THE 153RD OPEN

July 17, 2025

Zach Johnson

Mixed Zone

Q. Overall, how do you feel getting out there in those conditions? How do you feel like you managed everything?

ZACH JOHNSON: I managed average to poor golf early and then didn't take advantage of a couple holes you could get, 5 and 7 in particular. I hit the best drive of probably the day on 7 and snuck a par in. I'm trying to make a 4.

Made a couple nice par putts and a couple good pitches there kind of the latter part of the front, early part of the back. After that, it was really -- it was extremely solid, I should say. It was very solid. Really starting on 10 but specifically 12, 12 on, I don't think I missed a shot and managed to make a few birdies.

I probably should have made one more, 17. Misread the putt. I hit it good coming down, which is good. I've got momentum going into tomorrow, and I've got a short night.

Q. I know Stewart Cink has mentioned to me in the past accepting results right away, not being so high and low with a putt that just missed, for example. I'm curious for you in the moment as you process those kinds of things, how do you feel like you do?

ZACH JOHNSON: I think if I talk to my coaches about it, they feel like -- and my caddie would say the same thing, I'm pretty good about turning the page. Bottom line is you're going to hit some good shots that don't pan out well, and you have to accept it. The game is a game of acceptance. The game is a game of emotionally trying to monitor where you are when you execute a shot that doesn't turn out the way you want it to -- execute it well and doesn't turn out the way you want it to. That's sports, but specifically golf. You hit a bad shot, it turns out bad, so be it; it's a good shot, turns out good, great. But if you hit a bad shot that turns out good, you got lucky. But what are you going to do on the ones where you hit it good that don't turn out the way you want. That's what golf is. It's about measuring, monitoring and understanding your emotions in those situations.

Q. Speaking of those emotions for you, self-talk for you, you mentioned 7, great drive, but you wanted 4 and didn't get it, so how do you manage your inner dialogue?

ZACH JOHNSON: I was chatting my hide -- I didn't want a 6. I almost made a 6. Put myself in a really poor position after my second shot.

But yeah, you're right, that's what it is. It comes down to understanding yourself and understanding that every shot counts and matters, so let's just stay right where your feel are.

Q. Do you feel like Brian does a decent job of -- Bernhard Langer has always told me that they have to keep you motivated, bring the best in you.

ZACH JOHNSON: Smitty? Brian Smith is fantastic. He's a-motional, if you will. I've been fortunate; the guys I've had beside me have been extremely a-motional and very much in the present and understanding that there's perspective.

Q. The Women's Open is coming to Royal Porthcawl in Wales. I imagine you haven't been there. Being a links guy, put yourself in the girls' shoes. You're playing a challenge, taking on a challenge of a new course you haven't played. What types of things help the attitude? What types of things are transferrable as you prepare yourself --

ZACH JOHNSON: It depends on who you are. If you're from Scotland, Wales or England, you're going to be pretty familiar with the turf. But if you're from outside of the UK, my advice is to get your feet on the premises as much as possible. Putt, chip, and just be out there as much as you can because not knowing the golf course makes it very difficult. I missed my first two or three cuts in this tournament, then I had a nice streak, probably 10 to a dozen, maybe more than that, where I made a ton. The more you can get your feet on these types of venues, the better off you are.