Zach Johnson Starts Hot in Hawaii & Looks for an Island Double-Up

Aloha. 2014 has started the same way that 2013 did; with a win by Johnson. This year Zach, rather than Dustin, is the one taking home the hardware from the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. Zach Johnson wasted no time getting his first W of the year, and his eleventh of the career. His finished last year hot with an impressive victory at the BMW Championship. Zach took down a star studded field by doing what he does best; driving his ball straight down the fairway and letting his mid-wedge game do the work. Johnson had the help of a couple big putts dropping, but he outlasted the field when it mattered most.

It was no surprise to see Jordan Spieth’s name near the top of the leaderboard as well. Spieth played well, with the exception of a few hiccups, but had the mental fortitude to fight through it and garb a strong second place finish. Zach and Jordan will both remain down on the islands as the tour shifts to Waialae Country Club for the Sony Open.

This course is a par 70, as opposed to the par 73 from last week, but historically is one of the easiest venues on the schedule. The creators designed the course with the trade winds in mind but it looks like the weather this week will allow for birdies all over, similar to last year. The defending champion, Russell Henley, burst onto the scene last year with 26 birdies and only two bogies all week. I would not expect Henley to be a favorite this week, as consistency and experience may play a big factor.

Waialae’s near the top of the list when it comes to difficultly in driving accuracy. As we saw last week, that is a forte of Johnson. Zach already has the tour lead in accuracy and looks to improve that this week. Zach won here in the past, back in 2009, and will come into this week as a heavy favorite. Back-to-back wins on the tour is extremely difficult, but Zach’s game is in prime form and he has the confidence to do it.

It may be early in the season to call it out but what the heck; I think Jason Dufner will find himself in contention again this week. Dufner's driving accuracy has not been impressive to start the year but if he can put together a ball-striking performance like he did at the PGA Championship, he is going to be hard to beat. Look for the big guy to rebound from the Auburn defeat, with a statement performance of his own.

Even if you do not care to watch the golf this week, flip on the footage for a little bit. These course designs are like you have never seen before and the Hawaiian backdrop is stunning. I would be thrilled to be on the same island, let along walk these courses.

-Bryan