Zach Johnson surges into tie for lead at Texas Open

LOS ANGELES: Former British Open champ Zach Johnson played his way into a share of the lead at the halfway stage of the Texas Open, reeling off four straight birdies en route to a seven-under 65.

The 42-year-old has a history “I felt really good coming into the week,” said Johnson, who also

tsolid shots. peddle down. I was striking it well.

is there.”

Under cloudy, windy conditions in San Antonio on Friday, he rolled in six birdies and an eagle to tie for fellow American Ryan Moore, who

third round.

They are one stroke ahead of Andrew Landry and Grayson Murray, at six-under, three shots adrift of the leaders.

Both Johnson’s win here came on a different course, LaCantera Golf Club, but the TPC San Anto-

He is one of just four winners in tournament history, dating to 1922, to successfully defend the

Justin Leonard 2000-01. holed out of a greenside bunker at second eagle of the week. On the putt for his fourth straight birdie.

Johnson has made the cut in all 12 starts this season as he aims for his 13th win on the USPGA Tour.

He said if there is more wind in Saturday’s round it is not going to throw him off.

“I am not afraid of the wind,” Johnson said. “I played well and relished in the wind—what do you call it The Open Championship or some of those other tournaments I played in. It doesn’t matter. It is hard

Moore shot his second straight bogey free round on Friday after

“My distance control has been great and really my ball-striking has been really nice the last few weeks,” Moore said. “The putter just kind of hasn’t been cooperating.”

holes when he rolled in birdie putts from more than 14 feet.