Zach Johnson Leads Champions Tour Debut at Hall of Fame Invitational

Iowa native Zach Johnson fires 66 to take one-shot lead into final round

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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In the second round of the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational, Zach Johnson, a 12-time PGA TOUR champion, followed an opening round 2-under 70 with a bogey-free 6-under 66 to take a one-shot lead heading into the final round. Johnson, who is making his Champions Tour debut, eagled his first hole of the day and played solid golf throughout to position himself for a potential win.

Why it matters

Johnson's strong play in his Champions Tour debut is noteworthy, as the 50-year-old is looking to add to his impressive PGA TOUR resume which includes major championship wins at the 2007 Masters and 2015 Open Championship. A victory this week would be a significant milestone in his career.

The details

Johnson missed just one fairway off the tee and found 14 of 18 greens in regulation to help get the job done. He was encouraged by his physical condition, saying the physical therapists he's worked with the last few days have really helped him feel better. Johnson also decided to take a cart for a few holes, which likely helped his legs after not sleeping much the night before.

  • Johnson eagled the par-5 10th hole, his first hole of the day.
  • Johnson followed a first-round 2-under 70 with a bogey-free 6-under 66 in the second round.

The players

Zach Johnson

A 12-time PGA TOUR champion who is making his Champions Tour debut this week. Johnson has won two major championships, the 2007 Masters and 2015 Open Championship.

George McNeill

A Florida native and former Florida State University Seminole who is one shot back of Johnson after rounds of 68-69.

Steve Allan

A 52-year-old Australian seeking his fourth career win on the Champions Tour in his 50th start. He is tied with McNeill at 7-under par.

Stewart Cink

The 2025 Charles Schwab Cup champion and Player of the Year, who is three shots back as he looks to win his third consecutive Champions Tour event.

Boo Weekley

A three-time winner on the PGA TOUR who is still seeking his first Champions Tour title in his 58th start.

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What they’re saying

“I may have looked comfortable, so I've got to say the (physical) therapists I've had the last two or three days have really done a great job. I'm feeling 50 plus; we'll just say that. I didn't know if I was going to be playing today, so this is encouraging. I probably would have tried to fight, regardless. But I was more pain‑free today than I anticipated, which is great. I decided to take a cart today for a few of the holes, which probably helped my legs a little bit, too, given I didn't sleep much last night. All said, I'm extremely encouraged with the last two days. I just scored better today.”

— Zach Johnson (bocaratontribune.com)

“My game was really quite solid today. There was probably a hole, hole and a half today where I had to make some nice saves. But for the most part, it was really solid.”

— Zach Johnson (bocaratontribune.com)

What’s next

The final round of the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational will begin at 8:48 a.m. on Sunday, with Zach Johnson holding a one-shot lead over George McNeill and Steve Allan.

The takeaway

Zach Johnson's strong play in his Champions Tour debut, including an eagle and bogey-free round, has positioned him well to potentially add another major championship-caliber victory to his impressive PGA TOUR resume. His ability to manage his physical condition and score well despite not sleeping much the night before demonstrates his experience and determination as he seeks to win in his first Champions Tour start.