Thanks, Zach

Drake alum Zach Johnson, a rookie member of the U.S. Ryder Cup team, recently donated $100,000 to his alma mater. Members of the Ryder Cup team get $200,000, half goes to a charity or charities of their choice and the other goes to universities.

Zach, who grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the first Iowan to make the Ryder Cup team. Ten of the men on the team were chosen through a points system. The golfers earn points for top-10 finishes at PGA events and major tournaments.

The Ryder Cup starts today in Ireland today, although Zach isn't playing in the first round of competition. U.S. captain Tom Lehman said everyone on his 12-man team will play at some point during the tournament.

The United States, as of late, has not fared well in the Ryder Cup against the European team, but amid the college football, NFL, pennant races and such you can follow Zach here. The Des Moines Register's Rick Brown is reporting on the every-other-year tournament from Ireland. The link will take you to his articles and his blog. The Rick also covers Drake basketball.

Good luck, Zach and Team USA.