Jump to content
IGNORED

Mike Weir- will he ever make it back?


MEfree
Note: This thread is 3177 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Recommended Posts

Originally Posted by brocks

Quote:

Originally Posted by MEfree

As far as Bubba and Keegan go, he has more wins and more $ than the two of them COMBINED. Not Tiger, but you are selling him a bit short.

I've never thought of Weir as a superstar, so I was curious about exactly how much money he had made. And I was surprised to find that he's 18th on the career money list, with nearly $27 million. For comparison, 62-time winner Arnold Palmer's career earnings are $1.86 million.

Even more surprising to me is Jim Furyk, who is 4th all time, with $51.8 million. That's not inflation, that's the big bang.

And it's why pro golfers should name all their kids, including their daughters, after Tiger. Yes, I know that other sports pay big money, too, but only a handful of them. Some of the richest tournaments in professional bowling have a first prize of only around $10 K. Sports with a much larger participation base, like skiing and swimming and cycling, get next to no TV coverage outside of the Olympics or Tour de France.

Only a superstar who delivered ratings high enough to make sponsors cough up megamillions for TV contracts made it possible for PGA events to offer over a million bucks to the winners of regular events --- as Phil Mickelson has said on several occasions.

A lot of corporations have coughed up money they didn't have in order to look more successful than they were and so CEOs and real estate developers could associate with the elite of a sport they all played very badly on weekends. Now the PGA Tour scrambles to find more sponsors at the expense of lesser tours like the LPGA. Yay Tiger!!!

Mizuno MP600 driver, Cleveland '09 Launcher 3-wood, Callaway FTiz 18 degree hybrid, Cleveland TA1 3-9, Scratch SS8620 47, 53, 58, Cleveland Classic 2 mid-mallet, Bridgestone B330S, Sun Mountain four5.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by sean_miller

A lot of corporations have coughed up money they didn't have in order to look more successful than they were and so CEOs and real estate developers could associate with the elite of a sport they all played very badly on weekends. Now the PGA Tour scrambles to find more sponsors at the expense of lesser tours like the LPGA. Yay Tiger!!!


I do not believe, for a second, that the PGA is taking anything away from the LPGA. Lets not kid ourselves, 10x as many people watch Male sports (NHL, NBA, MLB, NFL, CFL, FIFA) sports over female (LPGA, WNBA, CWHL, etc etc), and I may be a bit generous toward  the women in that ratio.

Sponsors go where they will get the most exposure, and that is the PGA. The LPGA will never see the sort of viewership and exposure the PGA gets. People want to see the best in the world, unequivocally men, hit lond drives and great approaches. We don't wanna watch women layup to get on a par 5 in three. Until people start watching the lesser tours, they will never come close to the same earnings.

It makes me laughwhen people bitch about Tiger. The man did more for Golf than anyone aside for maybe Bobby Jones, and that is debatable. If it were not for Tiger Woods, the PGA would still be struggling, and the game would be far less popular. We have Tiger Woods to thank for bringing young people to the game. He is responsible for the immense popularity of the PGA, and every pro golfer owes their living to him right now. Nicklaus never made in a lifetime what woods did by the end of his third season. And im not counting sponsors.

In the Ogio Kingpin bag:

Titleist 913 D2 9.5* w/ UST Mamiya ATTAS 3 80 w/ Harrison Shotmaker & Billy Bobs afternarket Hosel Adaptor (get this if you don't have it for your 913)
Wilson Staff Ci-11 4-GW (4I is out of the bag for a hybrid, PW and up were replaced by Edel Wedges)
TaylorMade RBZ 5 & 3 Fairway Woods

Cobra Baffler T-Rail 3 & 4 Hybrids

Edel Forged 48, 52, 56, 60, and 64* wedges (different wedges for different courses)

Seemore Si-4 Black Nickel Putter

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by ApocG10

Quote:

Originally Posted by sean_miller

A lot of corporations have coughed up money they didn't have in order to look more successful than they were and so CEOs and real estate developers could associate with the elite of a sport they all played very badly on weekends. Now the PGA Tour scrambles to find more sponsors at the expense of lesser tours like the LPGA. Yay Tiger!!!

