Iowa native and Titleist golf ball loyalist Zach Johnson (Pro V1x) will be participating in his 15th consecutive John Deere Classic this week, and it is safe to say that he and Titleist Brand Ambassador Steve Stricker, who also has Midwestern roots and is playing for the 15th time, are the overwhelming fan favorites.
"This is a home game for me, I love this tournament," said Johnson prior to his Tuesday practice round at the Tournament Players Club Deere Run. "It's fantastic to come back here every year. This place is very special to me and my family."
It is special to Johnson for a number of reasons, but the first two were the sponsor's exemptions he received in 2002 and 2003 as a young professional. Although he missed the cut in both, the experiences gave him an inside look at what PGA TOUR competition was like. In 2004, Johnson earned his way into the event, tied for 20th, and has made the cut every year since with the exception of 2007, the same year the two-time major champion won the Masters, the first of his two majors (2015 Open Championship).
"I've embraced the fact that it's a fun week for me because I have family and friends that come out. It doesn't matter if I shoot 78 or 62 here, they're still going to cheer me on. That's pretty special and why it's always been a highlight of my calendar."
Playing well and worrying about what he shoots really hasn't been an issue for Johnson at this event. He has fired a remarkable 28 consecutive rounds in the 60's dating back to 2009, finishing outside the top-3 just once during that span, a tie for 21st in 2010. Since then, he tied for 3rd in 2011, won in a playoff in 2012, lost in a playoff in 2013, was runner-up in 2014, and tied for 3rd last year. He's averaged 20-under-par the last four years.
"I've had some good low rounds," said Johnson in the understatement of the week so far. "There are a lot of factors probably involved. I'm certainly comfortable with the golf course and I'm certainly comfortable with these greens and bent grass. With that comes confidence and oftentimes confidence can breed momentum and just carry over week to week, month to month and year to year."
One thing that is different this year is the tournament being played in August rather than its typical July date due to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Johnson doesn't think the later date will have an impact on what is a golf course in plush condition.
"I don't think it is a whole lot different," said Johnson. "I mean, I grew up in this area and July and August seem to be one month out here. Hot and humid. I don't think it will play any different than if it was held last month."
TPC Deere Run, which is actually located in Silvis, Ill. on the Illinois-Iowa state line, measures 7,268 yards in length, and plays to a par-71 (35-36-71). It is comprised of dramatic elevation changes, including the drivable 358-yard downhill par-4 14th and “Mother Earth.”, the par-3 16th which is just 158 yards, but it’s all carry to a bluff sitting 40 feet above the Rock River. The front of the putting surface is guarded by a shale outcropping and a large bunker.
"This course is always in great shape, especially the greens," said Johnson. "They are big and when you get the ball rolling you can go low. There are three par-5's where you can make birdies and it has a great closing stretch which creates excitement on Sunday."
The course historically yields low scores with Stricker establishing the tournament record of 26-under-par 258 in 210, which included a first round 11-under-par 60. Paul Goydos posted a historic 12-under-par 59 the same day. The defending champion, Titleist Brand Ambassador Jordan Spieth, won last year with a 20-under-par total, the same score Johnson won with in 2012.
Johnson will be teeing up his Titleist Pro V1x on Thursday morning at 8:20 a.m., seeking his second John Deere Classic title. One of his partners will be Stricker, a three-time champion (2009-11).
"Clearly, Steve's track record is most impressive," said Johnson. "And Jordan (Spieth) has won here twice over the last three years. A lot of people think 'oh yeah Zach has won here two or three or four times.' Nope. I've got my one, but I'm hoping for another."
Good luck this week, Zach!
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