Thu Apr 10 18:55:34 2008

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Defending champion Johnson opens with 70 at Masters

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Augusta, GA (Sports Network) - Zach Johnson couldn't wait to defend his title at the Masters.

A 15-foot birdie putt at the first hole sent him on his way.

Stopping short of saying the opening birdie Thursday at Augusta National was a relief, Johnson admitted to being anxious prior to his first round back at the place where he won his first major championship last year.

As the defending champion, everything about his week was scheduled, making the days leading up to the tournament "very smooth," Johnson said. What wasn't scheduled was his score.

Johnson opened with a two-under 70, better than three of the four rounds he shot last year. He closed with a 69 to win it.

"Relief might be a little strong, but just, you know, I was just anxious. I was anxious," Johnson said. "I mean, I was ready to go. I was ready probably last week.

"It's one of those things where I just couldn't wait to get started," he said. "I mean, I wanted to put last year behind me and start playing again. I don't get first-tee jitters on tour much. I can't remember the last time I did, but I had them here on one, I had them here on two. It's good to know I still have some feelings, and good ones at that."

Johnson posted a 35 on both sides of the course. He followed his opening birdie at No. 1 with another birdie at the fifth, where he recovered from a poor drive to make a long, winding birdie putt at the green.

"That was probably about 40 feet, but it broke about three or four different ways," he said. "That one was lucky. But I'll take it."

Johnson found himself with a difficult lie at No. 9 and was in between clubs for his approach shot. He ended up lipping out a par putt for his first of two bogeys.

"I put myself in a position that I felt like I eliminated the big, big number, but didn't give myself a chance at par," he said.

Johnson collected back-to-back birdies at the end of the three-hole "Amen Corner," knocking it to just a foot at the par-three 12th and then rolling in another 15-footer for birdie at the 13th.

In between clubs again, he made his last bogey at the par-four 17th.

"I went with the shorter club and still hit it long. I guess that's what happens when you pull it," said Johnson. "You know, whatever, I made a bogey there. That's a tough hole."

All in all, it was a good start for Johnson, who is looking to become the first back-to-back champion since Tiger Woods in 2001-02. He was well within striking distance of the lead heading into the second round.

"I'm proud of myself in the respect that I put last year behind me," Johnson said.