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In a Class of His Own
Zach Johnson Inducted into Iowa Golf Hall of Fame
Zach Johnson’s parents weren’t all in when he told them he wanted to pursue a career in professional golf after
ge�ng his business degree at Drake in 1998.
“My parents weren’t really on board, which would be one way to describe it,” Johnson said.
His dad, Dr. David, warmed to the decision after awhile. His mom, Julie, never did.
“Mom was like, “Play golf? How about a job?”
Well, mom, he said, that would be my job.
“You can always go back to school, right?” Zach recalls his mom
telling him. “You could get a Masters, right? About nine years
later, I did get my Masters. Now I’m trying to get another one,
mom.”
As in the 2007 Masters. Not in a classroom, but over four days at
the Augusta National Golf Club.
Eleven more PGA Tour titles have followed, including the 2015
Open Championship at St. Andrews. All compelling reasons
why Johnson was inducted into the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame
Wednesday night in a ceremony at Drake.
Johnson was a no-doubt choice for election. One stipulation is
that candidates have reached 40 years of age. Johnson turned 40
in February.
By Rick Brown, June 2, 2016
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