I do not believe, for a second, that the PGA is taking anything away from the LPGA. Lets not kid ourselves, 10x as many people watch Male sports (NHL, NBA, MLB, NFL, CFL, FIFA) sports over female (LPGA, WNBA, CWHL, etc etc), and I may be a bit generous toward  the women in that ratio.

Sponsors go where they will get the most exposure, and that is the PGA. The LPGA will never see the sort of viewership and exposure the PGA gets. People want to see the best in the world, unequivocally men, hit lond drives and great approaches. We don't wanna watch women layup to get on a par 5 in three. Until people start watching the lesser tours, they will never come close to the same earnings.

It makes me laughwhen people bitch about Tiger. The man did more for Golf than anyone aside for maybe Bobby Jones, and that is debatable. If it were not for Tiger Woods, the PGA would still be struggling, and the game would be far less popular. We have Tiger Woods to thank for bringing young people to the game. He is responsible for the immense popularity of the PGA, and every pro golfer owes their living to him right now. Nicklaus never made in a lifetime what woods did by the end of his third season. And im not counting sponsors.

And the hijack is complete. Another thread bites the dust.

Mizuno MP600 driver, Cleveland '09 Launcher 3-wood, Callaway FTiz 18 degree hybrid, Cleveland TA1 3-9, Scratch SS8620 47, 53, 58, Cleveland Classic 2 mid-mallet, Bridgestone B330S, Sun Mountain four5.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by sean_miller

Yeah, I didn't read this because I guess what I was saying to Brocks is that not every thread on this forum has to be hijacked by his Tiger Woods worshiping.

I have a ton of respect for Tiger, but one of the reasons I started this thread is that I think too much attention is paid to Woods and not enough to other quality golfers with impressive results who will not make the Hall of Fame...I always find it comical when someone says a particular player is not that good when the reality is that the poster could get a shot a hole and still lose to the guy.

:mizuno: MP-52 5-PW, :cobra: King Snake 4 i 
:tmade: R11 Driver, 3 W & 5 W, :vokey: 52, 56 & 60 wedges
:seemore: putter

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by MEfree

Quote:

Originally Posted by sean_miller

Yeah, I didn't read this because I guess what I was saying to Brocks is that not every thread on this forum has to be hijacked by his Tiger Woods worshiping.

I have a ton of respect for Tiger, but one of the reasons I started this thread is that I think too much attention is paid to Woods and not enough to other quality golfers with impressive results who will not make the Hall of Fame...I always find it comical when someone says a particular player is not that good when the reality is that the poster could get a shot a hole and still lose to the guy.

Right now I'd get 18 strokes? I hate to back track on my aforementioned respect for Weir's career, but I'll take my chances with a stroke a hole.

Mizuno MP600 driver, Cleveland '09 Launcher 3-wood, Callaway FTiz 18 degree hybrid, Cleveland TA1 3-9, Scratch SS8620 47, 53, 58, Cleveland Classic 2 mid-mallet, Bridgestone B330S, Sun Mountain four5.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by sean_miller

Right now I'd get 18 strokes? I hate to back track on my aforementioned respect for Weir's career, but I'll take my chances with a stroke a hole.


Same here.  Id take a stroke a hole against Weir.

Whats in my :sunmountain: C-130 cart bag?

Woods: :mizuno: JPX 850 9.5*, :mizuno: JPX 850 15*, :mizuno: JPX-850 19*, :mizuno: JPX Fli-Hi #4, :mizuno: JPX 800 Pro 5-PW, :mizuno: MP T-4 50-06, 54-09 58-10, :cleveland: Smart Square Blade and :bridgestone: B330-S

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by sean_miller

Right now I'd get 18 strokes? I hate to back track on my aforementioned respect for Weir's career, but I'll take my chances with a stroke a hole.

