2003 Masters winner Mike Weir plans a comeback at Open de Andalucía on European Tour
Mike Weir, the 2003 Masters champion is now making a comeback with the Open de Andalucía Costa del Sol on the European Tour this week and will be pitched against no fewer than four major winners of the likes of Jose Maria Olazabal, Paul Lawrie, Michael Campbell
and Rich Beem.
Weir, with his weird left-handed drive, is known for his eccentric style of playing in his entire career. Naturally a right-handed player, Weir gained expertise in playing left-handed golf as he felt comfortable due to his long acquaintance with hockey.
The 2003 Masters victory marks the zenith of his career, which took him to stardom and celebrity status. He was the first Canadian-American to win the Masters as well as the first left-handed golfer to achieve the landmark.
He said, "I'm looking forward to returning to Spain next week for the Open de Andalucía. I have very fond memories of winning a World Golf Championship event in Spain early in my career, and it will be special to play there again. I have always enjoyed the
golf courses in Spain and have heard that Aloha is an outstanding golf course. It will be a fun week."
Battering sever elbow injuries in the middle of his career, Weir decided to keep a low profile in the sport and went through a major surgery in 2010.
There is an interesting story behind Weir’s weird selection to play left-handed. Confused with his choice of selection earlier at the age of 13, he wrote to the then rampaging Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus for his advice.
Nicklaus immediately wrote back and forbade him to change his style and to continue whichever way he feels comfortable. Weir still has that reply framed on his wall and the player considers it as his most treasured possession.
Turning professional in the year 1992, Weir has won 16 professional titles in the course of his career. He has won eight times on PGA. He was named Canadian Athlete of the Year for his blistering victory at Augusta National in 2003.
Currently the 41-year-old Canadian is practicing with his long time friend and associate Nick Price and is hoping to make a strong comeback to mainstream tour, if not a win.
During his absence from the course, Weir worked up his way to be a stable businessman, running his own Wine yards and Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids Foundation.
European Tour is now heading into continental Europe and the Open de Andalucía is officially sponsored by Tourist, Commerce and Sports Board of Andalusia, The Costa del Sol Tourist Board, the Provincial Council of Málaga, ACOSOL, and the Municipality Commonwealth
of the Western Costa del Sol.
The official suppliers of the event are Kyocera, Ocho Golf, Ping, Srixon, Luxury Spain, AMG, Hotel Barceló Marbella and Helicópteros Sanitarios, with the additional contribution of Urania and Hummingbird.
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