Mike Weir's future

[JordanJCaron]

Even if there aren't many Canadians in here, I'd still like to get some input on this idea.

Given Mike Weir’s display at the Honda this week it would take a miracle to regain his card. It seems he has physically and mentally lost it and is in a very deep hole much like Steve Stricker was. It would be nice to see the story repeat itself but I personally don’t see it happen. His confidence is clearly shaken and things seem to be getting worse. A lot of work in many areas will be needed to retool his game.

This all got me thinking as to what the future holds for this countries greatest golfer. I feel he’ll have a couple of options if two years go by without showing any improvement.

He could give up the game and pursue other areas in life or try to grind out a living playing Nationwide and the odd PGA events. If he were to grind through this drought and keep his card, it would be very impressive.

If that doesn’t happen, I doubt he’d play the circuit very long and would most likely turn his efforts to his other option, the Weir brands. The Weir brands include a clothing line, a winery and a golf design firm.

Now regardless of what options he chooses, I’d like to see him get involved with Golf Canada in some way to work with their Player Development Program. It’s evident that we’re not turning out as many Professionals as Golf Canada would like and I strongly feel Mike Weir could turn that around.

Here’s why.

My years as a junior golfer occurred exactly the time Mike gained his PGA Tour card. Other juniors and me we looked up to him because he was the only Canadian at the time making any waves on the tour. Seeing a guy from this hockey crazed nation playing golf and winning on TV was amazing for us.

All this was happening right around the time that Golf Canada launched its Player Development program geared towards turning out more Canadian Professionals like Mike. I was lucky enough to attend a first year camp in 2001 and learnt a lot about what was needed to play at such a high level. Looking back I feel that had some of us been given first hands accounts of what it took to play professional golf from a golfer who had been in our shoes before, we’d have more Canadians on the PGA Tour.

Hearing just exactly how many hours he’d put in or what went through his head on a daily basis was important stuff that we never learnt. It’s one thing for a coach to tell you but when you hear it directly from someone’s mouth that has done it, there’s a lot more merit to it.

If this somehow gets to Mike, then Mike, please give back to this country and assist in some capacity with Golf Canada’s Player Development program regardless of what happens. You have achieved plenty and it would be extremely beneficially for our top junior players and country if you were to give back and help. Your experiences need to be relayed to these young players and used in a positive way for our country.

Regards,

Jordan J. Caron

[sean_miller]

The Mike Weir line of clothing is really good right now (I bought 3 MW shirts from Sport Chek last summer) and that's all I can say about it. I've read enough about his health issues to say he's probably done. Too bad - like a lot of Canadians I remember watching him live in the 90s before he made it big and I've read a lot of his thoughts on golf in Score magazine. Whichever route his career takes, I hope he stays in the public eye, because he's good at it.

[JordanJCaron]

I'm not sure how well his clothing line is doing. I don't see it in a lot of golf shops are hardly seeing any golfers wearing it.  I'm sure the focus will be on growing all three brands given recent results.

Either way he'll need to do something when of the course.  I'm saying he should give back a little bit on the side.

[JetFan1983]

Mike Weir played with that elbow injury all last year when he probably should have been resting. Apparently, he hasn't practiced much in about the last two seasons because of it, and that clearly has had a negative effect on his performance. So I disagree that he has "mentally lost it." I think it's going to be tough for anyone to compete at the highest level when you aren't healthy enough to practice. If the elbow is getting better and not worse at this point, then I would say he's conquered a major obstacle already.

[Pat007]

I think the PGA Tour needs Mike Weir on the Tour to promote the game in Canada. Steven Ames isn't the guy to do it. When you think of golf in Canada, who do you think of? Mike Weir.

[plugged]

As an American, I would hate to see Mike Weir off the Tour.  He is one of the last of the old guard and has always been a lot of fun to watch.  He's a good ambassdor for Canadian golf.  Heck, most Americans are shocked when they see the number of nice courses in Canada.

[GaijinGolfer]

IMO, Mike Weir is done.  His head just doesnt seem to be in the game anymore and he doesnt have the drive that he once did.  Im sure you will see him contend from time to time but his days of being one of the best golfers in the world are over.

