THE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

June 19, 2025

Riccardo Fantinelli

Quick Quotes

Q. Riccardo, describe your feelings now that you're through to the final day.

RICCARDO FANTINELLI: Yeah, it's a lot of fun. I played some good golf, some good bounces, and putter was not very hot this afternoon, but got it done, so I'm very happy to still be here to enjoy the good weather tomorrow.

Q. What was the key to your two victories today?

RICCARDO FANTINELLI: I just took it one shot at a time. I was out there having fun with my caddie and it just happened. I was in the zone.

Q. Now that you know you're obviously through to the final eight, do you sort of allow your mind to start thinking about the final and the big prize or are you still focused on --

RICCARDO FANTINELLI: No, I'm just focused on Nando's dinner tonight and then we'll go from there.

Q. So Nando's is how you're going to be resetting?

RICCARDO FANTINELLI: Oh, yeah, salad and chicken.

Q. The course has obviously developed a little bit over the week. The wind got up this afternoon and it looks like it's dried out. Have the conditions changed how you'll attack Royal St George's at all?

RICCARDO FANTINELLI: Yeah, any change in wind here makes such a big difference, from decision off the tee, flighting your shots more, or having to land it front of the green and let it roll out. It's links golf; that's why it's so much fun. Got to get creative.

Q. Have you had much experience playing links golf? You mentioned you've played the Amateur Championship a few times now.

RICCARDO FANTINELLI: Yeah, I've played it three times, and I also played the Boys' Amateur at Royal Cinque Ports next door. Had a good round, lost in the final, 37th hole. It's good to be back in the area.

Q. Looking ahead to tomorrow, if you were to be successful, how do you think you'll be feeling ahead of the final?

RICCARDO FANTINELLI: Just same as usual. Just focus on shot by shot, don't get ahead of myself, and enjoy the moment because it's pretty special and you don't get this chance every year for sure. I'll just be out there enjoying it.

Q. Are those the learnings that you had from the R&A Boys' Amateur where you went to the final, you've had a 36-hole final before?

RICCARDO FANTINELLI: Yeah, I actually learned a lot from that final. I wish I enjoyed it more. I was so worried about the score. But I'll go out there and have fun, just hit one shot at a time.