Zach Johnson, USA

US professional golfer Zach Johnson has enjoyed a long and illustrious career spanning back to 1998 when he initially turned professional, with his triumph at the 2007 Masters tournament among his most memorable moments.

During the event, the now 35-year-old shot a final round of 69 to emerge victorious against some of the sport's most influential players, including compatriot Tiger Woods and South African players Retief Goosen and Rory Sabbatini.

Former world number one Woods's closing three par shots saw the US professional complete a task where 95 other opponents had failed, where he enjoyed victory after one of the most difficult weeks in the history of the thrilling tournament.

"I don't hit it very far, I don't overpower a golf course, but I think I'm a pretty decent putter. At Augusta National, putting is premium," Johnson told the New York Times after his win.

He went on to reveal his efforts to maintain his focus were among the contributing factors to the win, allowing caddie Damon Green keep his eye on the leaderboard as he took the lead after the 15th hole.

Born in Iowa City in 1976, Johnson began golfing at the tender age of ten, selecting the Elmcrest Country Club as the place to practice his game. An athletic child, the professional also took part in baseball, basketball and football until he found his calling.

During his early career, Johnson led the Regis High School golf team to an Iowa 3A state championship as part of his sophomore year in 1992, before enrolling at Drake University in Des Moines in 1994.

He received financial support from figureheads from his local area as a youngster, who would buy shares in the player as he played professional golf for the first time.

"They would buy a couple stock shares in me and just allow me to go out and not have to worry about the necessities of traveling week to week," he revealed.

After winning at least one event on the PGA Tour every season between 2007 and 2010, Johnson was unable to extend his victory streak to five successful years in 2011, but commentators have suggested he could soon return to his best.

"I didn't have a great year, but I feel good about where things are going," Johnson said. "I'm never content regardless of where I finish. There were some positives, but there are also some things I'd like to polish up."