[jamo]

  TitleistWI said:

Originally Posted by TitleistWI

IMO, Mike Weir is done.  His head just doesnt seem to be in the game anymore and he doesnt have the drive that he once did.

Out of curiosity, what makes you say that? I understand thinking he's done because he is off the Tour and hasn't done much in a long time, but what makes you think his head is out of it? I'm not trying to be a dick or anything, just a bit curious.

[JordanJCaron]

Seems my hypothetical suggestion didn't quite get across as everyone is talking about his playing career still.  Is he going to be alright with being a journeyman the rest of his career if he doesn't pull it together?  He'll have no problem getting into events based on his past but I just wonder how long he will pursue this if he doesn't show signs soon.

[clubchamp]

If his recovery from his elbow injury is really getting better he probably has shot to be competitive again. I will say elbow injuries are very hard to overcome so I'm not sure he will get back to his old form.

[JetFan1983]

Update:

Mike Weir withdrew during his opening round of the Puerto Rico Open today, citing a cyst on his left wrist.

Weir went out in birdie-free, 5-over-par 41, and then called it quits. He's coming off a failed attempt to meet the terms of a Major Medical Extension that was provided after he battled a partially torn ligament in his right elbow. If he's able, his next scheduled start would come at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on March 24-27.

Source: Winnipeg Free Press

[Stretch]

  JetFan1983 said:

Originally Posted by JetFan1983

Update:

Mike Weir withdrew during his opening round of the Puerto Rico Open today, citing a cyst on his left wrist.

Weir went out in birdie-free, 5-over-par 41, and then called it quits. He's coming off a failed attempt to meet the terms of a Major Medical Extension that was provided after he battled a partially torn ligament in his right elbow. If he's able, his next scheduled start would come at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on March 24-27.

Source: Winnipeg Free Press

A cyst on the wrist or another cut missed, why persist?

Seems like he's utterly lost his game. Painful even to read about.

[sean_miller]

I said that a year (or two?) ago based on his weekend scoring average. Just about the worst on the tour. Good at making cuts (used to be) then falling apart on the weekend sounds like fitness or health (mental and/or physical).

  jamo said:

Originally Posted by jamo

Out of curiosity, what makes you say that? I understand thinking he's done because he is off the Tour and hasn't done much in a long time, but what makes you think his head is out of it?

[jamo]

  sean_miller said:

Originally Posted by sean_miller

I said that a year (or two?) ago based on his weekend scoring average. Just about the worst on the tour. Good at making cuts (used to be) then falling apart on the weekend sounds like fitness or health (mental and/or physical).

That makes sense. I just think that people (myself included) tend to see a guy losing his game in any sport and we like to rationalize it as them not being into it. I just that a lot of times that's an unfair assumption (that I make sometimes too) because none of us really know what is going on except for 4 hours a day, 4 (or 2) days a week, 20 weeks a year. But if there is an obvious reason (other than body language), then it's a different story.

[montrealgolffan]

Truthfully, as a fan I wish Mike Weir would shut it down now, but I know the competitor in him will at minimum play out his career money list exemptions in 2012 and 2013, but I feel confident in saying what you will see is an end of a career similar to Ian Baker Finch or Craig Perks, a list of M/C after M/C.  He seems to be breaking down physically and mentally he has simply never been the same golfer since the 2004 Canadian Open.  Further, the PGA tour has really seen a sudden change in dominance and all  the guys you were used to seeing regularly during Mike Weir's time have quickly disappeared and given way to the new waive of golfers.  I would like nothing more than to see Mike prove me wrong, even with a win at a minor event like a Reno Tahoe Open but I just don't see it.(

[iacas]

http://scoregolf.com/blog/jason-logan/2011/june/weir-and-waite

Could be a possible upswing. Also... "I haven't hit the ball this well in years." - Weir after the last nine holes of his first round of U.S. Open Qualifying.

[Stretch]

  iacas said:

Originally Posted by iacas

http://scoregolf.com/blog/jason-logan/2011/june/weir-and-waite

Could be a possible upswing. Also... "I haven't hit the ball this well in years." - Weir after the last nine holes of his first round of U.S. Open Qualifying.

So you can go home again? As long as you use the side door.

[Kieran123]

Grant Waite?

Hopefully it works out