Two-time major champion and St. Simons Island resident Zach Johnson meets the media at the RSM Classic to talk about much more than just this week’s tournament.
In this in-depth press conference, Zach Johnson opens up about:
Why the RSM Classic still feels like a “new tournament” even on his 16th start
How his long relationship with RSM helped connect the company with Davis Love III and Sea Island
Dealing with injuries, PT and “bits and pieces that still hurt” while trying to keep playing at a high level
His thoughts on PGA TOUR changes: reduced fields, fewer sponsor exemptions and the new top-100 cutoff
Whether he’ll lean towards the PGA TOUR or PGA TOUR Champions – and why, whatever he chooses, he’ll be “both feet in”
His honest take on Tiger Woods’ future and what he hopes to see from Tiger on the Champions Tour
Balancing golf with family life, his kids’ sports careers and his obsession with college football
Looking back at his own journey from a college player who never imagined this career to Masters champion and Ryder Cup captain
If you’re interested in the future of Zach Johnson’s career, the RSM Classic, and how veterans see today’s PGA TOUR, this interview is a must-watch.
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Should Zach Johnson focus on the PGA TOUR, the Champions Tour… or mix both as long as he can?
Keywords: Zach Johnson interview, RSM Classic 2025, St. Simons Island, Sea Island golf, PGA TOUR changes, PGA TOUR Champions, Tiger Woods Champions Tour, sponsor exemptions, top 100 PGA TOUR, Zach Johnson injuries, RSM sponsor, Davis Love III.
Doesn’t matter. All right. We are joined here with RSNT member and St. Simon’s Island resident Zach Johnson. Zach saying, “Feels like it’s been a long time since you’ve been here, but been here pretty much every year.” And making 15th start. What’s it like to be back and be playing in this tournament that’s special to you? 15th or 16th? 16th. Yeah, 16th. Yes. You know, I I remember the 15th anniversary last year. Um it’s hard to believe it’s been that long. It still feels like a new tournament to me to be honest. Um at the same time, when you’re around the people and certainly what RSM, the Davis Love Foundation and all the all the many people, local people what they’ve established here, it’s this thing is so wellrun. It’s so fantastic. It’s not hard to be at home for me in work. Um if you call it that. Uh, and it’s great seeing my peers want to come here and not leave. Um, I love it. I I just love the fact that RSM’s taken ownership, made this a second home. Love the golf courses. Uh, and uh, we got great weather. That’s even it’s like this every week. Every day. Every day. Every day here. It’s just, you know, 70 every day. It’s perfect. It’s been a while since we’ve seen you on tour since Sanderson Farms Championship. What have you been up to keeping up with family and travel? Can you fill us in a little bit? Well, how long do we have? Um, yeah. I mean, I, you know, I got other duties and other responsibilities and other desires. Uh, so it’s been great. I’ve spent a lot of time with my family. Um, got one out of the house, still two in there. So, that’s the focus. Um, done a little bit of traveling, traveling, excuse me. Went to Europe for my boy. uh had a competition over there and then um I’m a football junkie so I’ve done a lot of nothing on the weekends and um enjoyed that. Um couple of the travels in there for my boy but uh it’s been great and you know the reality of it is I’m winning when it comes to my bits and pieces but my bits and pieces still hurt. So uh I’m that’s my focus when it comes to work. my focus is the is PT, the gym, and the such. Uh all of that is imperative and a necessity each and every day. So, I still want to keep playing and um keep playing at a high level. So, um that’s my focus and that’s my motivation. Thank you. That will open up questions. Gary has the mic. Why can’t the Hawks push one of these over the finish line? Next question. Uh you actually answered it first and I was going to ask you the state of this tournament, your opinion of it and obviously that’s on the record. Given the changes on the PJ tour with field sizes and with number of exemptions, do you feel like the future of this tournament, given the sponsorship, the strength there is still secure for the future and and beyond? Yeah, obviously I’m not privy to all the discussions and negotiations and all that, nor should I be, but what I am confident in saying is that RSM fully entirely loves this week and the weeks leading up to it. Um, that company is going to surpass $50 million this year. that is by far number one of any fall tournament in the last I don’t know how many odd years had to look it up and that’s that’s the core of what they do and why they do it. Uh so from