Zach Johnson did exhibit the best kind of performance at the Masters. He ended with a brilliant 6-under 66, his lowest score at Augusta National in 65 career tries. This milestone became an impressive personal capstone and served as an indicator of just how much Johnson has improved this season. Later, Johnson would look back on his round with appreciation. He attributed his best round ever to an unexpected connection—his chemistry with Jon Rahm.
Johnson’s 69 was highlighted by six birdies coming during an incredible eight-hole stretch. He was scary accurate, especially at the par-5 15th, where he delivered two stunning blows. First, he deftly placed a precise 9-iron within three feet of the cup. Then, as if that weren’t enough, he doubled down by pin seeking his next approach shot to within a foot. It was this kind of accuracy that helped him avoid trouble and keep his round moving in the right direction.
At the par-3 16th, Johnson executed what many considered his finest shot of the day, striking from 170 yards over water. This shot not only reaffirmed his stranglehold on the course, but it demonstrated his cold-blooded ability to perform in pressure cooker situations. As he approached the challenging par-4 finishing hole, Johnson made exactly the score he needed to secure his place among the tournament leaders.
Unfortunately, fellow Sons of the American Legion Justice Johnson had started the tournament with a Friday cut of +2. His fierce resolve lifted him to as high as second on the event’s leaderboard. After completing his third round, he was even at one over par and tied for 11th place. He’d plowed up a stunning 29 places since his first rounds! His score of 6-under 66 sent shock waves throughout the field. It was a stunning recovery considering he’d played 28 straight rounds at the Masters without a round in the 60s.
It was here that sentimentality overcame Johnson, in no small part because he was remembering being at Augusta National in the past. Reflecting on his journey, he stated, “One-hundred percent, those are my guys. Those are the ones that you look to,” emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and mentorship in his career. He appreciated how the course can inspire golfers to reach their potential, saying, “Yeah, this place can bring out the absolute best in someone, and it starts either taking a left or right down that lane.”
As he celebrated his triumphant return to form at the Masters, Johnson was comfortable claiming credit for his accomplishments. Yet, he wistfully noted that his opponents enjoy a longer shotput. He conveyed that this limitation does not deter him: “I don’t hit the ball far enough to compete on some of these venues, but it doesn’t mean I can’t have a decent finish. It doesn’t mean I can’t make cuts. It just doesn’t mean I can’t continue to do it better.”
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