LA QUINTA (Calif.) — Experience often wins in situations of uncertainty. Few people have the experience that Zach Johnson has on the PGA Tour.
Johnson, soon to be 47 years old, made his debut in his 13th career American Express. He followed up a round 67 at Pete Dye Stadium Course on Thursday with a 4-under-par 68 at La Quinta Country Club. Johnson, a 12-time Tour winner, tied for 21st with the 9-under cumulative score.
Johnson’s veteran skills led to five birdies and a single bogey on Friday as mercurial winds kept scoring low. Contrary to Davis Thompson’s American Express leader of 10 under 62 on Thursday, Johnson’s veteran guile led to five birdies and a lone bogey. Harry Hall shot 65 at La Quinta for the second round.
Johnson said that the wind is very evident when you are playing. “Yesterday at PGA West, we had, for most of the time, a max wind of half-a-club. This course is much more protected than yesterday. Today was windy, gusty, and in many directions.
Johnson, who has five top-20 career finishes at American Express, acknowledged some veteran sage when it comes to assessing course conditions.
There is some truth to that. Johnson smiled, “It just means that I’m an older veteran. I don’t know much about ‘wily’ but I do know I’m a veteran.” But I still enjoy the tournament and it has gotten better. This place is a great place to play. I also love the fact that good golf often surfaces in the right way.
Johnson, who was a two-time major champion, was appointed captain of the American team at the 44th Ryder Cup matches in Rome, Italy from Sept. 29 through Oct. 1.
The captain, who was a player on five Ryder Cup teams and four Presidents Cup teams, said that La Quinta is more than just about his quest for the American Express title.
Johnson stated that Johnson has the ability to massage pairings if necessary. The beauty of captaincy is that I am still available out here to play. It’s a gift that I can use. It might be just playing with them on the golf course, or simply hanging out at the locker room, or even going out to dinner.
Thompson, the tournament leader, is raising eyebrows with his start at American Express of 62-64. Johnson however noted that one good day doesn’t make a Ryder Cup.
“It’s only one round. It’s going to take more than one round. However, 10 under is still 10 under. Johnson complimented Thompson’s first round showing, saying, “I don’t care what your place is, you still have to hit shots, and make putts.” It can also go the other direction. There are some studs who will shoot 7 at some point.
The captain will be closely watching his Ryder Cup team, both on and off the course.
Johnson stated, “Some of these young men, I don’t know all that much yet.” Johnson said that based on the history of Presidents Cup to Ryder Cup there are likely some names that we don’t know that might have a chance. This happens almost every year.”
