US TOUR:ZACH JOHNSON has found it "humbling" to return to Colonial Country Club as defending champion ahead of the Crowne Plaza Invitational.
The American added the tournament’s plaid jacket to the Augusta green jacket he earned for his 2007 US Masters success by posting a record 21-under-par aggregate of 259 last year.
Johnson came from behind 12 months ago to beat England’s Brian Davis by three strokes.
The 35-year-old has not had a top-five finish in 2011 but would love to put that right in Texas this weekend, as he relishes the challenge of his champion status.
“It’s cool and it’s a complete honour, a humbling honour,” he said ahead of today’s opening round. “You’re talking about one of the more elite fraternities in sports, let alone in golf.”
Ben Hogan won the tournament five times, while the list of past champions also includes Lee Trevino, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Phil Mickelson. The club in Fort Worth has hosted the tournament since its inception in 1946.
“Just to be a small part of that is very special,” Johnson said. “I’ve always liked this tournament. I’ve always thought it was an honour to play in this tournament. To win it was terrific. Just because I’ve won it once doesn’t mean I don’t want to win it again. I’ve become partial to that plaid.”
The likes of Mickelson, Angel Cabrera and Players Championship winner KJ Choi will be looking to beat Johnson this time round. After finishing third at Sawgrass last week, two-time PGA Tour winner Paul Goydos may also be a contender, on a course he considers one of the finest around.
The 46-year-old said: “I think everyone likes it. I don’t think there are very many people that don’t like playing here. The course is in fantastic condition. You usually get good weather here. I think it’s one of the best venues we have all year, without question.”
Goydos nevertheless believes it is a difficult course to master. “The greens have nooks, and they are small, and they can generally get pretty firm here with the weather. It’s a golf course where you really need to have control of your golf ball,” he said.
“If I’m playing well that’s what I think I do very well. If I’m not playing well, it doesn’t matter. I can play anywhere and I’m not going to be successful.”
PLAZA INVITATIONAL
Course: Colonial Country Club, Forth Worth, Texas.
Prizemoney: €4.34 million (€782,000 to the winner)
Length: 7,204 yards Par: 70
Field: 129
The layout: Course features just two par fives – the 1st and the 11th – the latter at 635 yards a genuine three-shot hole. Layout has been lengthened over the years but is more a test of accuracy than power.
Defending champion: Zach Johnson
Time difference: Six hours
Weather forecast: Hot, humid and thundery.
On TV: Sky Sports 3 from 8pm
