Mike’s Story
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It’s a long, improbable road from childhood dreams on the local golf course in Sarnia, Ontario to winning the Masters; but Mike Weir has lived it, and in the process, has become a Canadian sports hero.
The Early Years
Like most young Canadians, Weir first dreamed of playing professional hockey, but his fate changed when he picked up his first golf club. His determination was first seen as he spent entire days in the summer hitting balls at Huron Oaks under the mentorship of Steve Bennett. At age 13, Weir sought advice from Jack Nicklaus. In a letter, Weir asked whether he should switch to playing right-handed, Jack’s response was to stick to his natural swing.
College and Starting Out
Weir’s younger years led him to a scholarship playing golf at Brigham Young University (BYU). While at BYU from 1989-92, Weir led the golf team through his excellence on the course, placing second at the 1990 WAC Championships his sophomore year. Weir earned Second-Team All-American honours and was named WAC Player of the Year his senior season. He also won the John Geertsen Award, annually given to the Cougar golfer with the best stroke average, in 1992.
PGA Tour
Weir won his first PGA TOUR title at the 1999 Air Canada Championship with a two-stroke victory over Fred Funk, becoming the first Canadian to win on TOUR since Richard Zokol won the 1992 Greater Milwaukee Open, and the first Canadian to win on native soil since Pat Fletcher won the 1954 Canadian Open.
Master’s Champion
Weir emerged as one of the game’s brightest stars with his Masters victory, a dramatic playoff win over Len Mattiace, and came back to a hero’s welcome in Canada, which included him dropping the ceremonial face-off at a Toronto Maple Leafs playoff game—the perfect ‘Canadian-style’ celebration for the hockey fan Weir.
President’s Cup
Weir, who was the first Canadian to ever compete in the Presidents Cup, has appeared in five Cups (2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009) and served as captain’s assistant in three consecutive playings (2017, 2019, 2022).
The Mike Weir Foundation
Weir has used his success as a professional golfer as a platform for helping children and youth in need with the creation of The Mike Weir Foundation in 2004. In 2007, Mike launched a national fundraising program through his foundation, called the Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids, supporting children’s hospital’s across Canada. Between 2007 and 2017 the foundation helped raise 6.7 million dollars in local support. In 2019, the Foundation turned it's attention to raising awareness on mental health in youth 12-25 and successfully launched Weir Active in 2023.
PGA TOUR Champions
The next phase of Mike’s career now that he has officially turned 50 is the PGA TOUR Champions, where he notched his first victory at the 2021 Insperity Invitational.
What’s Next: The 2024 President’s Cup
Weir was named international team captain for the 2024 President’s Cup set to take place in Montreal, Quebec in September.