Zach Johnson Gives Us All a Lesson in Class After Open Win

There will be a lot written about the 2015 Open Championship at St. Andrews. Most of it won't be about Zach Johnson. Yes, the Cedar Rapids native ended up hoisting the Claret Jug Monday after surviving a four hole playoff. But the talk is already about who didn't win. Jordan Spieth, a close friend of Johnson's, was shooting for a place in golf history. Spieth finished one shot out of the playoff and just missed winning his third straight major. Spieth was among those who congratulated Johnson after his win. Both are class acts who represent the sport well. But it's time to give Zach his due.

In the past ten years only 4 golfers have won 2 majors and more than 10 PGA tournaments. Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy and yes, Zach Johnson. Johnson becomes one of just 14 golfers ever to win both the Masters and The Open Championship. The win moved Johnson up to 11th on the all time money list. Many are saying that a spot in the golf Hall of Fame will someday become a reality. Not bad for a guy who played his college golf at Drake. But as impressive as all those stats are, the thing that really draws people to Johnson is what was on display after his historic win Monday. Tears of joy. Genuine happiness. Gratitude for all who helped him get to where he is. Zach stated yesterday that he is "the product of great people." It's hard not to like the humble mid-west native who tamed St. Andrews.

I don't expect sports figures to be role models. They aren't perfect people, just like the rest of us aren't. Role models should be parents and teachers. Coaches and mentors. People providing positive influences in the lives of our children. But when an athlete like Zach Johnson is able to achieve what he has, and then show the world what a class act he is, that deserves our attention and praise. Well done Zach.

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