Weir Receives Order of Canada

Mike Weir receives the Order of Canada today at a ceremony in Ottawa:

Weir will be one of 35 Canadians to be honoured during Thursday’s ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. His off-course achievements were highlighted in a press release from Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean’s office last week.

“His charitable activities are as notable as his golfing accomplishments,” it read. “Despite his busy schedule, he has been steadfast in his commitment to raising awareness of, and funds for, a number of children’s causes over the years.”

 

Interesting to see Weir put things in perspective:

“Eleven years ago I was just fighting to get on the PGA Tour,” said Weir. “I was back at Q-school at this time 11 years ago. It’s not that long of time and I’ve been able to do pretty well on the course and be able to do these things (off the course). It’s pretty special to be able to do that.”

And next month he’ll be inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame. Initially he was to be inducted during the RBC Canadian Open. I recall speaking with him and asking why it wasn’t in Brights Grove, his hometown. He wasn’t sure — and didn’t know that typically Canadian golfers have the ceremony at their home course. Anyway, it is now in Brights Grove, though Weir still feels strange about the whole affair. Why not wait until he’s 50? Cause there aren’t any rules like that in the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, which devalues it in my eyes.

Anyway, here’s Weir’s take:

“That one threw me for a loop more than this,” said Weir. “At my age, I still feel like I have a long way to go. It’s nice to be honoured, but a little bit strange going (into the Hall of Fame) at this stage of my career.”

 
The entire Canadian Press story is here.