but hopefully it turns out we're going to play together.

Q. Young has a good lead. You're going to have to go low. Are you ready for it?

NICOLAI HØJGAARD: Yeah, I'm ready for it.