Zach Johnson takes out frustration on driving range before superb second round

Zach Johnson took out his frustrations on the driving range before turning his latest Open challenge around with a superb second-round 66 at Royal Birkdale.

The 2015 champion endured a tough start on Thursday as he carded a five-over-par 75.

It left him in angry mood as he practised later in the day but he felt that session did him good as he returned to record five birdies on Friday.

The American said: “After my round I went to the range and hit a lot of drivers and hit a lot of good ones too.

“I got mad, too, which was good. I let it out, I was upset. I wasn’t furious and bouncing off the walls but I was just upset with my performance because I felt great coming into the week.

“My saving grace yesterday was, I guess, it couldn’t be a whole lot worse.

“Today was solid, there were so many positives. I don’t know where to start. It was a lot of fun.”

Johnson’s performance was likely to keep him alive in the tournament and, with poor weather expected later on second round day, his position could improve further before Saturday.

The 41-year-old, whose victory at St Andrews two years ago came in a tournament marred by bad weather, said: “I had mildly good expectations coming into this week. I love this tournament.

“I feel good. Based on the last two days, you never know what is going to happen tomorrow. Hopefully there’s some confidence, momentum for the rest of the weekend.”

He added sarcastically: “It would be a shame if it poured and blew a little harder, it would be a crying shame.”