My Second Office: John Zimmers Jr.

It’s a big year for Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club, but when we visited Superintendent John Zimmers Jr. last month for our U.S. Open preview story, the easy-going superintendent didn’t make much of a fuss. “It’s not that hosting these championships gets old, but once you’ve been through it, you know what to expect,” Zimmers says. “It’s about managing yourself through it, embracing it as an experience.”

As a teaser for next month’s U.S. Open preview story, we thought we’d ask “JZ” to give us a tour of his office. Some of his most impressive photos and honors couldn’t fit into the picture, like photos of himself with George W. Bush, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, his wife, Tracey, with the Stanley Cup, a thank-you letter from USGA Executive Director Mike Davis and a picture of his beloved dogs Diamond and Coleman.

1. Mr. 63 That’s a 2007 Oakmont U.S. Open flag that Johnny Miller gave me. He put “63” in quotes, from when he won here and shot a 63 in the final round of the 1973 U.S. Open — he’s quite proud of that. He did the broadcast (of the 2007 U.S. Open) and he has a love for Oakmont… he wanted us to know he was fond of the way the course played.

2. Steel City This was given to me by NBC following the 2007 U.S. Open. When they opened the broadcast, they had a video of a steelworker in a city steel mill making it… It weighs about a thousand pounds — I can’t hang it. It took a couple guys to carry it in here.

3. Black and gold The chair was given to me as a thank-you gift from a former assistant, Chris Markel. He knows I’m a big Steelers fan. People always comment about it when they come in my office.

4. Stress ball The baseball is from my grandma. She told me, “When you’re stressed, you always do best when the ball is in your hands.” I haven’t had to throw that ball yet.

5. The original JZ This is a photo of my grandfather — whom I’m named after, he was senior and I’m junior — in his Army uniform. He taught me so much… my work ethic, my values. He went to war and came back, so when I’m having a bad day, I remind myself what he went through. I have the utmost respect for him, a great man, a great friend.

6. The King and I I’ll never forget this… that’s a photo of Mr. Palmer and me, he has his hand on my shoulder. He told me, “Do what you do best, and let Oakmont be Oakmont.” It was a special moment.

Photo: John Zimmers Jr.