Birdie: Zach Johnson’s round
Spieth is not the only one to carry over his John Deere success to St. Andrews. Coming off a third-place finish last week, Johnson fired a six-under 66 on Thursday. Moreover, Johnson's performance came in the afternoon, where the scoring was higher thanks to winds sweeping the grounds. The 2007 Masters winner's game doesn't seem conducive to St. Andrews, as the links has historically been controlled by long bombers. Johnson's past appearances at the Old Course -- failing to make the weekend in 2005 and limping to a T-76 finish in 2010 -- seem to second this sentiment. Yet Johnson has enjoyed recent strong showings at the Open, with a T-9 in 2012 and T6 in 2013, and his iron and short-game play will keep him competitive throughout the weekend. -- Joel Beall