I wasn`t directing the comment at you as I didn`t think that you slammed Weir for being not THAT good even in his prime.  In any case, we all know he is not playing up to PGA Tour standards right now- the stroke a hole comment was meant for the time period when Weir was not THAT good.  With that said, it looks to me that Weir has likely played to a +2 or +3 handicap this year on Tour.  My guess is that a lot of 10 handicaps would have trouble breaking 90 on the courses he has been playing, so a shot a hole might be very competitive now for a good 10 capper who doesn`t choke.

:mizuno: MP-52 5-PW, :cobra: King Snake 4 i 
:tmade: R11 Driver, 3 W & 5 W, :vokey: 52, 56 & 60 wedges
:seemore: putter

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I am afraid he has just lost his mojo and won't be back as a regular on the PGA Tour. I think he might make a blip on the Senior Tour because he always seemed to be in good shape and shorter players (Corey Pavin) have found a nice home there.

Michael

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

The PGA Tour site has an interview with Weir prior to the Canadian Open http://www.pgatour.com/golfers/010423/mike-weir/ . He says tendonitis in his arm is a lingering problem, but gave no medical specifics.

Weir says the key to a comeback is being able physically to hit a lot of balls to get his swing and muscles back into shape. Before one Thursday round, he only hit 20 full shots.

He only made 2 of 15 cuts in 2011, and none of 12 this year. He says he's shooting for 2013, but how does he do it? Will he do Q-school, or will his past championships and sponsor exemptions get him into enough PGA Tour events to win some money?

Focus, connect and follow through!

  • Completed KBS Education Seminar (online, 2015)
  • GolfWorks Clubmaking AcademyFitting, Assembly & Repair School (2012)

Driver:  :touredge: EXS 10.5°, weights neutral   ||  FWs:  :callaway: Rogue 4W + 7W
Hybrid:  :callaway: Big Bertha OS 4H at 22°  ||  Irons:  :callaway: Mavrik MAX 5i-PW
Wedges:  :callaway: MD3: 48°, 54°... MD4: 58° ||  Putter:image.png.b6c3447dddf0df25e482bf21abf775ae.pngInertial NM SL-583F, 34"  
Ball:  image.png.f0ca9194546a61407ba38502672e5ecf.png QStar Tour - Divide  ||  Bag: :sunmountain: Three 5 stand bag

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Originally Posted by WUTiger

He only made 2 of 15 cuts in 2011, and none of 12 this year. He says he's shooting for 2013, but how does he do it? Will he do Q-school, or will his past championships and sponsor exemptions get him into enough PGA Tour events to win some money?

I am not 100% sure, but he might still have his top 50 all-time money list exemption (and then top 25 all-time if he is still there) to use which gets him full time status on tour.  I say this based on the fact that he won 2.3 M in 2009 which gave him full status in 2010 where he won 500+ K, so hi didn`t use this until 2011 at the earliest (and likely hasn`t used it at all).

Just double checked and he was 151st on the money list in 2010 which gives you no status, so I am not sure exactly what he did for 2011, but http://www.pgatour.com/golfers/010423/mike-weir/media-guide/#uber ) says he started the year on a Major Medical Extension.  Later it says he had a Non-Exempt Major Medical Extension that ran out after his 3rd event this year (but it might have run out in 2011 as sometimes the PGA Tour site doesn`t update.

I think the Past Champions category ranks players at the start of the year based on what they won the previous year and then reshuffles several times, so if you are not making any $, you get into fewer and fewer tournys this route (although the 2nd field/opposite events let a lot of Past Champions in).  Of course, as a past Champion, he will always get into the Masters until his play completely falls off the charts and he declines (or is asked to decline) the invitation.

There are 5 active players within 1.4 M of him on the all time $ list, Jerry Kelly and Charles Howell are 3+ M away and then some others like Kuchar and Mahon who are within about $6 M.  Point is, he has to use his top 50 exemption first before being able to use the top 25.  This means that if he waits too long to pull the trigger on the top 50, he may never get to use the top 25 as he could find himself 26+ within a few years.  My guess is that if he is at all happy with his game to start 2013, he will use one of his all time $ list exemptions then.

