Saudi LIV golf rebel Dustin Johnson leads the Open after impressing on the second day of action at St Andrews… with England’s Tyrrell Hatton just a shot away from the lead
- Saudi LIV golf rebel Dustin Johnson leads the Open after day two action
- England’s Tyrrell Hatton is just a shot away from the lead at 66
- Golfers who have joined the Saudi LIV series say they’ve been “getting a lot of criticism” lately
- Talor Gooch says these golfers have “grouped together” amid criticism from LIV
Saudi LIV Gulf rebel Dustin Johnson leads The opening after impressing on the second day of action at St Andrews.
The American is now leading the field after Cameron Young held the lead on day one, but Johnson dethroned him after hitting 67 on lap 2.
England’s Tyrrell Hatton is just a shot away from the lead after hitting one less than Johnson after scoring 70 points from day one.
Saudi LIV golf rebel Dustin Johnson leads the Open after action at St Andrews
Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live, Johnson said: “I played really solidly the first two days. Hit a lot of really good shots and just play well.
“Pin locations were tricky – hard to get if you wanted to get close to them. Playing from the rough was a challenge and I think I did a really good job.’
“I would imagine that probably 12 under would be the lead after the day. I’m in a good place to go for the weekend.
In June it was confirmed that The Open would allow all qualifying players to perform in Fife, even if they had defected to play in the Saudi Arabia-sponsored LIV Golf Invitational Series.
Johnson fucked three of his last five holes to take the championship
Less than half of those who have moved to LIV are in the top 50 in the world rankings – however there are a number of elite players who are below, such as Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Louis Oosthuizen.
American Talor Gooch even claimed LIV golf rebels were held together by the racquet they received after joining the Saudi-backed Breakaway Tour.
Gooch said: “I think there are undoubtedly some strong players. The testimonies of all speak for themselves. It’s obviously cool for me to see other guys out there playing well. We’ve received a lot of criticism for what we’ve been doing here lately.
“I think one thing that can’t be questioned is the quality of the players that are there. Did some of the things said by the R&A this week shake us up at all? Yes! Secure. Everyone, it feels, is against us and that’s okay. It brought us together, I think.”
Talor Gooch claims LIV gulf rebels were held together by the stick they received
