Masters champ Zach Johnson wins PGA Tour's AT&T Classic

From WorldGolf.com News Services

Zach Johnson continues to have Georgia on his mind in his PGA Tour career, as the 2007 Masters champion recorded his third career victory by winning the AT&T Classic. Johnson also won the title in 2004, meaning all his career victories have occurred in the Peach State.

"I think part of it possibly is the style of golf courses. I know the greens are similar to what I grew up on. I think also a lot of it for me is this time of the year, mid to late spring, it's kind of when I see my hard work in the off-season peak," said Johnson. "For whatever reason, I don't have any idea. I guess I need to find some property here somewhere."

Shooting a 5-under 67 on the final round, Johnson caught up to early leader Ryuji Imada at 15-under to force a playoff. On the first hole of the playoff, on No. 18, Johnson got on in two, then rolled a 60-foot putt within inches to secure the birdie and secure the title along with its $972,000 payday.

With the victory, Johnson, 31, moves to the No. 4 spot on the money list with more than $2.9 million after scoring two To-10 finishes and two victories in his last six events. Afterward, Johnson said he didn't concern himself with a fear of a slump following his breakthrough at the 2007 Masters.

"I've gotten better and better every year. Maybe not statistically, maybe not money-wise, maybe not world rankings-wise, but I know I've gotten better and better every year. I've learned both on and off the golf course," said Johnson. "My approach wasn't going to change after a major. I mean, I won for a reason. Why should it change? I'm just going to try to polish and get better."

Afterward, Imada said he was disappointed but wouldn't second-guess his play.

"I think winning is always hard no matter what level you are, Nationwide Tour, Mini Tours, whatever it is, it's always hard. I haven't been in this situation in probably three years since I won the BMW. Actually it was this week, so I had a pretty good feeling about this, too," Imada told reporters afterward. "It's hard to win. I did all right under the pressure. I made a great putt on 15 to stay tied with Zach, made some good shots coming in. I know I can do it; it's just a matter of putting myself in that position again. I'm looking forward to the next opportunity."

Troy Matteson, who held the lead along with Imada following the second and third round at the TPC Sugarloaf course, fell to a 73 in the final round, finishing three shots off the pace and tied for third, along with Camillo Villegas and Matt Kuchar. Bob Estes led a group of three tied for sixth at 10-under.

May 21, 2007