One of the great things about sports is the occasion when we get to witness the very best of an athlete’s character. When it happens we feel inspired and motivated, and often teary-eyed, too. The 2007 Masters Golf Tournament provided one of those moments when victory on the field of competition manifested all that we hope to find in a true champion.
Zach Johnson, a 31-year-old native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has credentials that make him among the most unlikely golfers to win the coveted Green Jacket. He was steady as a rock with a three under par 69 score in the final round. Johnson seemed at total ease and in full control throughout the round holding up while so many more seasoned veterans wilted, and even brushing off a charge from the stalking, seemingly unbeatable Tiger Woods.
Johnson demonstrated humility, faith, decency, honesty, and respect while the world watched him perform at the most important moment of his young life. After draining his last putt on the 18th green, he embraced his wife, infant son Will, and other friends and family before a microphone was thrust in his face and he was asked for a comment.
He said, “You know, today was a day of perseverance and patience, I guess. You know, I felt like my game was good coming into today. I felt like I had a chance to really move up the board. I don’t even know what I shot, but I know that I had a lot of people giving me some good words of wisdom over the last week. My coaches clearly, our Tour chaplain, and being Easter Sunday, I felt like there was certainly another power that was walking with me and guiding me. So that’s where things stand. You know, I just feel very blessed and very honored.”
After all the pageantry of the awarding of the famed Green Jacket of Augusta and the Masters Tournament, Johnson introduced himself to the media by saying, “I’m Zach Johnson, and I’m from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. That’s about it. I’m just a normal guy.”
Maybe so, Mr. Johnson, but you’re also the reason they call where you come from “the Heartland,” and you give us all reason to believe that the best of American traditional values are still alive and well. God bless.