Weir on course

After a long layoff, Mike Weir reappears today at the Bob Hope, an event that encompasses four courses over five days.

Over the winter he dumped his swing coach, obtained two new coaches and saw his agent quit IMG for a new venture. Needless to say it is an interesting time for Weir and there’s lots riding on his season.

Among the biggest issues facing him is the Presidents Cup. Weir currently sits 20th on the standings for the International Team, meaning there’s a chance he might not actually get to play in the event, which is being hosted at Royal Montreal in the fall. This could be a big blow for the attention the event receives in this country, especially if Tiger Woods does not show up, as some have anticipated.

Anyway, Brennan Little, Weir’s caddy, had this to say on Weir’s official site about Weir’s chances this week:

The one difficulty for Mike and myself this week is getting the opportunity to get around and see the four different courses in two days. Fortunately, we have played the courses before but it is nice to have the opportunity to get to see the courses and hit some shots on the more difficult holes. On Monday, we played nine holes at the new course, which also happens to be the host golf course the Classic Club. Then we drove around a few holes at Bermuda Dunes. On Tuesday, we are going to play little over at PGA West and then head over to La Quinta country club for a few holes. The key is to get around the courses and hit some of the more difficult shots or the shots that Mike doesn’t feel that comfortable with.

Weir told The Globe and Mail that he’s prepared:

“I’m going to be hitting it pretty hard when I get to the desert,” Weir said from his home in Draper, Utah, last week before leaving to prepare for the tournament. “I’ve been working hard at home, too. I’ve been bringing my video camera to the gym and hitting balls indoors.”

My bet? Weir has an average season, makes around $2 million and gets picked for the Presidents Cup team by Gary Player. I suspect, however, that team will not include Stephen Ames, regardless of whether he is playing for Trinidad or Canada.