Sat Apr 12 14:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Masters Veteran Zach Johnson Emphasizes Mental Game Over Strategy
**Augusta, GA** – Two-time Masters champion Zach Johnson is preparing for his 21st appearance at Augusta National, and his focus isn’t on course strategy, but rather his mental game. While acknowledging Augusta’s predictability, Johnson highlights the unpredictable nature of golf itself and the importance of managing the pressure.
Johnson, who won the Masters in 2007 at the age of 31, credits his victory to lowered expectations and a carefree approach born from a challenging week. He now recognizes that his vast experience, while valuable, can also be a burden. He aims to recapture that initial, uninhibited energy.
Over the years, Johnson has developed a mental preparation routine that includes visualization, breathwork, and self-reflection. He emphasizes the importance of detaching his identity from his scorecard, finding fulfillment beyond the game’s results. A tailored breathing technique and visualization exercises help him create a sense of familiarity with the course, mitigating the pressure he once felt.
This year, Johnson is focusing on gratitude and appreciating the opportunity to compete. He advises fellow golfers to prioritize mental well-being, emphasizing that a positive mindset and trust in one’s abilities are key to success at Augusta. His approach underlines the importance of mental preparation and perspective in achieving peak performance in high-stakes golf.
First Piper 