Of course, getting a card via Q School is an option for the last time this year and would potentially save an all time $ list exemption for a later year.  Q School cards have a lower (#25 http://www.pgatour.com/r/player_exemptions/ ) exempt ranking than all time $ (#10), so that might also be a consideration, but I would think he would give Q school a shot to keep his options open and to get in some additional competitive play going into 2013.

:mizuno: MP-52 5-PW, :cobra: King Snake 4 i 
:tmade: R11 Driver, 3 W & 5 W, :vokey: 52, 56 & 60 wedges
:seemore: putter

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I was at one of the practice rounds at the Canadian Open this year and spend 20 minutes or so watching Mike on the range.  He was hitting the ball crisp and was working VERY hard on his driver.

He was doing a drill with the driver where he would tee up 3 balls in a row, hit the first two only with a quarter swing and then proceed with a full swing on the last ball.  Even though he was hitting the ball well, Mike seemed very mechanical with every move he was making on the range which tells me that his mind is a little clouded.  Maybe due to the fact that he has worked with various people / instructors over the last several years who have tried to fix him.

Nevertheless, I think the future for Mike isn't to encouraging.  For me, he just isn't hitting the ball off of the tee long enough to be able to keep up with everyone else on the tour which puts a huge amount of strain on his iron game.

Deryck Griffith

Titleist 910 D3: 9.5deg GD Tour AD DI7x | Nike Dymo 3W: 15deg, UST S-flex | Mizuno MP CLK Hybrid: 20deg, Project X Tour Issue 6.5, HC1 Shaft | Mizuno MP-57 4-PW, DG X100 Shaft, 1deg upright | Cleveland CG15 Wedges: 52, 56, 60deg | Scotty Cameron California Del Mar | TaylorMade Penta, TP Black LDP, Nike 20XI-X

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by MEfree

Quote:

Originally Posted by sean_miller

Right now I'd get 18 strokes? I hate to back track on my aforementioned respect for Weir's career, but I'll take my chances with a stroke a hole.

I wasn`t directing the comment at you as I didn`t think that you slammed Weir for being not THAT good even in his prime.  In any case, we all know he is not playing up to PGA Tour standards right now- the stroke a hole comment was meant for the time period when Weir was not THAT good.  With that said, it looks to me that Weir has likely played to a +2 or +3 handicap this year on Tour.  My guess is that a lot of 10 handicaps would have trouble breaking 90 on the courses he has been playing, so a shot a hole might be very competitive now for a good 10 capper who doesn`t choke.

Like I said - I'd take my chances.

Mizuno MP600 driver, Cleveland '09 Launcher 3-wood, Callaway FTiz 18 degree hybrid, Cleveland TA1 3-9, Scratch SS8620 47, 53, 58, Cleveland Classic 2 mid-mallet, Bridgestone B330S, Sun Mountain four5.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by Deryck Griffith

I was at one of the practice rounds at the Canadian Open this year and spend 20 minutes or so watching Mike on the range.  He was hitting the ball crisp and was working VERY hard on his driver.

He was doing a drill with the driver where he would tee up 3 balls in a row, hit the first two only with a quarter swing and then proceed with a full swing on the last ball.  Even though he was hitting the ball well, Mike seemed very mechanical with every move he was making on the range which tells me that his mind is a little clouded.  Maybe due to the fact that he has worked with various people / instructors over the last several years who have tried to fix him.

Nevertheless, I think the future for Mike isn't to encouraging.  For me, he just isn't hitting the ball off of the tee long enough to be able to keep up with everyone else on the tour which puts a huge amount of strain on his iron game.

Interesting.  I agree that as a shorter hitter by Tour standards (I think the longest he has averaged is "only" 289 with shorter distances in recent years), which means that all parts of his game have to be clicking or else he will continue to struggle.

