FEDEX ST. JUDE CHAMPIONSHIP

August 13, 2026

Kurt Kitayama

TPC Southwind

Quick Quotes

Q. Opening round 65, highlighted by an eagle on No. 3. What did you like about your round?

KURT KITAYAMA: Really liked how I hit it today, especially my irons. I felt I gave myself a lot of good looks, put myself in a good spot coming into the greens. So I can just hopefully keep hitting it well.

Q. Top 10 here last year. You know this week it's going to be hot. I believe last year you had a 63 second round. What's the key to navigating TPC Southwind?

KURT KITAYAMA: Just staying patient and try not to get too aggressive. I feel like I can get penalized pretty quickly. Miss a green in the wrong spot, with how firm the greens are and the Bermuda, it can get tricky.

Q. You're looking to improve your position to get to East Lake. Where are you feeling most comfortable in your game?

KURT KITAYAMA: Probably my iron play right now feels really good. I feel like overall the game is starting to feel a lot better.

Q. Only two missed cuts this year, lowest you've had in a season on TOUR. Was consistency something you kind of worked to improve on this year, or does that just come with the good playing?

KURT KITAYAMA: Yeah, for sure. I've been working hard on my ball striking. I feel like this year I've hit a lot more greens, and then my putting has improved from last year. I think that's what's kind of helped me be a little more consistent this year.