'I thank the Lord,' says golfer Zach Johnson in winning British Open
ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (Christian Examiner) – Moments after winning the 144th British Open Championship, Zach Johnson, with tears in his eyes, thanked God for the win.
"I'm grateful, I'm humbled, I'm thankful. I'm honored, this is the birthplace of the game, and that jug means so much in sports, specifically this tournament and golf," Johnson said emotionally in a TV interview, according to USA Today.
Noting the win had not "set in yet," Johnson said in the interview he felt good and about it and was "patient" on the Old Course at the Home of Golf.
"I had some scripture going in my head and I thank the Lord, I thank my friends, I thank my family. I'm just in awe right now," Johnson said.
Johnson made birdies on the first two playoff holes.
Jordan Spieth, who ranks No. 2 in the world and Jason Day tied for fourth.
Spieth, who speaks clearly about his Christian faith, tweeted about Johnson's win right afterwards:
"Wow.. Almost. Nothing quite like @TheOpen at St Andrews. We fought hard. Very proud of a role model and friend of mine @ZachJohnsonPGA";
Webb Simpson, another PGA Tour golfer who also talks about his faith, tweeted:
"Congrats to @ZachJohnsonPGA!!! A great friend and better champion! One of the best guys and hardest workers in the game. So proud of you bud."