Humble upbringing continues to influence Johnson

Zach Johnson has never shied away from his faith.

'This being Easter, I cannot help but believe my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was walking with me. I owe this to Him,” Johnson said after winning the Masters in 2007.

Born in Iowa City and raised in Cedar Rapids, Johnson grew up in the Catholic faith. After attending a Catholic elementary and junior high school, Johnson graduated from Regis High School in 1994.

Through his hard work, faith and constant charity fundraising, Johnson has those who teach and lead in the Catholic faith around Cedar Rapids very proud.

'We are very proud of the success Zachary has enjoyed as the result of his hard work,” Xavier principal Tom Keating said. 'We are especially proud of how he has represented himself, his family, his profession and the Cedar Rapids community.”

Although the golfer has not donated to Xavier High School, Keating is still very supportive of Johnson and his intentions.

'Kurt Warner and Zach do the same thing,” Keating said. 'They try to focus on the needy in the community and I think that is a great direction to head in.”

Keating also admires the professionalism with which Johnson handles himself, and how the PGA star supports his hometown.

'His humble approach is admirable and his continued support for Cedar Rapids through his event and his Birdies that Care program is inspiring,” Keating said.

Birdies That Care was founded in 2005 by Johnson, his wife Kim and Transamerica. Birdies That Care has raised nearly $900,000 over the past eight years. The purpose for the program is to serve children that are in need.

Johnson also started Kids on Course, which helps children reach their full potential in school.

The fifth annual Zach Johnson Foundation Classic, which is today at Elmcrest Country Club, benefits the Kids on Course program. The event will bring in big names such as Chris Soules, 2015 Masters and U.S. Open champion Jordan Spieth, former University of Iowa football player and former NFL All-Pro tight end Dallas Clark and former Iowa basketball player Greg Brunner.

Gates open at 8 a.m. There is a skills competition at 9 a.m. and the tournament will officially start at 10 a.m. Parking for the event will be at Kennedy High School and Mount Mercy University. Shuttles from both locations to Elmcrest will begin making rounds at 7:30 a.m.

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