a from a stewardship and giving standpoint my confidence is pretty high. They want to maintain that because that’s the fabric of their company and relationships. Um couple that with Davis and his team and it’s a perfect fit. So, um, my hope it doesn’t nothing changes, stays on track. Um, but I understand the change. Going back to your question, I I get it. Uh, I don’t understand it all. I mean, all the specifics, but I understand that the motivation and the the, you know, the why. Um, I don’t love change. At the same time, I understand it and I get it. So, you know, from an exemption standpoint, that kind of stinks. you know, if somebody I think there’s only four now per week instead of what is it? 8 to 10, 10 to 12. I don’t know. Um, but the numbers are going down. You know, it seems to me, again, I’m not privy to those meetings, to those discussions, those committees, etc. The they’re trying to make our product better, and I got to trust that whatever that looks like. And then finally, you mentioned your uh what you’ve been doing at next year. What are your plans right now for how much Champions Tour golf are you going to play and do you have any inclination as to whether Tiger might join you out there? Of course. Uh the second part of that question, I have no idea. Um my response to Tiger and golf, I think is probably a pretty universal outlook on that and I just want him to play, but I want him to play healthy. I don’t know what that looks like. Um, obviously he’s a friend and I hope that um, we have not seen remotely the last of him. Um, he’s a lot older than me, you know, two months. So, yeah, I I mean, I don’t know. I I hope some capacity he has the ability to compete. He’s still going to be out here, whatever that looks like. You know, certainly helping the PGA Tour with a lot of things internally. Um hopefully he stands up for the PGA Tour champions and uh what that’s all about. I’m sure he will. I mean, most of his friends are out there, too. So, um for me, I’m going to get used to sitting in a cart maybe a little bit. Kind of sounds awesome. Um three-day events sounds really good. I mean, I say all that and kind of just, you know, I don’t know. I’m I’m not dodging the question. I do really operate where my feet are. I mean, I’m still like I’m trying to get in the top 100. I know I didn’t play a ton in the fall. I missed Napa because I wasn’t feeling great and the other things I had other uh obligations that are what they are and I had to do them. So, I didn’t really chase it too hard obviously, but I still got opportunity. And so I, you know, I would love to have that problem of fully exempt, fully exempt, but um if I don’t, uh, we’ll we’ll, you know, as a team, we’ll make a decision as to what’s best. Um, my body is a big part of that decision- making if I’m going to be honest. So trying to trying to get as healthy as possible for 2026 regardless of which tour I play on. competitive. Yeah, I love to go to Hilton Head. I think that’s a signature event. Um, yeah, I get that question a lot, you know, and I’ve I’ve actually posed that question to some of my peers, one that’s our host. Uh, and everybody’s got a slightly different, you know, approach to it, I guess. You know, we’ve seen whether you’re talking about Stewart or uh Stricker or Jimmy Furick or whomever, but it seems like more guys have told me like, and this I really do appreciate is that commit. Whichever one you commit to, commit. And you know, maybe I maybe I’ll go play Colonial or, you know, John Deere or something like that. But whatever I do, I’m going to be both feet in. PGA Tour or Champions Tour. Um, PJ Tour Champions, sorry. I’m gonna I’m gonna commit. And I don’t I don’t know what that looks like. Um, my wife is in full support of all of it. She just needs to know where I’m going ahead of time and hopefully she can go with me. But, um, we’re a little ways away from the traveling together thing, I think. But, uh, yeah, I mean, I don’t like change at the same time. That’s part of it right now. And it’s it’s it’s daunting and exciting at the same time. Zach, I read in Davis’s transcript from yesterday that you were the one who actually introduced him to RSM. Somehow that has over over my head. Can you talk to us a little bit about how that happened because Sure. was obviously a very successful introduction. Well, sure. Yeah. I mean, I think there may be a little bit of a stretch there, but but and there’s also some truth there. Um, I I have been an ambassador of RSM since 2006, so almost 20 years, summer of 06, I think, or maybe spring. Um, and right off the bat, we saw that it was a pretty darn good fit, you know. Um, it was a win-win, which is the only way we’re going to go about doing partnerships. Um and that win-win is certainly you know the