John Deere Classic 2012: Zach Johnson's Win Will Lead to British Open Success

Zach Johnson could not be heading across the pond for the British Open on a higher note. He won the the John Deere Classic, and did so in brilliant fashion. 

Locked in a sudden-death playoff with Troy Matteson, Johnson was at a big disadvantage on the second sudden-death hole. He was in a fairway bunker after his drive, while Matteson was sitting perfectly in the fairway. 

Johnson quickly dropped the "dis" from his disadvantage as he drilled his bunker shot to within a foot of the hole. This shot was so pure that had it gone just 12 more inches, it would have dropped in the middle of the cup.  

He then watched as Matteson hit on the green but missed his long birdie putt. Johnson tapped in for the birdie and the tournament win. 

He will now carry all of this momentum with him as he heads into the British Open, and he should be considered one of the favorites to win. 

Johnson has been playing some great golf. In his last eight tournaments, he now has two wins and two second place finishes. This is an even better roll than what he took with him to last year's British. He entered that tournament off a third place finish in the the John Deere, and a few top fives leading up to that. 

He finished tied for 16th in last year's Open, and he was right in the mix for the win until he fired a 74 in the monsoon-like conditions of the final round. 

Johnson will finish even higher this year. He is at the top of his game and his confidence has to be at an all-time high.