Elmcrest, Johnson have plenty of reasons to appreciate each other

Zach Johnson's golf career began at Elmcrest Country Club in Cedar Rapids when he was 10 years old.

It has led to years of collaboration between the now elite golfer and the local golf course through the Zach Johnson Foundation Classic.

This is the fifth year the event has been held at Elmcrest. The ZJFC Classic has aided in connecting Elmcrest and the community, as well as bringing in big name pros to play at the course.

'Zach has helped in growing the game of golf at Elmcrest Country Club, our community and our state by being a world-class player and great ambassador of the game,” said Larry Gladson, the head golf professional at Elmcrest and foundation director. 'Golfers enjoy playing the course that Zach grew up on, and spectators enjoy the natural beauty and experience of the club.”

The tournament brings a wide range of players and spectators to the course each year. Most notably, 21-year-old Jordan Spieth - this year's Masters and U.S. Open champion - and Jason Day. Local fans are sure to catch a favorite golfer as well as see Johnson play if they come out.

'It is great that our community can come out and watch these elite players play golf at the club Zach grew up on,” Gladson said. 'The membership of Elmcrest Country Club enjoy having many of the best players in the world play at their club.”

Besides offering great support to a local club, the classic supports Kids on Course, an organization that works with Grant, Harrison and Van Buren elementary schools to offer mentoring, after school activities and scholarships to their students.

Foundation Chairman Pat Cobb has been honored to have organized this charity since its inception. He has known Johnson since Johnson was little, even before becoming a dedicated golfer.

'I coached Zach's little league (team), and I think a basketball team,” Cobb said. 'I remember when he started this foundation, and he asked me to help.”

One of the most pertinent parts of the program, which Cobb is particularly proud of, is its tutoring and reading advancement. Mentors help students reach their appropriate reading level when they fall behind.

'If these kids have the chance for success in high school or college, which is our goal for all of them, they can't do it if they can't read,” Cobb said. 'The academic growth is incredible. We've had incredible success with the family engagement as well.”

There are numerous sponsors of the Zach Johnson Foundation. However, what makes the foundation unique is all but one sponsor are locally based.

'We've been able to get up and step up, which will allow us to bring in more money and better athletes,” Cobb said. 'We keep growing each year.”

In addition to the Zach Johnson Foundation Classic, Elmcrest also hosts the Kids On Course Classic on Oct. 5, offering people in the area an opportunity to play at Elmcrest and support the Kids on Course Scholarship Fund.

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