Zach Johnson’s Champions Tour Debut: A Fresh Era Begins
Zach Johnson didn’t need much convincing, but every once in a although, he would get a text from Stewart Cink and all it would say was “top 10.” The joke being, Johnson, famously one of the shorter hitters on the PGA TOUR, ought to just make the jump to PGA TOUR Champions where his greatest inhibitor would suddenly grow a strength. Johnson would laugh it off, but until this week, it hasn’t mattered. He wasn’t eligible.
Well, now he is. Johnson turned 50 on Feb. 24 and will waste little time in making the jump to the Champions Tour. He announced Tuesday that he will make his debut at the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational next week.
The Advantage of Experience on the Champions Tour
“I am invigorated to go out there and, you know, not accept a head cover off on a par 4,” Johnson said with a chuckle. “I’m not taking it for granted. I feel like I’ve earned my diploma and I’m gonna make the jump to greener pastures, more or less.”
Johnson expects to play a full Champions Tour schedule in addition to “maybe three” events on TOUR. He still plans to play the John Deere Classic and won’t miss Davis Love III’s The RSM Classic. He likewise has his lifelong exemption into the Masters and can play The Open Championship until age 60.
Navigating the Challenges of Senior Competition
Then again, Johnson would like to make one thing clear. He doesn’t expect this to be straightforward. As he’s prepped for his Champions Tour debut, he’s received plenty of texts from family and friends who expect him to “dominate.” That’s due to the unique circumstances on the Champions Tour, in which its “rookies” are often top dogs because they are younger and freshly battle-tested from life on the main tour. Johnson fits this mold, having played at least 17 TOUR events for 22 straight seasons. Last year, he finished in a tie for eighth at the Masters. So, yes, he’s had many people tell him they expect him to clean up on the senior circuit.
Johnson said, “I reckon part of me is like, man, I still feel like I got a lot of really good golf in front of me, and I’d love to do that against the best.” He acknowledges the need to stay healthy and recognizes the experience of his competitors. “These guys are good.”
Looking Ahead: A Balanced Schedule and Future Goals
Cink and Darren Clarke relayed similar sentiments to Johnson in recent months. Johnson said those two have been the voices he’s leaned on in making this transition. They’ve helped him understand how to prepare, what to expect and where he should play. Clarke made it clear that Johnson needs to arrive out firing.
Johnson expects to apply a golf cart when needed, but still enjoys walking the course. He’s excited for the Principal Charity Classic in Iowa and loves Firestone Country Club. He’s also looking forward to returning to Gleneagles, where he previously competed in the Ryder Cup. He’s even considering hosting his own tournament in the future, though discussions are still preliminary.
“I hope there’s jitters,” he said. “I hope there is, because then I know I’m feeling the right things.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does Zach Johnson make his Champions Tour debut? He will debut at the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational next week.
- Will Zach Johnson continue to play on the PGA TOUR? Yes, he expects to play a few events on the PGA TOUR in addition to a full Champions Tour schedule.
- What are Zach Johnson’s expectations for the Champions Tour? He acknowledges it won’t be easy and expects strong competition from experienced players.
Pro Tip: Staying physically fit and mentally prepared is crucial for success on any tour. Johnson’s commitment to both will be key as he transitions to the Champions Tour.
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