Weir to Design Courses: TO Star

Reporter Jim Byers has a story in the Toronto Star today discussing Mike Weir’s next move — into golf design.

From the Star:

Brad Pelletier, managing director of IMG, said Weir has a list of 23 Canadian designers and hopes to choose a long-term partner for golf course design by October. A course could take a couple of years to build, depending on the exact site.

“I think now I’m at the stage of my career that I can bring more to the table. I feel there’s a lot I learned, not only playing the U.S. tour, but playing Australian and Asia and around the world. I know what I like,” Weir told the Star in an earlier interview.

Weir, who is far from the longest hitter on the PGA Tour, said his course will involve lots of strategy.

“It’s not going to be the way things are going on the tour where they just add 50 yards to every tee and make the golf course longer,” Weir said. “I think there’s a little more complexity out there if you think outside the box and you can make a golf course tougher by pinching in fairways; strategic bunkering and green design.”

The first Weir design is likely in Vancouver, the article says.

Speaking of Weir, he’s in England preparing for the British Open. He’s in a strange pairing with Colin Montgomerie, and Boo Weekley.

“I’m different and Boo’s different and Mike Weir is going to feel different, because he’s normal,” Monty was quoted yesterday, which got Weir laughing.

“Is that what he said? Ha. I like playing with Monty. I’ve played with him a few times, and a few times in the Open. This for him is like the Canadian Open for me. He’s the big (crowd) favourite.”

The British Open is part of a long stretch of golf for Weir, one which will see him pass on the Bridgestone Championship at Firestone in order to be fresh for the PGA Championship.