It has been said that nice guys finish last. Zack Johnson, one of the real nice guys on the PGA tour, just won the coveted Masters. Nobody expected him to win. All of the commentators and journalists thought he would fade into the sunset rather quickly on Sunday.
Damon Green, a golfer in his own right, was his caddy. Damon used to carry the bag for Scott Hoch and had several victories. After Hock’s injury, Damon could have his pick for almost any bag on the PGA tour. He chose Zack because of Zack’s character and because he thought Zack was going places.
I’m not sure where all Zack will go before his career is done, but he just went to a great place. And that is in the record books at Augusta National as a Masters Champion. And he will be going to Augusta every spring for the rest of his life.
Zack had won a little over $300,000 in 2007 when he got to Augusta this week. He picked up a check for another $1.3 million today. And the endorsements and other opportunities that will result from this victory will be worth much more than that. His life just changed forever. But he was quick to say that Zack Johnson the person would not change a bit.
When Zack gave his victory speech at the Green Jacket ceremony, he was also quick to give credit to his friend and caddy Damon Green. He said it was a team effort.
I was also watching when Zack walked off the green after completing his round. At that point he could not be sure he had won because there was still a player by the name of Tiger on the course within reach. But Zack walked up to his wife and they embraced for several tearful moments. And he also spent several moments kissing his 3 month old baby boy. It was quite an emotional moment for his family and friends who were there. They all were crying.
And I have to admit I was fighting tears watching them.
I also have to admit I had been pulling for Tiger Woods. He will probably go down as the greatest golfer who ever lived and I want to see him break every record. And I was a little disappointed when I realized he would not win.
But today I became a Zack Johnson fan. Just as Zack was mentioning to the world the importance of his faith on this Easter Sunday, the camera cut to Tiger in the 17th fairway as he was using profanity for the world to hear when his shot fell short.
It dawned on me that the best man won today. And he sure made me proud. You can have Tiger Woods and his Buddhism and his 12 majors.
I’ll take Zack Johnson and the Jesus he serves any day. Especially on this Easter Sunday.
And by the way, sometimes nice guys do finish first.
Zack Johnson just proved it in Augusta, GA
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Note: The photo, like most of the other photos you find on this blog that I did not take personally, was downloaded from another site. The idea for this blog was my own and came from watching the Masters. I googled Zack's name to do some research. I found some information about Zack and his caddy in an article by John Maginnes at golfsurround.net. I also got some information like how much Zack had made this year and how much he got paid from the Masters from other sources. I will be glad to give them credit if they will let me know who they are. Although you will find the two articles going down different paths, I did like John Maginnnes' slant on nice guys do not always finish last so I used it in this blog. I certainly want to give proper credit to John. For the record, you will find other articles on this blog site where I have gotten ideas from stuff I have read. If any of you want credit let me know and I will more than happy to give it to you. Sorry John. BG
13 comments:
I am realizing more and more that golf is one of the few sports where players will actually proclaim the name of Christ with honesty and sincerity! Zach Johnson, along with many other players show the world what a life with Christ is like on and off the course. I am much like you, I was rooting for Tiger up until the point Zach talked about his faith. That is the kind of guy I want to win, that is the kind of guy I want younger viewers looking up to. Praise God for Zach Johnson and other believers on Tour!
I was rooting for Zach Johnson until he talked about his faith. What a bunch of worthless garbage. Even if Jesus actually did exist, why would he worry about some petty golf tournament when countless millions are suffering worldwide, their prayers completely unheard? Johnson's faith in a higher power might have given him the confidence he needed to make putts down the stretch, but the actual existence of said god had nothing to do with it.
Me, I'll take Tiger and his 12 major titles any day. Guy played the worst Masters golf of his life and still came within two shots of the lead. And in the long run, you can't beat a guy who is driven solely by his will to succeed and prove he is the best, rather than some religion that was just created to hold down the members of his race.
I was glad to see Zack win, Tiger doesn't need to win every tournament. I am interested in seeing more paridy in golf like there is in college basketball. Its great to see a rising star take off in the world of golf, its good for the game.
I don't know who Brian is, but I do know that I will be praying for him. Jesus does exist and you will realize this some day. I just hope that it's not too late when you do. If you will just accept him, you will never have a better friend. He will never leave you even though you might think so sometimes. God Bless you Brian.
P.S. No part of our life is petty to HIM.
I think you out did yourself on this one.
Michael
To Brian,
I don't think Zach was necessarily trying to say that the only reason he won was because Jesus helped him win... That would be greatly limiting how powerful and mighty our God is! From a Christian standpoint, it seems to me he was saying that, unlike many of the golfers, he was winning for more than fame, money, and pride. Zach's good fortune gives him the opportunity to tell the whole world why he has such a positive attitude and why he acts so differently on the course than the hot headed players on tour. More importantly, he wanted to be truthful to what he believes in by proclaiming to the world how much he loves his Christ! Even if I weren't a Christian, I would give him props for actually standing up for what he believes in. I respect your opinion, and agree that Tiger is a dominating, amazing golfer. I am just glad that Zach knows there is something more important in life than hitting a little white ball around.
This is an extremely interesting conversation to me, and if you want to talk more, my Email is Felttip529@aol.com... Have a great day!
Brian,
Jesus is for every individual. He said, "If you delight yourself in Me, I'll give you the desires of your heart." You're right. There are people suffering all over the world. He is just as interested in helping those as he is helping Zach Johnson win his "petty" golf tournement. As a matter of fact, he cares so much about "petty," little stuff that He sent His son to give ignorant people like you a chance to live FOREVER! It's my advice to you to wake up and smell the coffee because there comes a day (and I have a feeling it's soon) that EVERY KNEE WILL BOW AND EVERY TONGUE WILL CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!!!!!!!!!!!
Poor Brian.
I thought blogs were supposed to be all original material unless sources are cited...
http://www.golfsurround.com/masters/2007/news/maginnes040807.html
To the last person who posted a comment at 5:50 PM ---- AND, YOUR POINT IS?
I just read that article sited from previous person who commented. That article and the blog on this site are not even close except for the photo and the fact that Bruce mentions the information about the caddy and he paraphrases that. If the blogs I have read here are not original I sure would like to buy the book where he is getting this stuff. It would have to be on NY Times best seller list.
This is a relative checking in and I must say that your blog always inspires me! (Kathy's cousin Judi)
I check in occasionally and this story really moved me. We are preparing for a golf marathon at school and Zach's coach is offering free lessons for the sponsor groups. His kids go to my school. What a nice guy! I know virtually nothing about golf, except that we have a pretty cool auction connected with ours...and that the course is laid "green side up"...and that Tiger is a neighor. But...I did hear that the winner was a surprise. Quiet faith...it surpasses what the world has to offer. There is no need to flaunt Jesus or parade Him around for our needs. A life of faith and assurance in His leading in our lives will bring all kinds of blessings. Brian has missed the joy of an abundant life. Certainly something caused his cynical feelings toward Christianity. Perhaps he will check into your site often enough to see the true nature of the things you share. Continue to inspire us Bruce! And give Kathy a hug from Judi and "unca harrel"
you really should have given author credit to John Maginnes, since your piece is clearly cribbed from his:
http://www.golfsurround.com/masters/2007/news/maginnes040807.html
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