Valero Texas Open: Johnson Seeks Repeat Heading into Masters

Zach Johnson is ready to take on a different venue at the Valero Texas Open with one exception. Don't tell him that location is everything. That's not what he needs to hear.

Johnson won two of his last three starts at the Valero Texas Open. Two wins at La Cantera Golf Club. This week the tournament will be held at TPC San Antonio. Back in 2010, the last time Johnson played this course, he missed the cut. That doesn't bother him though. In fact, it may motivate him even more.

Johnson told ASAP Sports:

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Anytime you change venues when you have success there's going to be a hesitation, I guess you would say, right? Yeah, I liked LaCantera. Was it a phenomenal golf course? No. But it was good for me.

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TPC San Antonio is a different animal. The 7,522-yard course is a difficult one and the greens are playing soft right now. Tough enough for Johnson to miss the cut again? He has the advantage this year. He won the Hyundai Tournament of Champions back in January, is currently ranked third in driving accuracy and has yet to miss a cut on Tour this year.

Johnson is known for his detailed approach on any course but admits he needs to focus more on feel.

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I tend to over-analyze at times,” Johnson explained at his press conference. “Going to try to play with some freedom and hit shots. I mean just be athletic and hit shots. I'm getting a little analytical at times.

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For many players, this will be the last week of tournament play before heading to Augusta. The same holds true for Johnson. But he doesn't look at this week as a warm-up to the Masters. For Johnson, this week is about attacking the course and not overthinking his play.

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There’s never really a tune-up,” Johnson said. “At this time of year, (the Masters) does enter your mind. I’m trying not to dwell on it too much, but I think it’s natural. You have to embrace it, and I will really be focused on Augusta National next week in my prep week.

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