Corey Pavin is an interesting reference point- he struggled for a while in his late 30s with 22 missed cuts and only about 265 K of earnings over a two year period (outside the top 150 both years), then came back to win a tournament at age 46 and played some good golf on both tours at age 50.  I`d be shocked if Weir came back and won another major or made it back into the top 10, but I do think he has a chance to find his game and make it back into the top 125 if he is able to stay healthy and get comfortable with a golf swing with which he can consistently find fairways.    Even when Pavin struggled in 97 & 98, he hit close to 70% of the fairways, while Weir has only been about 40% the last two years.  Makes you understand why he has been working so much on the driver.

:mizuno: MP-52 5-PW, :cobra: King Snake 4 i 
:tmade: R11 Driver, 3 W & 5 W, :vokey: 52, 56 & 60 wedges
:seemore: putter

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by sean_miller

Quote:

Originally Posted by MEfree

Quote:

Originally Posted by sean_miller

Right now I'd get 18 strokes? I hate to back track on my aforementioned respect for Weir's career, but I'll take my chances with a stroke a hole.

I wasn`t directing the comment at you as I didn`t think that you slammed Weir for being not THAT good even in his prime.  In any case, we all know he is not playing up to PGA Tour standards right now- the stroke a hole comment was meant for the time period when Weir was not THAT good.  With that said, it looks to me that Weir has likely played to a +2 or +3 handicap this year on Tour.  My guess is that a lot of 10 handicaps would have trouble breaking 90 on the courses he has been playing, so a shot a hole might be very competitive now for a good 10 capper who doesn`t choke.

Like I said - I'd take my chances.

I was thinking more about this - maybe I'd need more than 18 on a Tour course in spite of his distance disadvantage. I mean, like you said, there's always the choke factor.

Mizuno MP600 driver, Cleveland '09 Launcher 3-wood, Callaway FTiz 18 degree hybrid, Cleveland TA1 3-9, Scratch SS8620 47, 53, 58, Cleveland Classic 2 mid-mallet, Bridgestone B330S, Sun Mountain four5.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by mchepp

I am afraid he has just lost his mojo and won't be back as a regular on the PGA Tour. I think he might make a blip on the Senior Tour because he always seemed to be in good shape and shorter players (Corey Pavin) have found a nice home there.

He still has two full year exemptions he can use for his placing on the all time money list, so he can go back any time he wants. But why waste them before he is healthy?

Originally Posted by WUTiger

The PGA Tour site has an interview with Weir prior to the Canadian Open http://www.pgatour.com/golfers/010423/mike-weir/. He says tendonitis in his arm is a lingering problem, but gave no medical specifics.

Weir says the key to a comeback is being able physically to hit a lot of balls to get his swing and muscles back into shape. Before one Thursday round, he only hit 20 full shots.

He only made 2 of 15 cuts in 2011, and none of 12 this year. He says he's shooting for 2013, but how does he do it? Will he do Q-school, or will his past championships and sponsor exemptions get him into enough PGA Tour events to win some money?

He is suffering from severe tendonitis in his elbow, and it is just lately that the pain has been subsiding and he is able to practice a bit more. I saw him in May, and overheard him telling a club pro there that he thinks if he doesnt overdo it this summer, he should be ready to train hard this winter in prep for next year.

Originally Posted by killakane604

He is exempt on the European Tour through 2015 that might be an option

As I said, he can choose any two years he wants with full exemption because of his top 25 on the money list. He has no reason to go to the Euro tour.

In the Ogio Kingpin bag:

Titleist 913 D2 9.5* w/ UST Mamiya ATTAS 3 80 w/ Harrison Shotmaker & Billy Bobs afternarket Hosel Adaptor (get this if you don't have it for your 913)
Wilson Staff Ci-11 4-GW (4I is out of the bag for a hybrid, PW and up were replaced by Edel Wedges)
TaylorMade RBZ 5 & 3 Fairway Woods

Cobra Baffler T-Rail 3 & 4 Hybrids

Edel Forged 48, 52, 56, 60, and 64* wedges (different wedges for different courses)

Seemore Si-4 Black Nickel Putter

Link to comment
Share on other sites


that guy WAS good ...

