AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > April > 08 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USMild-mannered man masters field
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Furman Bisher
Augusta — Zach Johnson behaved just as you would expect a corn-fed guy from Iowa to behave. He didn’t exult. He didn’t whoop and throw his cap and mug his caddie. He went to his wife, who held their baby in her arms, and he gave them both a good old family embrace. He had won the Masters Tournament, but, of course, it wasn’t official yet. Four players had to finish their round, including Tiger Woods, whose CBS Network cheering section had virtually awarded him the green jacket after he eagled the 13th hole. That was as close as he would get.
Now, if you’re like most of us, you don’t know a lot about Zachary Harris Johnson. He’s a little better known around the boroughs of Fulton, DeKalb and Gwinnett, for three years ago he won the BellSouth Classic at Sugarloaf. That hardly made him nationally famous. Mild, modest, just like some kid out of “The Music Man,” the story of Mason City.
He’s not some hot-rock who had all the golf industry chasing him with deals he couldn’t resist. He played his way through the Nationwide Tour, got his diploma and settled in Florida. Success on the PGA Tour has come slowly and without sensation, but soundly and solidly. You get the message when he was introduced to the television audience.
It was Easter Sunday. He had finished his round about 6:l0 p.m., and Chairman Billy Payne had transported him to the Butler Cabin for the interview with Jim Nantz of CBS. Zach was telling how he felt about it all and to all those he chose to give credit, beginning with “the Lord Jesus,” which was about as far as he would get along that line. He had had his chances to fold, but his inner self refused to let it happen. Played the par-5s wisely, always laying up.
Then he bogeyed the 17th hole, and would this be the beginning of the crushing collapse? No way. He parred the final hole — he did have to chip up, and did that with finesse — about a foot from the hole. Next stop, Butler Cabin, where Phil Mickelson would transfer the green jacket. That would signify an interruption of the Mickelson-to-Woods-to-Mickelson song and dance for the time.
Now, you will notice the score. Johnson didn’t even have to break par. One over did it, and that’s not the first time. Sam Snead won with the same 289 score in 1954, then beat Ben Hogan in a playoff. Jack Burke won straight up with the same score in 1956, when Ken Venturi, as an amateur, broke under the pressure. And in 1966, Jack Nicklaus won at even par, but only after he’d beaten Tommy Jacobs and Gay Brewer in a playoff.
Score makes no difference. Who’s ahead after 72 holes, and this time it was the mild- natured young dad from Iowa. You will have to say this — he didn’t have to play Woods eyeball to eyeball, feel the Tiger heat and perhaps the gamesmanship at which Tiger is so proficient. But, 289 beats 291, and there you have it.
Mild isn’t always a big seller on this moneybags golf tour. But it’s the nature of Zach Johnson’s roots. He was born within a whoop and a holler of the University of Iowa campus, in Iowa City, but wasn’t offered a scholarship and went to Drake University in Des Moines instead. Still, the press guide identifies him as “an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan,” and that’s legal. His father is a chiropractor, and I’d guess he has seen “Field of Dreams” a few times. Ten good Iowa men invested in his future as a golfer, and they were still with him in Atlanta. And I’d guess they still are, and very proud of it. Iowa proud.
Permalink | Comments (24) | Post your comment | Categories: Furman Bisher, Golf
Comments
By ed lorenzo
April 9, 2007 7:15 AM | Link to this
My analyst insists that Tiger’s loss is due to a serious psychological trauma that associates putting paths with providing comfort to the enemy. He seems to be under Dick Cheney’s dictums of fear and apprehension. My ophthalmologist on the other hand claims that Tiger has the wrong prescription Contact Lenses. My taylor swears it is the cut of the trousers and the red sports shirt. He thinks Tiger should switch to winning colors like light blue, orange and zucchini shades. My lawyer is convinced that Tiger’s problem is strictly a “nolo contendere” stage. I just think he could not read the greens! Back to school, Tiger!
By JB
April 9, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this
Refreshing !!!!!! But as CBS said late Sunday, Tiger must be sick, his health must be bad….What a joke. Way to go Mr. Johnson.
By gatordad
April 9, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
I am ecstatic to see someone so unknown come from out of the blue and win in the thin, rarified air of the Masters…No antics, not for this kid…he just finds his wife and child to give them a hug…A great storybook ending, indeed…
By Max Sizemore
April 9, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
Furman, to say that the “CBS Network cheering section had virtually awarded [Tiger] the green jacket” is simply not correct. The CBS commentators correctly pointed out that he was a threat, and that is all. It is a cheap shot, an unnecessary swipe at the media which is all too common these days (and which you, of all people, should not succumb). Maybe you ARE too old.
By Billy Howard
April 9, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher I enjoyed your outstanding article. It is time SOMEONE WITH RESPECT as yourself admonish the media to close the “Woods Cheering Section”.
