AUGUSTA, GA. The modern elite golf professional often looks like a Hollywood actor out of central casting. The prototype is a six-foot plus in height, svelte looking sweet swinging golfer.
Tiger Woods personified the transformation during the height of his career.
Athleticism became the norm.
But one golfer has demonstrated a career of remarkable achievement.
When one looks at Zach Johnson one doesn’t automatically think elite pro golfer. His smallish frame – under six feet and weighing a soaking wet with golf shoes on 160-lbs .
But in a pro career that began in 1998 Johnson has won 12 times on the PGA Tour and had 26 total victories globally.
Of all the venues that host major championships the one that seemed the least likely for Zach to be in contention yet alone win was the Masters. The general consensus was that the course was too long and too hilly for someone of his limited physique to be a contender.
Johnson remarkably earned a green jacket in 2007 tying the highest score in tournament history – 289 and a two-shot winning margin over a trio of golfers including Woods.
The first thoughts from many in the golf community was the victory was a fluke tied to extreme weather conditions that took place at that year’s Masters.
Johnson heard the comments but shouldered on. Five years later he did what few ever though would happen. Zach would outlast a number of elite players and win The Open Championship at The Old Course at St. Andrews. Hoisting the Claret Jug was nothing short of a crowning achievement for the two-time major winner.
If there was a disappointment it came in 2023 when serving as the non-playing captain for team USA in the Ryder Cup. The American side was thoroughly vanquished by team Europe.
Johnson remains competitive and at this year’s Masters got back into contention with a near flawless score of 66 – his lowest round in 21 appearances at Augusta. The lone blemish came from a single bogey at the 17th.
How good was his play? The 49-year-old hit 13 of 14 fairways and reached 14 of the 18 green in the regulation stroke.
When 3rd round play commenced Johnson trailed leader Justin Rose by 10 shots. He will now be among the main contenders entering Sunday’s final round.
At some point Johnson will become a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Given how pro golf has become fixated on who is the strongest and longest players – Johnson has made a clear mark in which resilience and perseverance has been his successful calling card.