business stuff but the most important stuff are the relationships the desires and I would say the use utilizing the great game of golf and the platform which it gives us to help communities with which we have a footprint in right and that was apparent from the very beginning I mean RSM had some other initiatives prior to joining hands of the PGA tour but to answer your question we brought them here Brad’s here I would say a minimum half dozen times to do events over about a three four year period. And in doing so, they would bring their clientele in, they would bring um you know, some of their executives in um and we would just showcase Sea Island, we would showcase St. Simons, we would showcase uh the Golden Isles and what it was all about. And the common sentiment and from back then it still holds true today is usually when you come here, you’re going to come back. and they kept coming back and coming back and coming back. So, uh, they had a relationship with the PG of America that was good. It just wasn’t they felt like they can make a bigger impact is my understanding. And so, when you have somebody established like Davis, like Mark, uh, their families in this community and already, I would say, proper pillars grounded here. Uh, that introduction kind of just happened organically. And so, um, our tour construction, right, the architecture of our tour is about giving. And so, you’ve got a foundation that’s already based here. The gentleman with which we’re talking about is in the last 40 years is one of the model pros of all time. It just it just everything just kind of started to fall into place. So, I don’t think it was necessarily an introduction. It was more of a uh, you know, kind of an engagement like we just kind of, you know, hit it off. And Davis is a dear dear friend. So it it to have one of my families in RSM, you know, join hands back in 2010, well technically 09, but 2010 with the Love Family People Foundation. I mean, you can’t write a better script and it’s it’s not slowing down. So, um, win-win. Yeah. Great. Oh, there’s Gary. Oops. Congratulations on your engagement to Davis, by the way. Uh, just give us the state of your game. What’s What’s the uh Yeah. What’s What’s the best part and what part would you like to really fine-tune a little bit more right now? I’m sorry. We don’t I was stuck on the game. What’s working the best and what needs to be fine-tuned a little more? Good question. um and talking to my coach who’s here and my caddy who’s here and then when I’m able to practice it’s not the duration’s not as long unfortunately just given the state of where I’m at but the quality is really still good in my work and I mean my fundamentals are pretty ingrained there’s been some things that we’ve altered that I think have helped me shake rust off a lot quicker uh has helped me get more into a systematic repetitive mode. Um, I mean, even going back to Jackson, between Greensboro, I didn’t make the playoffs, so between Greensboro, right? Greensboro. Yeah, Windham. Windham and Jackson. I wanted to play Napa, but I couldn’t. That’s a pretty significant I don’t know how many weeks are there. You’d have to look it up. It’s over a month, right? And I took some time off. I I I did all the PT. I tons of MRIs. I did all of it, but I I gave I have about five or six days prior to going to Jackson where I practice every day, not really knowing what would happen in Jackson. And I felt like I played okay and I still I don’t know what I finished top 25, top 20. Um, which I’m It’s one week. I get that. But it it was one of those it was like, man, if I if I if I can get healthy and put my due diligence into what I’m doing, I I don’t know what my ceiling is out here or out there or anywhere. I mean, I that that was really encouraging. I’m not surprised. I’m just saying it was it was encouraging. And um the same thing kind of holds true with this event. Last early last week, my back was not great. Um you know, I mean, my images are very good. Thank God. Um that was a blessing. But, you know, it’s just nicks and knacks and things get tight. Things get pushed and moved around places they shouldn’t. So, you know, getting back into a better uh posture and and all that good symmetry is is is a is paramount for me. So, took a little bit more time off and then by mid midweek last week, I started practicing pretty hard and felt pretty good. And so, um I’m kind of at that point right now. Um I would love to compete again without the help of anti-inflammatories. Um, and I’m confident that I can get there, but um, you know, it’s a necessary uh, component right now. So, I feel good. My game’s good. I I to pick one part out of my game that’s like really good or really poor. I I don’t even know how to answer that. And and I don’t I’m not trying