Jim Nantz is a wannabe, he and master Hicks of NBC spew Woods praise on my tv tube. In fact, other than the Masters I DON’T BOTHER TO WATCH when Mr. Tiger is playing. No use. Thanks Billy Howard ST. Peters, Mo.
By John Washburn
April 9, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
Howdy
I enjoyed your article about Zach Johnson winning the Masters. He is not the marketing wonder that the networks love to feature.
He is the kind of person that a lot of us can relate to and see that championship feature in him and hope that we have some of that hidden in us.
He certainly looks better without the hat. The smile helps as well.
He was ready and prepared. He did not sound like an accidental champion. I expect that there are a lot more like him on the tour but we never get to know them - all the worship of the commentators go to the lead marketing tools.
Thanks
By Max Muhleman
April 9, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
Another piece of sensitive insight and fine writing by the best in the business.
By Navigator
April 9, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
First let me say that I really like and follow Tiger Woods. At this time he is the second greatest golfer (to Nicklaus). In a few years, he could be the greatest of the modern era. What I don’t like is the network’s trying to turn golf coverage into a one man show. I thought the commentators were going to cry, when Tiger didn’t win the match. Is this what golf coverage is going to be in the future? As far as the outcome of the event, Tiger let his own invincible personna affect his decision making. Had he gone for the sure birdie (16th hole) rather hit into the water, I believe he would have won anyway. He would have only had to makeup 1 stroke on the last two holes. Is a playoff too much trouble?
By ryan
April 9, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
Congratulations go to Johnson as well as sportswriter Tony Jones of the Times-Herald in Newnan who last week picked Johnson to win the Masters. A bold pick and a refreshing change. Perhaps the so-called national experts who always go with Woods, Mickelson or Singh paid attention. This gives Jones the winner for a third consecutive Masters. He tabbed Mickelson last year and Tiger the year before.
By JL
April 9, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
Tiger said two weeks ago that his game was never better heading into Augusta. Somehow, he lost it in just 14 days time. I think he misses his Dad more than just for fatherly advice. Tiger needs him to keep his head screwed on straight. That would explain Tiger’s comments yesterday that he lost the tournament on Thursday and Friday. He needed “Pops” to remind him that he was in the final pairing on Sunday just one shot out of the lead. Not even Pops could have helped with the boneheaded decision to hit a 238 yard banana cut out of the rough on 15 that found the water. I guess Stevie was preoccupied with the broken club from 11.
Congrats to Zach as he executed better than anyone else on Sunday.
By "D" in Houston
April 9, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
Gee “Billy Howard”, I guess I missed it. But, I thought if you were a TRUE fan of ANY sport you would bother to watch the BEST of that sport. I didn’t say root for the guy but at least watch history in the making. The guy is the most single dominating presence in his sport, this early in his career since……..John Wooden, and that’s a maybe! Tiger Woods and Lance Armstrong respectively,have brought their sports to the masses, and guess what……To me watching golf on TV(outside of the Masters, US Open, and Ryder Cup) is as enjoyable as watching paint dry, but playing it? Incredible!
By Not so fast
April 9, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Although I agree that MOST of CBS’s announcers were Tiger-rooting, give a tip of the mic to Nick Faldo for correctly telling everyone Tiger wasn’t sick of ill (after Peter Oosterhaus intimated that he was.) Good job Nasty Nick!!
By Jimmy Etheridge
April 9, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
The thirteenth? Heck, they had virtually awarded him the green jacket before he even teed off.
By Eddie Cook
April 9, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
Congratulations to Zach Johnson. What a marvelous story.
Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are the best golfers in the world, but not this weekend in Augusta.
I agree that CBS and every other network that discusses men’s golf focuses too much attention on Tiger. He is a very gifted athlete and perhaps the best golfer ever, but instead of making excuses for him when he doesn’t win EVERY SINGLE TOURNAMENT, why not go overboard in extolling the virtues of those who do well in the tournaments he does not win.
Now, all of us (myself included) need to step back a little and remember that Tiger did finish tied for second which isn’t too shabby.
Can anyone remember another major tournament that Tiger led on the final day and did not win? I can’t.
Much props to Zach Johnson. What a spectacular show he put on this weekend, particularly on Sunday. WOW!
Yeah, it’s a really nice story to see what kind of man he is off the golf course - a breath of fresh air and seemingly a good guy to boot. But let’s not forget what a fantastic golfer he was this past week. WOW!
By Al
April 9, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
Ok, everyone…stop all of your Tiger-hating. Or Tiger-envy, or Tiger-jealously, etc. Let’s face it, CBS (and every network for that matter) covers Tiger the way they do because Tiger moves the needle…and you know it. No offense to Zach, but I wouldnt go watch Zach Johnson tee it up even if he were playing in my backyard. The galleries aren’t lined up 20 men deep following the every move of “mild mannered” Zach.
I, for one, certainly dont mind the coverage of Tiger. In fact, I say give me more. Heck, he’s the greatest player the sport has ever seen (and yes, that includes Jack - the game is much more open to the world now and the competition is much much greater, but i digress). So why wouldn’t i want to see that?
