Golf: Mike Weir gets a new caddie
After Ernie Els, Mike Weir is in the mood of change, which is why he has hired Pete Bender as his new caddie.
Weir confirmed the news on Thursday in a press conference. He told the press that he wanted a fresh start and wanted to pursue it with a trusted partner. Therefore, he chose Bender as his caddie.
Weir had been working with Brennan Little for a long time, but one month back, Brennan abandoned the veteran and joined Sean O'Hair. In result of this dissertation and betrayal, Weir returned to Dr. Rich Gordin of Utah State University for guidance, who
suggested Bender’s name.
Bender has a strong track record as he has worked with big guns like Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Ray Floyd, Lanny Wadkins, Hal Sutton, Rocco Mediate and Aaron Baddeley in the past. However, he is on trial with Weir, who says that he will test him during
the Bob Hope Classic in the California desert in January 2011.
Having a perfect caddie is one of the necessities of the game. Caddie serves the purpose of a partner and mentor, who can work wonders during tough times. Weir wants to end his tough time, which started in June 2003. The 40-year-old faltered from the rank
of world number three to 177th. Conditions became worse in 2010, when Weir injured himself by grounding the handle of the club into his elbow. The jerk caused a blow to his right elbow; breaking a ligament in it.
Weir described the injury with a painful expression. “I felt it go right up my arm into that spot,” he said. “I thought it was a stinger but it progressed and the way I practise and as many balls as I hit, talking to the doctors it was a micro-tear and all
the pounding and beating balls I do made it worse.”
After a season of surgeries and rehabilitation, the veteran made a comeback at Shark Shootout in Florida. He played well and claimed that he was ready for the big season. “I had a little soreness but no pain," Weir said. "I don't have any reservations about
hitting the ball and for the most part, I'm not thinking about the elbow at all."
Mike Weir will be teeing off with Pete Bender at Bob Hope Classic 2011 and hope things turn in his favour after the sudden change.
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