Zach Johnson on the Ryder Cup (Sponsor Content)

Courtesy of Country Inns & Suites (Sponsor Content)

Zach Johnson talks about the Ryder Cup in the fourth of six Inside Looks with PGA.com.

Q: What's it like to play your way on to a U.S. Ryder Cup team?

A: The Ryder Cup means so much to me it's hard to put into words. Anytime you can represent your country and wear your nation's flag is just an incredible honor. Being kind of on the bubble for the last spot as the season wore down certainly added some pressure and made playing well a focus of mine. To earn my way on the team is something I am certainly proud of.

Part 1: Zach Johnson on his most memorable shots | Part 2: The PGA Championship | Part 3: Life on the road

Q: We always hear about the incredible atmosphere at a Ryder Cup. This will be the third time you play on a team overseas. You also played on the U.S. team for a home game at Medinah in 2012. Aside from being the "visitors" how is the atmosphere different in Europe than in the U.S.?

A: The obvious answer is we don't have the support we do in the states. It is a road game and the crowds are amped up and passionate for their squad, not unlike when we host the cup here in the states. The intensity and passion is unbelievable. The international fans love golf and their team and they are very knowledgeable. It makes for an amazing setting but I do miss the comforts of home.

Q: Is there one particular Ryder Cup moment you've experienced that stands out more than any other?

A: Not really because there are so many great moments or memorable ones. Playing the final day singles match in Dublin against Ireland's favorite son, Darren Clarke, just after his wife passed was absolutely something I will always remember. Darren is a tremendous person. In the middle of grieving the fan support for him was truly amazing. When they announced him on the first tee the reaction was unlike anything I can remember. Many great moments in Medinah save the outcome as well.

Q: How, if at all, do you have to shift your mindset or approach for a team competition?

A: There's not really a shift in mindset playing in a team competition but more caused due to the formats. In alternate shot, you are certainly mindful of not making mistakes and putting your partner in a tough spot. Otherwise, there is just the idea of playing for 11 guys and not just yourself.

Q: What do you enjoy most about match play?

A: I guess first and foremost I am a competitor. I love competition regardless of the sport or game. In medal play events you compete more against the course as you have over a hundred other players you are trying to beat so you don't get caught up in any personal battles. In match play you have an opponent right by your side and your only goal is to find a way to beat him. You get totally focused on the competition and it can almost become like a chess match out there.

Q: Victories haven't been easy to come by for the U.S. in the Ryder Cup these last several years. What would it mean to you and your career to be a part of a winning U.S. team, especially on foreign soil?

A: Well, I've been on multiple victorious Presidents Cup teams, and that feeling is great. So far I've played in three Ryder Cups and we've lost all three. I am not sure I've gotten over the sting of losing the cup at Medinah. We played so well all week and I still have a hard time coming to grips with losing. Winning on foreign soil and doing so with Tom Watson as captain would be one of the highlights of my career!   

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Country Inns & Suites is proud to sponsor PGA Tour Pro Zach Johnson. A dedicated Masters Champion, community leader and family man, Zach shares our genuine commitment to always go above and beyond – on and off the course. At Country Inns & Suites that means a stay delivered with touches of home, such as complimentary hot breakfast, free high-speed internet, a great night's rest and genuine hospitality.

Book your next stay with Country today and see why Zach Johnson considers us the next best thing to home when he is on the road. www.countryinns.com.