The American golfer returns to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship this week to defend the title he won last year by a stroke. He spoke to the media at Abu Dhabi Golf Club on Tuesday.
On the absence of injured world No 2 Rory McIlroy
“It’s a bummer that Rory’s not going to be able to play this week. But the biggest thing is for him to take care of himself and make sure he’s healthy. Does that make me look at the tournament any differently? No. It’s one less top player in the world I have to beat, but the field here is one of the best on the European Tour, and you still have a lot of the top players in the world: three of the major champions from last year are here. It’s not going to be any easier to win.”
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■ Rory McIlroy withdraws from Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship: 'It's bitterly disappointing'
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On his targets for 2017
“The last couple years, the majors have been the No 1 point to look at, especially after 2015, having the good finishes there. Coming off last year, having the win here to start out the year was nice. Just unfortunately I wasn’t able to continue that form individually. But to be a part of teams and to finally be part of a winning Ryder Cup team, that was special. But winning is what I want – win tournaments around the world, but the majors are No 1.”
On Jim Furyk’s appointment as 2018 US Ryder Cup captain
“I think it was just a matter of time. Jim’s awesome. He’s been someone that I’ve looked up to and respected for a long time, and to be able to build a friendship that we’ve built over the past eight years since I’ve been on tour, and to be able to play with him in a Ryder Cup, and then for him to be an assistant. He’s going to be a great captain. I’ve just got to do my part and get some points and make the team now.”
On practice with Dubai-based amateur Rayhan Thomas
“I thought he did great. I know he’s had some success around here and I’ve heard a lot about his game. It was just fun to go out and play nine holes. It’s going to be a great experience for him. I love being able to see young talent coming up, because I feel like it wasn’t very long ago that I was young and fresh coming out on tour. Seems like he has a simple game. Very solid. If he gets off to a good start and gets comfortable, I don’t see any reason why he can’t play well this week.”
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