to dodge the question. I mean, short game, the more reps I can get, the better. You know, the more the more pitching, the more flopping, the more even putting, I think, the better. But I say all that. I I don’t set over a shot where I’m like, I don’t know what to do. So, I I’m I am so encouraged with my golf game. It’s just a matter of repetition and time. If you can get healthy, how how reasonable or how difficult is it for you at this point? Or don’t you know, how difficult is what? I’m sorry. To get healthy. Yeah. How big is that? Oh, I’m confident I can. I got the right personnel. I’ve got the right outlook. A lot of great consulting. A lot of a lot of people that are selfless and are in my corner. I mean, they just want to see me. Is there one body part that needs the most work? It’s always that point between the ears, right? Um, my elbows, a year ago, my elbow was not good. Beginning of last year, it was really not good. um kind of put things off. I’m I’ve not done any I’ve not had surgery on anything uh to date and I don’t intend to. But with great consultation and great care, slightly different approaches, technology, um I don’t even feel it anymore, even though I know there’s still damage there, if that makes sense. Um going back to it, that’s encouraging. I think we’re on the right track there. Um a lot of technology, it’s not it’s not pleasant. It’s really painful. Uh, and then, you know, I’ve, like I said, I’ve had a bunch of MRIs, nicks and knacks in my back. The common theme with my back was, yeah, you got a little bit here, you got a little bit there, but for the most part, you’re a 50-year-old that plays golf, and that’s that’s awesome. Um, I’m winning in that department relative to a lot of folks. So, I’m just at a really peaceful place right now knowing that this is the first tournament and I can’t tell you how long where I’m not the oldest. I love you, Davis. I love you, Davis. We have time. These will just be final two. Derek, then Adam. Well, if you’re uh I don’t know if there’s any more serious questions, but I’m kind of interested in these weekends. Uh obviously Iowa, but you know, what games are you watching over the weekend? Oh, sure. Uh well, yeah. I mean, it’s evolved and changed throughout the years. Um I have a freshman in college that played football, so I’m I’m having Friday night withdrawals. I never thought I’d ever say that. I got to be honest. I mean, I enjoyed it as a kid, but I didn’t play football. I mean, you know, my peers did. Um, but having your son, one of your sons play high school football is probably one of the biggest blessings I’ve ever experienced in my entire life. If I’m going to be honest with you, it’s amazing. I feel like I’m still still invested in that team. His his alma moater, which is right down the road. Lost in the semi-finals last week. Um, which is great. I mean, they got to the semis, but still stinks. Um, so that was part of it, you know, but this fall uh my my middle my other middleman my middle boy uh travels around jeez, we’re not going to I’m not going to get into the weeds of this one, but he travels around the United Statesworld for martial arts. We were in Europe two weeks ago for it and he’s going to Chicago, LA here coming up. So he’s highly involved in that which is great and obviously we’re in a position where we can foster that and his love and his desire for it. It’s a pretty awesome endeavor. I know very little about it other than it is subjective and that drives me crazy. Scorecard don’t lie. Um and then yeah. Yeah, college football is a passion of mine. I mean I’ve been to Iowa once for a game this year. I didn’t get to go to one last year because of high school football, but um love going back for you know just to see family. I still got a grandmother up there too. So, uh, that that’s a priority. Uh, love to get to more, but, you know, I was able to get to Athens this past weekend to see my boy that came in and then see some friends and that was fun just to get escape to watch another football game. So, I’m just a junkie. I mean, I I don’t care who’s playing. It don’t matter if it’s the MAC or the Big 10. Is Will facing those withdrawals as well? No. Well, yet yes and no. Partially small percentage of yes that he misses playing. He got to go to one of their games this year, which was good for him to get that fill, but he actually works for the Clemson football team, so he’s getting a full glass of uh one of his passions. It’s pretty great. And um phenomenal organization. I mean, it’s not like I’m privy to other organizations. I’m just saying I think they probably operate a little bit different, but if you’re a father with a kid that can be inside those doors, you do it in a heartbeat. So, I’m really grateful for that. Um, obviously it starts at