Zach Johnson Q&A: Memorable shots, favorite courses

Zach Johnson talks about some of his more memorable shots, including the ace at Pinehurst, and where he likes to play in the first of six Inside Looks with PGA.com.

Q: You’ve had some very memorable shots in the past 12 months, starting with the hole-out wedge in December and then a hole-in-one at the U.S. Open. Tell us a little about those shots.

A: Holing any shot in golf involves a bit of luck. At Tiger's event, I had just hit a relatively easy shot in the water, missing my line by quite a bit. At that point, winning the tournament seemed improbable. I went to the drop zone and I think my caddie said, “There's only one thing we can do.” I hit a great wedge and when it went in the hole, I remember the look on Tiger's face was priceless. To come back and win that event was very special especially given the circumstances.

As for the hole-in-one at Pinehurst, that was my first ace in competition. I hadn't played particularly well all week and Sunday was more of the same. To see the ball go in and the crowd erupt was quite a thrill. In a homage to Hale Irwin I did a little high-five victory lap.

RELATED: Watch Zach Johnson ace No. 9 on the final round of the U.S. Open

Q: Is there any one par-3 hole you've played that stands out as a favorite?

A: I would say 12 at Augusta is pretty special. Amen Corner and its place in golf lore can't be denied. It's such a beautiful golf hole and perhaps the most famous in the world. Standing over the tee shot, trying to get the wind right certainly gets the heart going some.

Q: What about your most memorable shot, professional or otherwise?

A: In my first Ryder Cup in 2006 at The K Club I was partnered with Chad Campbell in my very first match. We were one down with one to play on the par-5 18th, which was surrounded by water. There were thousands and thousands of fans in the skyboxes and lining the hole and we had a do-or-die moment where we had to go for the green in two to have a chance. I hit a three wood that found the green safely and helped us halve the hole. Knowing I could hit the shot I needed under the most severe pressure showed me what I was capable of and was a really huge step in my growth as a golfer.

Q: We loved your reaction at Pinehurst after the ace there. The fans were great too. What are your thoughts about the level of fan enthusiasm in golf events? Do you veer toward traditional or would you like more energy and cheering?

A: It's great when the fans are really enthusiastic and into the competition because it surely pumps us players up. Personally, I like the mix where some events are very traditional and even stoic while others like the Phoenix Open are raucous. Each event has its own identity as it relates to the fans and I think that is good for the game.

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Q: What course or venue or event is most enjoyable as a professional player?

A: Obviously the Masters is beyond compare. The history, the tradition and lore and the great champions that have won the green jacket make that event incredible. We are treated so well and the whole week is pretty majestic. I also love the John Deere Classic because it is like a home game to me. The fan support is tremendous, the people are great and I love the golf course.

Q: What’s your favorite course to play non-competitively?

A: The course that I learned the game on -- Elmcrest Country Club in my hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It’s always great to come “home.”

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Q: We understand there's a pretty special short-game area that you've mastered at Mike Bender's facility. Can you tell us about that short-game area and how beneficial it's been to your game? (Note: Bender is a PGA Professional)

A: For me to be successful I need to drive it straight, wedge it close and putt well. As such, I put a lot of time into those areas when I practice. I really focus on my wedge game both at Mike's academy and at Frederica, where I practice at home, the wedge areas are awesome. They allow me to hit a variety of shots and really dial my distance in by having a lot of different targets. I like to play competitive games revolving around the wedges and these practice areas are great for that.