Zach Johnson captures 1st John Deere Classic title - KWWL.com

It took some luck and a brilliant sand shot to give Zach Johnson his 9th career title on the PGA tour and his first at the John Deere Classic, the event he considers his "home" tournament.

Sitting in the sand, 160 yards out on the second playoff hole, Johnson nearly holed out hitting a six iron within a foot of the cup.  The ensuing birdy would knock out Troy Matteson giving Johnson the win.

The Cedar Rapids native needed a little luck to even get the chance.  On the first playoff hole, both he and Matteson knocked their second shots into the drink eventually picking up double bogeys to force another go-around.

Johnson had begun the day 4 shots behind Matteson, but a birdy at the 14th pulled him with one stroke at -19.  He took a 2 stroke advantage after a birdy at 17 while Matteson double bogeyed the 15th.  It appeared as though the tournament was over until Matteson hit a 50 foot eagle putt on 17 that would eventually force the playoff.

With the victory Zach Johnson moved to 3-0 in his career after going to a sudden death playoff.