Zach Johnson Wins PGA Tour Champions Debut at 2026 James Hardie

12-time PGA Tour winner and 2-time major champion triumphs in first Champions start

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Zach Johnson, a 12-time PGA Tour winner and two-time major champion, won his first PGA Tour Champions title in his debut on the circuit at the 2026 James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational in Boca Raton, Florida. Johnson finished 11-under par, four shots clear of runners-up Stewart Cink and George McNeill.

Why it matters

Johnson's victory in his Champions debut is a significant milestone, as he becomes the 22nd golfer to win his first start on the over-50 tour. This win validates Johnson's decision to transition to the Champions tour after a successful PGA Tour career that includes a Masters title and numerous other victories.

The details

Johnson led by one shot after 36 holes following a bogey-free 66 in the second round. He carded a final-round 69 to finish at 11-under par, four shots clear of Cink and McNeill. Padraig Harrington had the low round of the day with a 7-under 65 to finish tied for fourth at 6-under.

  • Johnson made his Champions debut just a few weeks after turning 50 on February 24, 2026.
  • The 2026 James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational took place March 6-8, 2026 in Boca Raton, Florida.

The players

Zach Johnson

A 12-time PGA Tour winner and two-time major champion who won his first PGA Tour Champions title in his debut on the over-50 circuit.

Stewart Cink

A PGA Tour veteran who finished as runner-up to Johnson at the 2026 James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational.

George McNeill

A PGA Tour player who also finished as runner-up to Johnson at the 2026 James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational.

Padraig Harrington

A veteran golfer who carded the low round of the day on Sunday with a 7-under 65 to finish tied for fourth.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I am invigorated to go out there and, you know, not take a head cover off on a par 4. I'm not taking it for granted. I feel like I've earned my diploma, and I'm gonna make the jump to greener pastures, more or less.”

— Zach Johnson

What’s next

Johnson has committed to playing a full Champions tour schedule in 2026 in addition to 'maybe three' events on the PGA Tour. He will also return to Augusta National next month to compete in the Masters, a major championship he won in 2007.

The takeaway

Zach Johnson's victory in his PGA Tour Champions debut is a significant milestone in his career, as he transitions from the PGA Tour to the over-50 circuit. His win validates his decision to focus more on the Champions tour going forward, while still maintaining a presence on the PGA Tour.