Iowa celebrates 'Zach Johnson Day'
TODAY: (Updated 2:51 p.m.) DES MOINES — Zach Johnson pulled out the word “overwhelming” Thursday with the frequency of a favorite putter.
The Iowa native and Master’s golf tournament champion employed it several times after Gov. Chet Culver proclaimed Thursday “Zach Johnson Day” in a Statehouse rotunda jammed by several hundred cheering Iowans.
Johnson smiled and shook his head as he received an ovation that would have been the envy of most politicians.
“It’s a bit overwhelming, to say the least,” Johnson told the crowd.
He also used it after posing for photos with dozens of young golfers, old duffers and longtime friends who lined up to spend just a moment with a champion in Culver’s formal office. Many were dressed as if they had just walked off the 18th green, clutching hats and other golf gear they hoped would soon bear Johnson’s signature.
“I’m overwhelmed. It’s unbelievable,” Johnson said. “It’s unnecessary.”
“It’s well-deserved,” Culver quickly interjected.
It’s been more than a month since Johnson electrified his home state with his Master’s victory on Easter Sunday — becoming the first Iowan ever to wear the storied tournament’s coveted green jacket. He followed that major win with a victory at the AT&T Classic last weekend.
The golf world is taking notice of the soft-spoken Cedar Rapids native and Drake University graduate. On Thursday, it was Iowa’s turn to pile on accolades.
“This is pretty awesome,” said Alyssa Gisch, a golf team member at Bishop Garrigan High School in Algona. The three-time state champion Bears were among several high school teams invited to take part in the festivities. “We have all of our hats and balls to be autographed, so we’re all pretty pumped.”
Gisch, a senior, and her smiling teammates were soon standing next to Johnson for a photo.
“I think it’s just amazing that he came from small-town Iowa,” said Garrigan senior Laura O’Kane.
University of Northern Iowa golf coach John Bermel was among those who waited in line to greet Johnson with handshakes and hugs. It was Bermel’s brother, Jamie, who recruited Johnson to play at Drake.
“He said, ‘Hey, I just signed the best player in the state of Iowa.’ I said, ‘Who’s that?’” Bermel said, recalling that Johnson wasn’t even the No. 1 golfer on his high school team at Cedar Rapids Regis.
Bermel said Johnson’s steady rise is an inspiration to Iowa golfers.
“It’s unbelievable how much it’s impacted this state,” Bermel said. “Now it’s got every kid who plays No. 2-man at their high school team, every No. 2 or three man at their college team thinking they can win the Master’s someday.”
Johnson said he’s been on an emotional “roller coaster ride” since his own Master’s victory. Thursday, he said, was one of the high points.
“It surprises me, but it doesn’t surprise me, because I know what this state’s about,” Johnson said.
Culver predicted Johnson would give Iowans more to celebrate.
“His best days are ahead of him,” Culver said. “It’s possible we’ll have another Zach Johnson Day soon.”
Todd Dorman can be reached at (515) 243-0138 or at todd.dorman@lee.net. Comment on this story at www.qctimes.com.