Zach Johnson Chooses Iowa Over Majors, Opens John Deere With 64

Iowa golf favorite Zach Johnson proved his loyalty to the Quad Cities on Thursday, skipping three major championships to play the John Deere Classic and opening with a 7-under 64 to trail the early leaders by just one shot. The Cedar Rapids native made his decision look brilliant with an eagle-birdie finish at TPC Deere Run, showing that heartland values mean more to him than prestige.

Why did Zach Johnson skip the U.S. Senior Open?

For Johnson, the choice was simple. The 50-year-old is in his first year on the PGA Tour Champions and already has two victories under his belt. Yet, he never considered playing the U.S. Senior Open in Ohio this week. He also skipped the British Open at Royal Birkdale, where he has a 10-year exemption, and the Senior British Open at Gleneagles. Instead, he returned to a tournament that feels like home.

Johnson explained that he did not think he could play four straight weeks, so he prioritized the John Deere Classic and a senior major next week at Firestone. His connection to the Silvis, Illinois area runs deep, and he wears that pride on his sleeve.