Johnson returns to Deere hoping to extend Akron streak

As it turns out, Tiger Woods isn't the only major champion hoping to make a move up the world rankings in time to qualify for the PGA Tour's swan song at Firestone Country Club.

Zach Johnson has played the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational every year since joining the Tour in 2004, compiling five top-10 finishes including a runner-up result last year behind Hideki Matsuyama. But the veteran is not yet exempt for next month's event in Akron, which will be the last installment before the WGC scene shifts to Memphis in 2019.

Johnson enters this week's John Deere Classic at No. 51 in the world rankings, needing to move into the top 50 by either the July 23 or July 30 cutoff to qualify for the Aug. 2-5…