Masters champ returns to work

By Pete Iacobelli

Hilton Head Island - Between chats with US presidential candidates and late-night TV talk show hosts, Masters champion Zach Johnson barely has had time to swing a golf club since slipping on the green jacket.

And that's one of the biggest reasons Johnson chose to tee it up at the Verizon Heritage instead of taking a well-deserved rest.

"For whatever reason, when you're inside the ropes, it kind of feels normal," Johnson said on Wednesday.

Very little has been normal for the unassuming golfer since his two-stroke victory at Augusta National over Tiger Woods, Retief Goosen and Rory Sabbatini.

Johnson didn't leave the Augusta National grounds until 11.30pm on Sunday. He flew to New York the next morning for a media blitz that included appearances on five television shows.

When he's bold enough to turn his cellphine on, it's "beyond crazy", Johnson said.

As much as he'd like to, Johnson hasn't had time to return the good wishes from people.

"I listened to every one of them, read every one of them and appreciate all the congratulatory words and notes," he said.

Johnson thought about skipping the Hilton Head tournament, which every Masters winner has done since Vijay Singh followed his Augusta National triumph with a trip to Harbour Town in 2000.

But Johnson wanted to fulfill his commitment. Playing, he said, was a respite from his new-found fame.

"I don't particulary care for the limelight at all," Johnson said.

The adulation probably won't let up for a while.

Fans at Wednesday's pro-am crowded around the first tee as Johnson's group stepped up. "Please give welcome to the 2007 Masters champion, professional Zach Johnson," the starter yelled. The fans clapped and snapped pictures.

"Where's the green jacket?" one fan shouted as Johnson smiled.

He graciously signed golf caps, posters and badges between holes. No Masters winner has paired the Heritage's tartan coat with a green jacket since Bernhard Langer in 1985.

The good feelings for Johnson weren't limited to those outside the ropes.

Five-time Heritage winner Davis Love III says Johnson's Harbour Town locker was stuffed with items for his signature or congratulatory letters.

Johnson's win is popular among US tour pros "because he's a popular guy", Love said.

Love has parked his motor home beside Johnson's at times and seen up close the younger player's steady, hard-working approach. "It's nice to see that pay off," he said.

Plus, "Zach proved last week that Tiger doesn't win every time he plays," Love said. - Sapa-AP