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As the PGA Grand Slam - one of the biggest sporting events ever to be staged in Bermuda - approaches, we caught up with reigning Masters' champion Zach Johnson. The 31-year-old shocked the sporting world when he beat a challenge from Tiger Woods to claim the green jacket.

Here he talks to James Whittaker about coming to Bermuda, winning his first major and why his family will always come first.

Are you looking forward to coming to Bermuda for the Grand Slam?

I've never been to Bermuda before and I'm extremely excited about it.

I'm going to play some good golf against some really great opponents and hopefully we'll be able to enjoy the island as well.

I'm bringing my family and 'team Johnson' - my caddie, my agent, my putting coach, my mental coach - basically everyone who helps and supports me on the tour.

How's the Grand Slam viewed among the professional golfers?

We haven't really discussed it. Personally I've never played it before, so it's hard to say.

But I know the individuals playing and I know they are going to play hard.

I'm playing against the best, I certainly want to win. There's going to be no giving it up.

Every time I tee off I think I can win and I'll be doing my best to do that in Bermuda.

How has winning the Masters changed your life?

From a professional point of view I've got a lot more security on the tour. As a golfer I've gained a lot of confidence from it. It was very encouraging knowing the work I had put in was paying off.

It also kind of reinforced that I was doing the right thing and tells me I can still improve.

I don't think I've changed from a personal point of view. I'm still the same guy.

I had a baby in early January and I think that was an influential thing.

I had seven weeks off at the end of last year and I really worked hard and practiced and improved as a result.

I think a lot of it is a case of relaxing and focusing on what's important. It doesn't really matter what I shoot, my wife and kid are still there at the end of the round to give me a hug.

When you watched the PGA Grand Slam last year, did it cross your mind that you might be competing in it this time?

I always thought I had the ability to win a major, but did I think it would be this year? Not necessarily,

I've watched the Grand Slam many times. I always remember it being in Hawaii. I'm kind of glad they changed it.

Everything I've heard about Bermuda has been beyond positive. Hawaii's a long flight and I've been there before so it's nice that it got switched to Bermuda.

What do you know about the Mid Ocean course?

From what I've heard it's a position course, rather than a big-hitters course, which plays to my strengths.

If you get a course that's wide open and is all about distance that doesn't really suit me.

What about the withdrawal of Tiger Woods - how do you think that affects the tournament?

Well, when you consider he's been replaced by Jim Furyk, who over the last few years has been a tough opponent and a great golfer, I think it will still be seen as a very strong field. I don't know what world ranking everyone had but you are talking about four major winners! I don't see it as being a big deal.

It's kind of interesting that there were three first-time major winners this year, is that just a quirk, or a sign of things to come?

I don't think it's a quirk, There's a lot of parity in our game and a lot of depth. Any given week, anybody can win, so it's not that surprising to me.

There are a lot of times when players who are not household names turn up and win a tournament and people are surprised, but it is not a surprise to the players who have competed against them and seen what they can do.

Within that, Tiger is beyond impressive. He does not cease to amaze me.

It's reassuring to know I was able to get a major in the Tiger-era.

What part does your faith play in your life?

It's certainly one of my highest priorities. It's what sustains me and my family.

As a Christian I feel that golf becomes my job, and that's how I approach it.

I love the game but there are a lot of things in life that are more important to me.

Competition drives me and that is why I play the game, but family and faith are more important.

Do you think you will get the support of the Bermuda fans?

I don't know. I don't know what fan support we will have. I was trying to keep it hush-hush but maybe I'll wear Bermuda shorts! Unfortunately, I think I'd get disqualified pretty quickly if I did.

I've heard it's a golf friendly country and I think the locals and the sponsors will enjoy it and see some good golf.

Do you think you can win?

Absolutely. Everytime I tee off, I think I can win.

Golf is such an unpredictable sport. You can have an unbelievable round one day and then it can slap you in the face the next. It's the most humbling experience.

As someone who's played regularly with the other three guys in the tournament, tell us a little bit about each of them?

Well, I've played with Padraig (Harrington) a good bit in the last few years. I know him and his wife Caroline and we've got quite friendly.

He's been a top player for the last seven-ten years and the fact that he won the Open was no surprise to me,

Angel (Cabrera) is another freakish talent. He's a very raw, naturally talented player. He's fun to watch, he always has a smile on his face and he is a joy to be around.

Jim (Furyk) is a fierce competitor. I've played with him on various teams and against him on numerous occasions. Of all the players on the tour his game is closest to mine - we are more about position and consistency. His stats are very impressive and it will be special to be playing with him.[[In-content Ad]]

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