Johnson Prepares for 21st Masters with Lessons Learned

AUGUSTA, Ga. — As the Masters Tournament approaches, Zach Johnson approaches his 21st appearance armed with a wealth of experience and a refined mindset. With the event set to commence on April 10, Johnson highlights the critical importance of mental preparation in navigating Augusta National, a course he describes as the most predictable in terms of layout, but unpredictable in competition.

“That’s the game of golf,” Johnson stated. “The moment you think you have it, the weight of it can come down on you.” His approach to competing has evolved over the 20 years he has graced this prestigious tournament, especially after winning the green jacket in 2007.

Following that life-changing victory, Johnson reflected on how the pressure of the tournament affected his game. At just 31 years old, he contended with challenging weather conditions and early frustrations that lowered his expectations going into the weekend. “I could see that the work I put in prior to that week was starting to surface,” he noted. “I just needed to go play.”

His 20 prior Masters experiences bring a considerable knowledge base, one he admits can sometimes feel burdensome. “You have this wealth of knowledge…there’s a lot of information. But I kind of wish I could push reset on a lot of things,” Johnson remarked. In recent years, he has attempted to replicate the carefree energy of his earlier tournaments, reminding himself to trust in his skill without overanalyzing.

“I won the third time I ever competed there, and I did not know as much then as I do now,” he said. Reflecting on how winning looks different for each player, Johnson emphasized that each competitor brings unique strengths to the course.

Johnson’s focus on mental strategies involves techniques like visualization and breath work, which he credits for enhancing his performance. He explained how proper breathing and visualization helped increase awareness and ease pre-game nerves. “When you get there… it’s almost as if you’ve been there,” Johnson said. This familiarity, he added, alleviates some discomfort during competition.

Moreover, Johnson stressed the importance of perspective and gratitude. “If your identity revolves around your scorecard, that’s very fleeting,” he said. Johnson believes it’s vital to appreciate the journey and the opportunity to compete, pushing himself to maintain a mindset centered on gratitude and personal strengths.

“If you can go into each day… with that attitude of gratitude, you’re already in a pretty darn good position,” he concluded. Johnson enters the Masters not only with experience but also with a renewed commitment to embrace the moment.