Zach thrilled to fly US flag

29-year-old Zach Johnson from Iowa City came over all starry eyed at Vilamoura yesterday as he contemplated the prospect of partnering Stewart Cink in the World Cup starting over the Victoria Course here on the Algarve this morning.

On the face of it, few in the US - and certainly their top players come into this bracket - care very much about the destination of the trophy presented by one of their own John J. Hopkins, back in 1953.

But there are exceptions to every rule and Johnson is a case in point. And given that he has won only once on the US Tour, it is perhaps understandable that Johnson appreciates more than most what this week could hold in store for him.