Professional Golf And The BibleSample

“Zach Johnson Relies on Bible Readings During Open Championship Victory”

2015 Open Championship: St Andrews Links (St Andrews, Fife, Scotland)

When Zach Johnson burst onto the PGA Tour in 2004, he quickly made a statement with his debut victory at the BellSouth Classic. Three years later, he wowed golf fans with a brilliant final round at the Masters, which led to his second tour victory and first major win over runners-up Retief Goosen, Rory Sabbatini, and Tiger Woods.

Johnson won nine more events over the next seven seasons, but his elevation among the game’s greats was tethered by the lack of a second major title. Then, during the summer of 2015, he traveled to Scotland to play in the prestigious Open Championship at the historic St Andrews Links. All eyes were on defending champion Rory McIlroy and emerging young superstar Jordan Spieth who was seeking his third consecutive major victory.

No one was paying much attention to the unassuming Iowa native.

That all changed during a rain-delayed final round that was pushed into a Monday finish. There, Johnson forced a three-way playoff with a clutch 30-foot birdie on the 18th hole. After four more holes, Johnson emerged victorious over Louis Oosthuizen and Marc Leishman.

When reporters asked Johnson the secret to his surprising victory, he told them it was the Bible and in particular one verse he had recited to himself that helped him stay focused throughout the Open Championship.

“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)

“I’ve been reading (Bible verses) all week,” he said after sharing. “I thank God for the talent he’s given me, and I take it seriously.”

According to Bleacher Report, Johnson still had that verse on his mind when Oosthuizen missed a putt that would have extended the playoff. It took Johnson a moment to realize that he had won his second major. He would later tell Charisma News that the Bible has consistently been a source of inspiration and strength.

“For me, just to calm myself down, to keep my perspective when I’m playing, to not make too big a deal of it, that’s where I go,” Johnson said. “The peace that comes with that allows me to play free golf.”