U.S. ADAPTIVE OPEN

July 7, 2025

Kipp Popert

Woodmont Country Club (South Course)

Quick Quotes

Q. Here with two-time defending champion Kipp Popert who just went out and shot an 11-under 61, which is the record here at the U.S. Adaptive Open for a single round. Dumb question to start off, but what was working out there? Can you just talk us through the round?

KIPP POPERT: Yeah, I played really well obviously. Yeah, my foot has been a bit sore and I managed it pretty well the last couple days. I didn't play a whole practice round; only played like four hole.

Yeah, what was working? Drove it well, wedged it really well, and then holed the putts. I have missed this and it was just nice to be back.

Q. How do you prepare for a championship, especially one where you might have a target on your back coming in as a two-time champion? Do you feel any of that pressure?

KIPP POPERT: I love the pressure and I think it's a good thing. It means you're doing something good if it you've got pressure, so I always enjoy that.

I've had a lot of months this year of boredom, so, yeah, give me all of it. I like it.

Q. So last week you qualified or got through local stage U.S. Amateur qualifying. Do you think that at all prepared are for this round today?

KIPP POPERT: Yeah, that was my third -- my fourth round since my operation. I had a really good caddie, and so, yeah, we played really well there. Yeah, was just good fun.

Q. You mentioned happy to be back. What is it about this event that appeals to you?

KIPP POPERT: You know, growing up I never saw anyone with a disability playing golf apart from myself. Now there is 96 people here playing and in the future hopefully that will be even more. To know there are kids that might be struggling or might want something to look for and look forward to, I think all of us here are just trying to provide I that for them.

It means an awful lot, and I just want to keep growing the sport so this generation and the next generation can play for a living and be sports people, disabled athletes.

Q. I know you've played in some other high level events. Anything confirmed on your schedule? The U.S. Amateur is in progress, right?

KIPP POPERT: Right, so I've U.S. finals on the 14th of July in New York. Again, looking forward to that. I've got to manage my foot, but I like a challenge.

Q. Could you just tell me a little bit about what's been going on with your foot and what the surgery was?

KIPP POPERT: Yeah, so I had toe fusion in January. It's just taken a lot longer than we expected. Sadly I did the operation to try to get off tablets and I'm on more at the moment.

Q. Tablets being painkillers?

KIPP POPERT: Yeah. This has happened a few times knew life and it's never slowed me down. I'm sure I will get to the bottom of it. I'm excited for the future.

Q. Looking pretty good. I think an 11-shot lead right now. I guess you'll sleep well.

KIPP POPERT: Not quite.

Q. Last question here. Talk a little bit about the golf course and how it fits your eye compared to previous years.

KIPP POPERT: Yeah, I mean, I thought the course was awesome. What I like is you've got to hit a lot of shots out there. Tee shot on 13 I think you've got to hit a draw. I naturally fade it or at the moment fade it, so hit a really good draw driver around there.

I think it's really exciting. When they start tucking the pins it'll be even better. The course is in immaculate shape. The rough is nice and thick. Awesome to be here, and I'm just really appreciative of the USGA hosting the event.

Q. You're quite chuffed, right?

KIPP POPERT: I am quite chuffed.