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CHICAGO - With most top golfers already in Europe preparing for next week's British Open, Masters champion Zach Johnson is the headline act at the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois.
Johnson, who held off a late challenge by Tiger Woods to claim his first major title by two shots at Augusta in April, is the only member of the world's top 20 playing this week.
A double winner on the 2007 PGA Tour, the 15th-ranked American hails from neighbouring state Iowa and has always cherished playing at the TPC Deere Run.
"I may have supported the tournament, but this tournament has supported me too," Johnson said as he prepared for tomorrow's opening round.
"I've never really played great here but I've played decent and I love coming back," added the 31-year-old, whose best finish was a tie for 20th in 2004.
"It's hard to play in front of hometown friends and family, regardless of where it is. At the same time, I'm getting used to that now. And I love this golf course, I love the people."
Johnson, making his sixth consecutive appearance at an event he affectionately regards as his fifth major, has not competed since missing the cut at last month's Travelers Championship.
"I feel good about things and I'm rested now," he said. "I literally took 14 days off and didn't touch a golf club. Now I'm back to reality and I've got to get it cooking here."
Other notable players in this week's field include twice major winner John Daly and Europe's 2004 Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer.
- REUTERS
