Cedar Rapids native, Master's champion, and Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson made a return visit to his hometown yesterday (July 1) to host the Zach Johnson Foundation Classic.

This isn't the first Iowan to give back to his home state this week as former Iowa Hawkeye, Cooper DeJean hosted a youth football camp at Kinnick Stadium this past Sunday (June 30).

Celebrity Sightings

Various celebrities were on hand to enjoy a day at the Elmcrest Country Club in support of the Zach Johnson Foundation as well as the Kids on Course Foundation.

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NFL rookie and 2nd round draft pick, Cooper DeJean enjoyed a day on the course. The new offensive coordinator for the University of Iowa football team, Tim Lester, made an appearance. Former Iowa State tight end Charlie Kolar also played in this year's tournament.

This was the 14th year that Zach Johnson has hosted this event and each year it gets better and better. Zach spoke with Iowa News Now and even though it may sound a little bit cliche, Zach has a great time every year.

"You hear the cliche that each year gets better and better but, man oh man, it might. It's awesome. I'm inspired every time I come back. I'm humbled every time I come back. It's a special couple of days."

According to CBS Iowa, the Kids on Course Foundation has the goal of helping students reach opportunities for higher education. The Zach Johnson Foundation founded Kids on Course and they hope to guide students through potential barriers to "succeed in school and thrive in life."

John Deere Classic

Zach's charity event this year was held only a few days before the start of the 2024, John Deere Classic golf tournament, which is being held in the Quad Cities. The John Deere Classic begins on July 4th and Zach will be playing in this event. Golf fans may remember his incredible performance in 2012 when he won the tournament.

According to CBS Sports, Zach has +11000 odds of winning the tournament. Fans of the Cedar Rapids native can hope the charity tournament was a good warm-up round and playing close to home provides a little spark for him as he begins tournament play.