Regardless of being a 47-year-old PGA Tour veteran, Zach Johnson appeared like the most effective gamers on the earth at The American Specific Thursday.
The previous Ryder Cup captain signed for a 10-under 62 at La Quinta Nation Membership, holding a share of the lead with Alex Noren of Sweden after day one.
“I acquired off to a very good begin and gained some momentum. Hit numerous photographs in the course of the membership face,” Johnson mentioned of his first spherical.
“After I had loft in my hand I used to be capable of be aggressive, which is all the time key. Clearly, I putted properly… You bought to seek out your line and hit it down your line right here. This can be a place the place if in case you have any rhythm, any momentum, any semblance of first rate type, you may get it going. [PGA West] is one in every of my favourite stops. It’s simply someday, [but] numerous golf left.”
Certainly, Johnson acquired off to a roaring begin, capturing a 7-under 29 on the entrance facet. He birdied each gap besides the second and third.
He made three extra birdies on the again and didn’t drop a single shot.
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“My course of has been nice with my caddie. I’m attempting to hit the center of the fairways as a lot as attainable, and that’s labored out properly, so [I have to] keep within the second,” he added.
Johnson has two rounds left earlier than Saturday’s 54-hole lower: one on the Pete Dye Stadium Course and one other on the Nicklaus Match Course.
Gamers play three programs—these two and La Quinta—earlier than Sunday’s remaining spherical, which takes place on the Stadium Course at PGA West.
“[PGA West] is legitimately one of many purest locations we play on the PGA Tour year-in, year-out,” Johnson added. “The grass is—it virtually seems pretend.”
Humorous sufficient, Johnson admires this venue a lot that he needs to grow to be a member.
“I really like this place, the membership right here, the membership’s terrific. I instructed the assistant professional at present that if I broke 76, I ought to get a free membership,” Johnson quipped.
“From a situation standpoint, it’s legitimately the most effective amenities I’ve ever set foot on, and I do know my friends; I’m assured they’d say the identical. It’s not massive or intimidating from a distance standpoint, however it’s a must to form your ball.”
Johnson did greater than sufficient to place up his finish of the discount, as he holds the 18-hole lead. However he has not gained because the 2015 Open Championship at St. Andrews, the place he defeated Louis Oosthuizen and Marc Leishman in an exciting playoff.
Possibly if Johnson ends his nine-year victory drought, the membership will welcome him with open arms as a member.
That may make for a very good story, proper? Significantly better than the story of the American staff at Marco Simone, not less than.
Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By means of. Be sure you take a look at @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You may observe him on Twitter @jack_milko as properly.