SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The conclusion of the ninth Sanford International on Sunday evening saw Iowa native Zach Johnson come away with the victory.
Johnson clinched the Sanford International win, shooting 11 under par across three days at Minnehaha Country Club. The PGA Tour Champions rookie edged out fellow rookie Ben Crane with back-to-back birdies on the final two holes.
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“I love competition,” Johnson said. “And that was competition in its purest form and purest for a number of reasons. It was, like I said, having to execute, and then you’re playing against one of your best friends. I mean it’s hard but at the same time, it’s awesome because I’m his biggest fan and he’s mine.”
The Cedar Rapids native becomes the third player in Sanford International history to win the tournament in his first appearance, but his Midwest ties helped Johnson feel confident from tee-off.
“That’s just Midwest at its purest form right here,” Johnson said. “I love these kinds of towns. I’m just comfortable. The topography, the smell, the grass, the people. It’s just special.”
Johnson is said to have the characteristics to be the Sanford International’s next Steve Stricker. While whether Johnson will surpass the four-time tournament winner remains to be seen, winning his first is certainly a good place to start.
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“We’ll just say that there’s been a couple of years out here where he’s won a lot so to have that notion, Andy or whomever said that, I don’t want to get caught up in it because that is, you’re putting me in a company that I greatly admire,” Johnson said.
The victory marks Johnson’s fifth in 14 starts since joining the PGA Tour Champions.
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