the top with Coach Sweeney, but the trickle down effect of the other individuals there are amazing. So, he’s he’s rubbing shoulders um with great individuals and still has the accountability and the responsibility that as a dad you want him to have, you know, compound that with school, of course, which is great. So, um I don’t think he has any idea how good he has it, but he’s he’s loving life and his girlfriend goes to Athens. So anyway, Adam will take the final one. Sure. Hey, Adam. What do you think your college age self, you know, kind of still struggling to be the number one guy on your own team, let alone thinking about PJ tour, would say looking at your career, what you’ve achieved? Holy cow, I was not expecting that question today. Um, it’s a great question. Um, he’d be in distinct shock knowing that he’d be sitting right here. No question. Um, I mean, I remember, you know, obviously remember those days. It was it was a long time ago, but I remember certain elements of it. I mean, the mantra at that time was no regrets. like let’s give it let’s let’s rock it if we can. I mean, I didn’t have any money. Probably had a little bit of debt if I’m not mistaken. So, if I can get the finances in order, let’s give it a shot. And so, you know, looking back on it, um you my story’s always been one of just seizing the opportunity, seizing the moment, but also surrounding myself with phenomenal people, individuals that want to see dreams fostered. So, I’d be in shock, but had you told me and give me the litany of reasons as to why I’m here, I’d be like, “Oh, well, yeah, that I guess that kind of makes sense, you know. Um, I don’t mind work. I I enjoy difficult situations. I enjoy being really uncomfortable, surrounding myself around the right people, a lot of faith, a lot of prayer, and obviously sheer athleticism, right? Um, I don’t know if I’d be overly surprised. Um, is that what you’re getting at? I I I I think he’d be in shock because I the beauty of me back then that still holds true today and it’s not I don’t mean to be cliche is that I have always operated where my feet are or maybe two feet in front of me never further than that and so that’s why I had incremental improvements I mean I guys I played golf for five or six months a year till I was 22 you know I mean my peers certainly my age were playing 12 months a year for the most part. I mean, there’s exceptions to that. I mean, you think about a Stricker or Jerry Kelly or Tom Layman or whomever, right? But we’re the anomaly, I think, in that. And I think we’re also the smaller percentage. So, I think you take all that into account. I mean, never in my wildest dreams I think I’d be here. And so, I feel like I’m not living my dream. I feel like I’m fully outside of a dream in in in some other sort of parallel universe in some regards. I mean, I I still pinch myself. I was at Augusta Sunday and I, you know, I walk into the doors there like, “Oh, Mr. John, what is going on?” Like, they know me. That’s crazy. But they want me there and that’s even crazier. So, like, it just never my radar didn’t didn’t go outside of central or eastern Iowa. until you know I was 23 24 years old. When you were Take this final one. Okay, you’re good. When when you were 30 then maybe when you were 40 was was Champions Tour something that you were looking for you thought you’d want to do or and if so when did it change since you’re I don’t I don’t know. I don’t know if it was like a certainly wasn’t necessarily a goal or a motivation. I will say there’s been times in those time periods where I’m like, well man, if I can stay out here till I’m in my late 40s, I might have a chance to play out there. I don’t know. I technically I still don’t know how it works. I didn’t know how it works back worked back then. I just knew that there was an opportunity there if you could get to it. I also heard early on that it’s the hardest tour to get on. um which speaks volumes to how good they are and then it also speaks volumes to how great a lot of those guys had success out here and then you know the beauty of it is is you got you got guys out there that are making a name for themselves at 50 and older it’s great you know I mean whether they play professional golf a lot prior to that or not I think it’s just it’s an opportunity tour um no I I don’t it it wasn’t on my radar I mean at all I still I can remember a few years It’s thankfully it’s only a few of the of the 22 or 23 years where okay January one I got to keep my card you know and that was motivation that was my mo I was always like trying to better myself each and every year for the next year actually really each and every week for the next week um that’s the way I operate so got it all right Zach thank you for the time we appreciate it you got it thank
