Mike Weir spoke at the All-State banquet last week and gave advice to the 40 all-state golfers and provided some details of his Masters victory last month.
Weir emphasized "perseverance," saying he overheard Nick Price talking about it in an interview a few years ago and it stuck with him.
The word obviously applies to his career, because Weir has scraped and fought to get where he is. He was never a first-team all-American in college and he had to play on various tours around the world before making it on the PGA Tour.
Even then, he had to come back from a so-so season last year to hit it big this year with three victories already.
"As mediocre as last year was, overall I wasn't than far off," said Weir. "I knew I'd have a better year this year, but it's probably better than I expected. I had so much fun (winning the Masters) I want to do it again."
The diminutive Draper resident gave a blow-by-blow account of his final few holes at the Masters, calling his 6-foot par putt on 18 "a career-defining putt" and telling himself he "didn't want to be known as the guy who three-putted the final hole to lose the Masters." He said he just "focused on making it" and didn't let bad thoughts creep in.
Weir has taken more time off than originally planned after his Masters win and will play the Memorial in Ohio next week before taking a week off before the U.S. Open.
NO MORE ANONYMITY: Weir's the kind of guy you wouldn't look at twice if you saw him on the street. He's short and skinny and has an unassuming air about him.
Since winning the Masters, Weir has lost some of his anonymity, but he isn't complaining.
"I'm a pretty low-key guy, and I'm not out there trying to stand out," he said. "Golf fans will recognize me in airports, but it hasn't been that big of a change. I'm more recognized here in Utah, but for the most part, people are great and just wish me well."
Weir thinks it will die down, "unless I win the U.S. Open and the British Open," he said with a laugh.
ANNIKA THOUGHTS: By now you've probably read more than enough about Annika Sorenstam, but let me throw in my two pennies.
Obviously she proved she can play with the lower-echelon golfers on the PGA Tour. She also proved that 275-yard drives are sufficient to play around par. Actually the most surprising thing about her play at the Colonial was her mediocre putting. Even those who make a big deal about men's superior strength, can't say men have any advantage in putting. If Annika had putted decently, she likely would have made the cut.
Although she said she's through with men's tournaments, don't be surprised if Sorenstam decides to try it again someday. However, if she decides to play again, I believe she should earn her way into events rather than accept more sponsor's exemptions.
Finally, while a few macho males were offended that she teed it up with the boys, for most people, Sorenstam's play this week was one of those feel-good stories that sports are often lacking these days. Sports are supposed to be fun but last week a few folks took it all too seriously. If nothing else, Sorenstam was a source of inspiration for females all over the world as well as many males — and there's nothing wrong with that.
PROVO OPEN: Unless the Utah Open comes up with additional money before August, this week's Provo Open will have the largest purse of any tournament in Utah outside of the PGA Nationwide event in September. The Provo Open, in its 64th year, will offer $10,000 to the winner (last year's Utah Open offered $5,000). Tommy Johnson is the defending champion of the tournament that will be played Friday and Saturday at East Bay Golf Course.
STRAY SHOTS: The entry deadline for this summer's Men's State Amateur is Tuesday at 5 p.m. Entries must be in the UGA office by that time, either mailed, hand-delivered or e-mailed. Links for the entry form can be found at uga.org . . . The entry deadline for the U.S. Public Links qualifying is May 28. Forms are available at usga.org . . . The USGA Women's Public Links Qualifying is Wednesday at The Links at Overlake GC in Tooele . . . The Salt Lake City Amateur, one of the premier events of the golf season, is Saturday and Sunday at Bonneville Golf Course. Brandon Hargett is the defending champion . . . The Cascade Golf Course in Orem opened its new nine last week.
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