LIV GOLF KOREA

May 3, 2025

Jason Kokrak

Jack Nicklaus Golf Club

Smash GC

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Let's welcome Jason Kokrak from Smash GC.

Jason, well played today. You're currently tied third after shooting 5-under par 67 today here at LIV Golf Korea presented by Coupang Play. Can you talk us through your round today, reflect on your week, how your week has gone so far?

JASON KOKRAK: Playing solid. I said this earlier that it's better to be lucky than good. I've definitely gotten some fortuitous breaks yesterday and a couple today. Made some nice up-and-downs. Made some nice putts. Pleased with how I'm playing.

Drew Steckel and I have been working on quite a few things and changed something small this morning -- well, earlier this week, and it's been paying off. Hit the ball much better the last two days.

Q. Jason, you're currently 37th in the league standings at the halfway point in the season. Do you feel that's a true reflection of how you've played so far this year? What would a mean or a podium finish mean for you this week?

JASON KOKRAK: I'm surprised I'm that high, to be honest. Very poor start to the season. Sundays haven't been good. Saturdays haven't been good, just off. Putting very nicely, but not really doing what I normally do.

I'd like to think I'm more of a ball striker than a good short game player, but making a lot of putts recently. Hopefully the ball striking turns around, and I continue to make the putts.

Just looking forward to the rest of the season. I know this is the halfway point, but anything can happen in the second half of the season. But not the start that I wanted.

Q. The putt on 18 from off the green was the highlight of the day. Can you just talk us through that shot as well?

JASON KOKRAK: Hit a 7-wood. I don't remember the number I had to the flag, but hit 7-wood. I knew I had a backstop behind the pin and to the right. So left it in a good spot out of the drop zone.

It was sort of an into-the-green grainy chip that I didn't really want to chip it, so putted it up there. Honestly I thought I left it short, but it kept rolling out on the green and must have came out better than I thought. Went right in the middle with perfect speed.

Very pleased to make an eagle there. I'm going to need a couple of those, I think tomorrow, to catch Bryson.

Q. Smash GC are currently leading the team championship this week at 21-under par. That's leading by six. The team are sitting at 11th in the standings at the halfway point in the season. What would the win this week mean for you guys here in Korea?

JASON KOKRAK: Along with myself, I don't think BK, Graeme, or Gooch have gotten off to a very good start at all team-wise, individual-wise, kind of collectively. So looking to turn that around tomorrow.

I said earlier Graeme's finding some form, been driving it very nicely. Brooks is always hitting it good. I think if he can hole a couple of putts and get a little momentum and confidence going on the greens.

I think Gooch is finding some form. He played an extremely good round the first round. Obviously today wasn't quite as good, but it's tough to follow up a great round with another one. He's right there. I think he's going to be a key tomorrow.

I think we just take care of business individually, and that will take care of the team.