That said, Zach definitely had a great day…he was throwing darts at the pin on Sunday. Congrats to him. But, if you’re tired of Tiger coverage, you might as well stop watching golf. Cause everyone is still chasing him and will be for years to come.
By Bushwacker
April 9, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
Tiger could take a lesson in CLASS from Zach. Tiger will never be the greatest golfer no matter how many tournaments he wins. Golf is different, its not just about numbers, its about integrity and class as well. Tiger should have been embarassed by what he did on 15. and I quote very loudly, “what the hell just happened here”. 2 things, you did not hit the shot and you displayed poor sportsmanship. Tiger should have been embarassed, the fact he wasn’t just means he’s ARROGANT and CLASSLESS!!
By Bushwacker
April 9, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
AL what competition?
Jack played with 9 different golfers who all won at least 6 majors.
Tiger hasn’t played with anyone who has on more than 3.
And don’t get me started on the equipment.
Come with some game AL!
By Jesse
April 9, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Al…is your last name Sharpton?
By Al
April 9, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Bushwacker - good diaglogue, but a few things.
He will never be the greatest no matter how many tournaments he wins?? Ok, that’s just crazy. So if he wins 100 tourney’s and 20 majors, he’s not the greatest? Again, see Tiger-jealousy and Tiger-hating.
Jack played more people with major championships, Bushwacker, because there were actally FEWER people on the tour CAPABLE of winning majors. Nowadays, there’s 30 to 40 people in the field every time that have the game to put together a major victory. That’s why the majors are spread out across people like Vijay, Goosen, Mickey. Its also why you have a Zach Johnson coming from seemingly off the radar to win. Tiger’s collection of 12 is even more impressive when you consider that.
As far as the equipment. Last I checked, everyone on tour has access to the same stuff. So, its not like Tiger is using anything the others cant grab themselves. Sure the technology is better than yesteryear…but it was also better for Jack than it was for Nelson, and so on. In my book, Jack is still better than Nelson and I wouldnt say that the reason is because Jack had an equipment advantage.
BTW, “what the hell just happened here” was on 17 when he flew it into the bunker. He was expecting to be hitting downwind and came up short.
As far as being arrogant, i dare you to show me any of the greats that weren’t a bit arrogant. I have no problems with that. When you’re that good, there is a level of expectation that you have with your game. Jordan was arrogant. Bird was very arrogant. Montana was definitely arrogant. Jack Nicklaus is positively arrogant. Have you heard Jack’s latest rants on Tiger’s assaults on all of his records? He’s apparently salty that Tiger is about to approach/pass him and that some people, like me, are already annointing him the greatest of all time.
Ok, so maybe the only great that isn’t arrogant is Hank Aaron.
By Al
April 9, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Haha…good one, Jesse. Is your last name Jackson?
By Bushwacker
April 9, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
Al , your not wacthing the golf as me if you think 30 - 40 golfers have a real shot of winning.
And as far as how many Jack played against, meaningless!
The fact is Jack played against 9 guys who were capabale of beating him every week.
You just can’t say honestly there are 2 guys who have a shot at beating Tiger every week.
Jack and Arnie were probably arrogant, but the difference is they never showed it ON THE GOLF COURSE.
You have to agree Tiger needs to work on that part of his game!!
And you are right, Hank Aaron was not only hte greatest baseball player but I say greatest athlete of all time..
The numbers don’t lie.
By Al
April 9, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this
Oh, contraire, my buddy. Jack and Arnie, and every other golfer showed the same level of disgust when things weren’t going well for them.
Come on, Bush, the difference is that Tiger has 30 different camera angles zeroed in on him capturing his every move. They’re fixated on him. They show him, standing, frowning, smiling, spitting, etc. There’s bound to be some off-color moments during 18 holes of golf if you’ve constantly got the camera on someone.
The only part of the game that Tiger needs to work on is his driver. If he could even drive the ball in the fairway half of the time, he’d never lose. The guy scrambles his way to victories and 2nd places.
Did you really say that how many Jack played against is meaningless? uh..say what?
And just who are these 9 golfers with 6 majors each that you keep referring to that could beat Jack on a given day??? You’re really reaching on that one.
By Eddie Cook
April 9, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this
Hey Not So Fast (or anyone else), at what point during the tournament yesterday did Peter Oosterhaus intimate that Tiger was perhaps sick or ill? (I don’t doubt that he did. In fact I have the broadcast recorded and I wanted to go back and hear what both Peter Oosterhaus and Nick Faldo said.)
Thanks.
By David Duncan
April 10, 2007 2:58 AM | Link to this
Zach gave all the credit to Jesus in his Masters victory. What a refeshing credit to this young man’s character. Tiger, if he had won, would have never acknowledged Jesus in his Masters win. This reminds me what Gary Player wrote on the top of his scorecard iin his Masters win in 1978. ” I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me.”