WASHINGTON – Senators Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin today introduced a Senate resolution honoring fellow Iowan, Zach Johnson, for winning the prestigious Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Ga. It’s expected to pass the Senate yet today.
“Zach is an outstanding ambassador for the people of Iowa and a tribute to the friends and family who believed in him and helped him achieve his victory on Sunday,” Grassley said. “Even in the aftermath of winning one of golf’s highest achievements, he remained humble in his acceptance. He attributed much of his success to hard work, perseverance and patience. That’s something all Iowans, whether you’re a golf fan or not, can be proud of.”
“Zach Johnson’s gritty performance at Augusta is a source of pride for all Iowans,” said Harkin. “Facing some of the world’s best golfers, Zach’s resolve helped him win one of golf’s most storied contests. His strong putting skills didn’t hurt either.”
The resolution recognizes Johnson’s win of not only one of the most difficult golf tournaments in the world, but also quite possibly one of the most difficult of all the Masters’ tournaments in history. Gusting winds and bitterly cold weather combined with the traditional challenges of the golf course to create one of the toughest tournaments. His winning score of one-over-par 289 tied the highest winning score in Masters history. In the process, he beat fellow golf champions Tiger Woods and Retief Goosen by two-strokes.
Johnson was born in Iowa City and grew up in Cedar Rapids and went on to play golf at Drake University in Des Moines. He is the first native Iowan to win a major golf championship since Jack Fleck won the U.S. Open in 1955.
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