Oct. 3, 2012

STANFORD, Calif. - Patrick Rodgers and David Boote discuss their performance at the Olympia Fields/Fighting Illini Invitational. Rodgers won the event for the second consecutive year and Boote tied for seventh in his first collegiate event.

Patrick Rodgers

How have things changed this year?
"Last year it was a learning experience for me, getting used to a big life change and playing team golf for Stanford. This year I really knew what to expect and I had a lot of confidence from my experience last year. Being a sophomore you play a little bit different of a role and I'm really excited that the season has started."

Why are you so successful at Olympia Fields?
"Olympia Fields isn't too far from where I grew up and played golf my whole life. The original designer, Tom Bendelow, also designed my home course in Indianapolis and there's a lot of connection with Midwest golf. I love playing those style of courses and I feel really comfortable out there and it seems to bring out the best in my game."

How do you feel you played out there?
"The first day was windy and difficult, and I was fighting it a little bit. I was able to keep myself in the mix and keep the team within striking distance. I really found some nice form the last two days. I played smart golf and was in control of the golf ball and was able to minimize my mistakes over the last 36 holes. I gave myself a lot of opportunities and was able to strike it well enough to not let the difficult conditions get to me."

Was there one hole that really impacted your performance?
"The second round we started on the tenth hole and I hit a mediocre drive and got a bad bounce into a difficult lie. My third shot, I hit a really nice chip shot from under some trees from 50 yards out and got it within four feet to make par on the first hole of the round. I didn't make a bogey for the round and that helped me build some momentum for the rest of the tournament."

"He's an impressive player and comes with some impressive accolades from Europe. We're really excited to have him as part of the team. It's challenging coming from Europe and playing on American style golf courses, but he's adjusted really well and we're very happy with the way he played. We know he's capable of performing at that level and more, and we're excited to see what the season brings."

David Boote

How was it playing in your first collegiate event?
"I'd heard a lot about the high standard of college golf when I came over here, and I was a little bit nervous starting off. I was able to settle in pretty quickly, which was good. I was more excited to get going than anything. I felt like I played pretty well with the exception of a shot here or there, it was a really tough golf course. It's nice to play well in my first event and it was pretty cool to watch Patrick Rodgers win the tournament. It's nice to be around a good team."

Was there one hole that really impacted your performance?
"My shot during the final round on 17. It was very similar to playing back home, a links-style shot. I was chatting it through with (Enlight Foundation Assistant) Coach Philip Rowe. We're both British and we pictured running the ball up low from a landing point short of the green, and using a six-iron from 170 yards out I was able to put it within eight feet and make birdie. I was struggling a bit midway though the round and that shot got me back into the top-10."

What was it like playing in your first tournament with Knowles Family Director of Men's Golf and Head Coach Ray and Coach Rowe?
"Both Coach Ray and Coach Rowe were fantastic. They were both very helpful to me encouraging me to just go out and play my game and not worry so much about scores. Coach Rowe came out to follow me around for a few holes and it's nice to have somebody there to chat with and discuss shots. They're both great coaches and it was great having them out there."