Golf tournament provides the best while bringing out the best

[slidepress gallery='zach-johnson-classic']

CEDAR RAPIDS - It was a virtual who's who of local and nationally prominent sports figures.

The list includes a Super Bowl champion, a World Series winner, PGA Tour major winners, athletes who enjoyed long careers in the National Football League and National Basketball Association, a number of former University of Iowa and college basketball phenom who offered his support by riding in a cart throughout a hot, muggy day.

They unified efforts to support the inaugural Zach Johnson Foundation Classic at Elmcrest Country Club on Monday, entertaining a crowd of about 3,000 spectators, signing autographs and sharing words during a fun and friendly round of golf. Funds raised by the event benefit the "Kids on Course" pilot program designed by Johnson's foundation along with United Way of East Central Iowa and the Cedar Rapids Community School District.

“I had a great time," Johnson said after his finish on the 18th green. "I think the amateurs had a great time. I think everybody else is having a great time.”

Fun was the order of the day as fans of all ages too in an event unlike any other in the Metro. Notable names in various sports squeezed in a  round to support the cause, including recently retired All-Pro quarterback and fellow Cedar Rapids Regis graduate Kurt Warner, former Hawkeyes Tim Dwight and Ryan Bowen, who had long tenures in the NFL and NBA, respectively, former Major League pitcher Mike Boddicker and four other of the world's top 100 pro golfers. Former Ames prep and North Carolina basketball star Harrison Barnes didn't play in the event but still rode around the course with one of the groups, showing his support.

“I'm taking pride in it and I hope Iowa and Cedar Rapids does too,” Johnson said. “This is Cedar Rapids' event and Elmcrest.”

The success has already generated interest in next year. The second installment is set for July 30, 2012. Warner, who immediately worked to fit it in his schedule when asked, plans to be involved in the future.

"I want to continue to support what these guys do," Warner said. "I think this will be a long-running thing, see the support and what they are trying to do here in the community.

"It's easy to come back and supper good people."

Johnson's influence was apparent by the wide array of celebrities he drew to the event. The characteristics that he exhibits and his genuine nature have a resounding effect with those he comes across.

"It says Zach Johnson, Iowa, his values, what he represents and how he interacts with other people," Former Iowa and Drake men's basketball coach Dr. Tom Davis said, "and they want to come whether they are pros or people from Cedar Rapids."

Warner complimented those in attendance for backing a good cause. He noted that he and Johnson have tried to lead lives, reflecting the morals they learned here and shared by those who came out to watch Monday.

"It's all about this community and these people," Warner said. "I think these kids going to be just fine in this community because they have the right standards and values. It's our pleasure to be able to come back and try to encourage and inspire young people."

Warner was far from the only one who is interested in another appearance in NE Cedar Rapids. PGA Championship winner Davis Love III, who has 20 PGA wins and has been a member of six Ryder Cup teams, was impressed by the turnout.

"I definitely want to come back," said Love, noting that he is happy to repay Johnson for his work with Love's fundraising endeavors. "It's great support for a first-time event."

Taylor Leon, an LPGA Tour player who shares a sponsor with Johnson, has grown to know him the last four years. She is also returning the support Johnson has shown her and will in the future.

"Hopefully I'll be invited back," the University of Georgia two-time All-American golfer said. "I had a great time. It's a great cause so I'm glad to support it."

It was enjoyable for the fans and participants alike. Davis called it terrific and congratulated the organizers.

"It's a great turnout," Davis said. "They put together an unbelievable event."

Love was among the more recognizable names in golf that played. He was joined by Stewart Cink, a close friend of Johnson, and Jonathan Byrd and Rickie Fowler, who are ranked 50th and 45th, respectively. Johnson said golf is unique with players accepting the responsibility of charity while reaping the rewards of luxury along with it. Love said golf is a perfect tool for fundraising and that charity work exists year-round.

For Monday, Love  said it was exciting playing Elmcrest for the first time in front of Johnson's friends.

"It means the community is coming together to support Zach's new foundation," Love said. "They know he's going to do a lot of good and give back to a community that has supported him for a long time."

Johnson extracted a small cheer from the crowd that gathered around the 18th green when he placed his approached within three-and-a-half feet beyond the pin, which led to a drained birdie putt. He was happy to oblige the crowd that was there to support the cause.

“That was fun,” Johnson said with a laugh. “I had to do something right.”

Johnson wasn't about to pat himself on the back and doled out praise in his regularly humble manner, crediting a number of the organizers and board members of the event, including his wife, Kim, and golf pro Larry Gladson.

“It means a lot,” Johnson said. “It starts and ends with the people. I have to give thanks to my board for putting in the infrastructure and energy because that's what it's all about.”

Dave Engle, of Cedar Rapids, played in a group with Love. He sunk a putt on the 18th green and then gave a light-hearted tipped his cap to the crowd. The event left an impression on him, one he doesn't expect to shed for a few days after calling the community's support "unbelievable."

"I won't be able to focus for three days from smiling so much," Engle said. "The whole event and what it's doing for kids. It's like the ripple effect of this is beyond anybody's imagination at this point."

The imagination that transformed a vision into a reality will be needed for future ones. Johnson said the goal is to assess the inaugural event and then brainstorm enhancements. The goal is for it to be bigger and better each time.

“We're going to pick it apart," Johnson said. "We want to be critical about it. We want positives and negatives. We don't want this to be just a one year deal and we certainly don't want this to get stagnant. We're going to try to keep it going, healthy and fun. There's supposed to be entertainment. There's supposed to be some entertainment value involved and I think we're providing that.”