New Open champion Zach Johnson is humbled

Deeply religious and a fine golfer, this is what a tearful and highly emotional Zach Johnson told the world’s golf media moments after his momentous victory.

*There were a lot of emotions after you made that putt on the 72nd hole. How did you get your mind back into thinking there might be a playoff and preparing for that?
ZACH JOHNSON: Yeah, there was emotion there. Clearly because it was the 72nd hole and I had a good round going; that was part of it. I missed one on 18 last week, which was frustrating because I hit a good putt, and you know, the emotion was there briefly because I knew mentally I had to get my emotions in check because I had to get ready for obviously what happened. Clearly I guess I could have won it in 72 holes and I could have lost in 72 holes. I’m just trying to stay in the moment, and at that point get to the range and just warm up and see where things go. I didn’t have any expectations. I did all I can do, and obviously fortunately it went my way.

*How much more special does it make it that there were so many guys playing really well today? ZACH JOHNSON:  Like you said, it was bunched going into today. I felt like if I can get a little bit of momentum early on in the day, then who knows what’s going to happen, and I’m 7-under through 12 holes or whatever it was. I didn’t think it would be quite that significant. But I hit good shots. I had opportunities. I mean, I actually made some putts, I couldn’t deny that. I knew the guys in front of me, like you said, those names, they’re well accomplished. They’re champions. They’re not going to back down. I clearly had to be somewhat aggressive early on in the day because those outward holes are the ones you’ve got to kind of take advantage of.

*You said earlier in the week you quite often feel under the radar mid-tournament. Did you still feel that today and how do you feel now in terms of under the radar?
ZACH JOHNSON: Well, I guess that radar is going bonkers right now. You know, I don’t know. I don’t mind being in that position, you know. I don’t know, I did say that, and when my game is good, certainly I surface on the radar. I don’t know if it’s ever really beeping on me. But you know, I said it back in 2007; I mean, I feel like God gave me the ability to play a game. I try to take it very seriously. I realise it’s just a game. I’m just a guy from Iowa that has been blessed with a talent, and this game provides great opportunity.This isn’t going to define me or my career, at least I hope it doesn’t. It’s not my legacy. Granted, as a professional athlete and as a golfer I’m going to relish this. I’m going to savor this. I’m humbled by this. But my legacy should be my kids, my family, that kind of thing.

*Can you talk a little bit about the magnitude of what Jordan was trying to accomplish today, and as a second part to that question, he was one of the first to congratulate you. What did that mean to you, and can you share what he might have said?
ZACH JOHNSON: Well, he said congratulations and that he was proud.  He is a really good friend of mine. Granted, he’s 18 years my age, younger, which is perspective. I can’t describe the magnitude as to what he was going through because I’ve never been in that position certainly. I mean, he could be sitting here. Now he’s made his share of putts over the last odd months, but to have a champion like Jordan take the time on 18 to give me best wishes, speaks volumes as to what he is. He’s a phenomenal talent, and I’m telling you right now, he’s a better person than he is golfer.

*Will you be a poster boy for The Open next year?
ZACH JOHNSON: That’s one phrase I’ve never heard coined with me.

What was going through your mind when Louis lipped out there? You just kind of looked shocked.
ZACH JOHNSON: Well, I was standing there. Honestly, I was reciting some scripture that I have in my book just to keep me in the moment. I was doing it all day, all week, and I was getting prepared for a tee shot on 18. I’ve got to be honest with you. It wasn’t one of those, if he misses or if he makes. I was essentially trying to process if he made it and get ready for 18. You know, you’re talking about a guy that — he’s obviously carried this Jug before. Good chance he could do it again because his game is suited to this, and many more majors. He’s younger than I am, too. You never want to see a tournament or a championship, specifically The Open, end on a miss. I don’t particularly care to see that, either, as a spectator, but fortunately I made a few prior to that that put me in that position, so I feel blessed.

*You used the word humble a few times. Can you describe the why and how you are truly humbled by this more than ever before, and if we told you 15 years ago a Green Jacket and a Claret Jug —
ZACH JOHNSON: I mean, I would have said, whose am I trying on, and whose am I touching? It takes me back to when I turned professional. You could even go back further than that when I was playing as a youngster. These are the things you dream about. These are the things you’ve worked to get to. I’m humbled because there’s a lot of individuals that have put me in this position that trust in me, and I trust in them. I’m humbled by, I think, the talent that I’ve been given, and I’m humbled right now because of what’s in my lap and the names that are etched on this piece of metal that is very special. It’s the who’s who in the game. It’s the guys that paved the way. It’s the individuals that are historic in sports. I’ve said it in ’07. I’m humbled, I’m honoured, and it’s still beyond surreal.

*Augusta National, the Old Course at St. Andrews, can you just give your feelings on winning on two of the greatest venues, and is there any other golf course where you really want to win on now?
ZACH JOHNSON: Yeah, no, I said it in ’07, and I continue to say it now with The Open Championship: It’s a feat to be invited and an honour to be invited to those tournaments, and to win at Augusta and to win The Open Championship at St. Andrews, it’s hard to put it into words, as a golfer, as an athlete, as a guy — I’m not rich in history, I can tell you that. I’m not a great historian. I know the little things that probably most know, but I do know that this is the birthplace of a great game and a place that has fantastic fans. The venue is just — for those that love the game, this needs to be on their bucket list and I love playing it. I’ve said it many, many, many times: This championship, now it may sound corny because look what I’m holding, but it’s probably my most fun golf tournament inside the ropes. Ryder Cup is the Ryder Cup, Augusta is Augusta, I get that. But I just respect and appreciate what this tournament is all about and I could go on and on about that. It’s the best. Sorry, the second part of your question. I’m kind of a classic guy. I like the classic ones. I don’t need anything that’s 8,000 yards; how about that?

*Could you tell us a little bit more about the scripture you said you were reciting on the way around?
ZACH JOHNSON: I had Psalms 24:17, which was, “Wait for the Lord” — now you’re quizzing me. “Be patient, wait for the Lord. Be courageous, be brave. Yes, wait for the Lord.”

* As the years wore on, did you ever think maybe that’s the one major I know might not come, but did you always feel that if you just kept doing what you were doing you would win another major some day?
ZACH JOHNSON: You know, I never really thought I’d win one. Then you get one, and certainly you feel like you can win more, and you want to win more. It drives you, motivates you to practice and get better. I feel like I’m a better player now than I was then. I don’t want to sit here and say that I expect to because that couldn’t be further from the truth, especially with the individuals — going back to a one of the questions earlier — who are playing this game and playing at a high level, but it’s a dream realised. I am a little bit in shock. I think at some point it’ll settle in as to what was done. I can tell you the team I have around me has instilled a belief in me that this could happen, and I put myself in position in other major championships to win. Putting yourself in position to win a major championship is hard. It’s just — then when you actually do it, certainly you’ve got to have a bounce go your way or something, and it went my way, certainly, this week.

*What’s it going to mean to you to share that trophy and this victory with your family?
ZACH JOHNSON: It’s going to be very special. Very, very special. I really do love golf. There’s times when I like it. Certainly there’s moments I do love it, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve enjoyed practising more. You know, this is certainly a sharing moment, and fortunately we get to have it for at least a year. I’m ecstatic to share it with them.