Culver touts Zach Johnson, flood relief efforts at JDC

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By Craig DeVrieze | Thursday, July 10, 2008 |

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver watches the tee shot of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native Zach Johnson Thursday on the 12th hole of the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill. (John Schultz/Quad-City Times) Buy this Photo

SILVIS, Ill. — He wasn’t sporting a “Zach Attack’’ T-shirt like many in Thursday’s soggy John Deere Classic crowd.

Still, Iowa’s First Golf Fan was on hand to wish Iowa’s best golfer good luck in his quest to win the tourney played so close to Johnson’s hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver also managed to make a pitch for funds for flood-devastated Cedar Rapids and other recovering parts of the state.

Johnson is a key spokesman for a PGA Tour program that will raise money for flood relief through golfer and fan donations. Culver said that program is certain to help many Iowans and added that he is impressed with Johnson’s efforts on his home state’s behalf.

“I really am,’’ Culver said. “I (also) want to thank all the people in eastern Iowa, across the Midwest, (and) our friends in Illinois who have been so generous. We have had sports figures like Zach Johnson, Kurt Warner and others who have really stepped up and helped.

“I’m also doing what I can to promote our Embrace Iowa campaign. (Tournament title sponsor John) Deere actually is a member of that private-sector fundraising effort.’’

Culver met Thursday at Deere Run with Deere & Co. chairman and CEO Bob Lane to discuss that program.

“We have raised more than $5 million through corporate and private individuals, including John Deere and Rockwell Collins, who have been so generous,’’ he said. “And we’re going to need that kind of help for the long term to rebuild as well.

“Iowans who want to contribute and help fill in the gaps with individuals and communities across the state can go to embraceiowa.org and pitch in. We have just been overwhelmed with the response.’’

After his meeting with Deere representatives, Culver had a quick meeting with Johnson between the ninth green and 10th tee and then settled down to watch some more golf.

It was a rare moment of recreation for the politician, who said his focus has been flood-affected Iowans for the better part of a month. Still, the Democrat said he wanted to take the opportunity to support both Johnson and the bistate PGA Tour event that is helped by funds from the Iowa Department of Economic Development.

“I think it is important for the State of Iowa to be involved in great sporting events like this one,’’ he said.

Culver is also an avowed fan of professional golf and particularly of home state hero Johnson. In April, he attended the first round of the Masters in Augusta, Ga., where Johnson was defending the first major title won by an Iowan since Bettendorf’s Jack Fleck won the 1955 U.S. Open.

“Zach Johnson is an Iowan that makes us all very proud,’’ Culver said. “I … wanted to be here to try to connect with him at some point today. We’re all very proud of Zach and his family, and I just want to lend my support.’’

Culver is also a part-time golfer who wouldn’t mind someday taking at crack at TPC Deere Run.

“My primary focus right now is on the state and on the people of Iowa,’’ he said. “Maybe I’ll get out for a round before the end of summer, but for now I just want to be a fan.’’

Craig DeVrieze can be contacted at (563) 333-2610 or cdevrieze@qctimes.com.