Driver: TaylorMade RocketBallz 10.5-deg
Woods: Cobra Bio Cell+ 3W and 5W
Hybrids: Bobby Jones Workshop Hybrid 3 (20-deg) and 5 (25-deg)
Irons: Srixon XXIO7 from 6 - PW
Wedge: Srixon XXIO7 GW and SW

Putter: Bobby Grace DCT Captiva 34"; Ball: Sirxon Soft Feel; Shoes: Footjoy

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Note: This thread is 3177 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Want to join this community?

    We'd love to have you!

    Sign Up
  • TST Partners

    TourStriker PlaneMate
    Golfer's Journal
    ShotScope
    The Stack System
    FlightScope Mevo
    Direct: Mevo, Mevo+, and Pro Package.

    Coupon Codes (save 10-15%): "IACAS" for Mevo/Stack, "IACASPLUS" for Mevo+/Pro Package, and "THESANDTRAP" for ShotScope.
  • Posts

    • I would never do the extended warranty on the $50 slow cooker.  I also routinely reject the extended service plans on those toys we buy for the grand-kids.  I do consider them on higher cost items and will be more likely to get one if the product has a lot of "Electronic Tech" that is often the problem longer-term.  I also consider my intended length of ownership & usage.  If my thought is it would get replaced in 2-3 years then why bother but if I hope to use it for 10 years then more likely to get the extension. I did buy out a lease about a year ago.  Just prior to the lease end date the tablet locked up and would not function.  I got it repaired under the initial warranty and would not have bought it out if they had not been able to fix it since IMO once electronic issues start in a car they can be hard to track down & fix.  They did fix it but when I bought out the lease I paid up for the extended warranty the would cover electronic failures because my intent is to keep that car for another 8-10 years and I just do not trust the electronics to last.  Last week the touch screen went black and was unresponsive.  It reset on the 2nd time I restarted the car but that is exactly how the last malfunction started.  I fully expect to have a claim on that on repair under the extended warranty.  I do not recall the exact cost to fix last time since I did not pay it but I think it was @ $700-$800 and I suspect that will be higher next time.
    • Have you looked at Model Local Rule F-9 Relief from Tree Roots in or Close to Fairway?  You could extend this to cover exposed rocks.  The rule is recommended to be used only for areas relatively near the fairway, a player who hits a shot 20 yards in the woods doesn't really deserve relief.   Players can always take Unplayable Ball relief, they're not required to play it from a rock or a root.  Of course, they hate to take the penalty stroke too.
    • I agree with @klineka, you're clearly doing something right.  Its always going to be a bit of a guessing game if you don't have any scoring history.  On the other hand, understanding that it takes only 54 holes to establish an actual handicap, and they have about 6 weeks in which to play and post enough scores, I don't think its at all unreasonable to require them to have an official handicap before they become eligible for prizes.  I don't know how you structure the fees for the series of competitions, but if its possible they'll play with the group without being eligible for prizes, you could consider a way to let them do that without contributing to the prize pool.
    • I run tournaments and want to put in a local rule that allows relief from tree roots and rocks that are not loose impediments. We have some really terrible lies in some of our courses in my area and nobody is getting paid enough to break clubs. Let me know if you think the verbage for this rule makes sense. Local Rule Roots and Rocks You may move your ball from a tree root or buried rock one club length for free relief no closer to the hole. However you may not use this rule to get relief from a tree, bush, boulder, or other foliage hindering your swing. Your only option here is to play it as it lies or take an unplayable for a one stroke penalty.
    • Makes sense.  Like I said, I wouldn't have been upset at their original offer either, and based on the fine print it seems like they've held up their end of the deal.  
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to TST! Signing up is free, and you'll see fewer ads and can talk with fellow golf enthusiasts! By using TST, you agree to our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and our Guidelines.

The popup will be closed in 10 seconds...