Mike's Blog - Chevron World Challenge

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:29:18

As the year comes to a close, and as I tee it up in the final event of the 2008 season at the Chevron World Challenge, I look back over the season and see that all in all, it was a pretty good year. I wouldn't call it a great year, but I was very consistent with my play. I was especially happy with my game from the middle of the summer on. I think I played solid golf and that's how you win tournaments, by getting yourself into position and I did that.

Of course, I'm disappointed that I didn't win - that's why we play out here. The way I played, however, shows me that I will win again. I feel it's going to happen.

Looking back, I'd say that the first half of the year I was still really trying to ingrain my new swing. I think I may have been a little too technical in my approach rather than just letting the swing happen. When you don't have to think about what you're doing in the swing, that's when it's natural; you don't think about it, you just do it.

I also think that working with Dr. Bob Rotella provided me with a fresh approach mentally. He encouraged me to take time off and get away from the game from time to time. It was sort of a try-less-and-get-more approach and that paid off.

I sometimes have a tough time leaving my game alone. I'll wake up in the middle of the night and think about something in my swing. I have this setup in my basement where I can work on my swing and sometimes I'll go down there at 3 a.m. if I get an idea. I'm not going to stop the pursuit of a better swing - I'm always trying to get better, but I've come to realize that I can leave golf alone for a while and it will actually help me.

As for the actual tournaments, I'd say the Memorial was the one I felt closest to winning. Just one bad swing on Sunday really cost me a chance at that title.

As for the majors, I don't have any great recollections of them. Sure I made the cut in all four, but that doesn't rank that highly on my year-end list. I played well at the U.S. Open but had a disappointing Sunday. In the others, I was just steady, nothing spectacular.
I was pleased at how I played at the RBC Canadian Open in spite of the soggy conditions. I've played well at Glen Abbey the last two times there so maybe I've finally figured out how to play that track - which bodes well for next year. I was also excited to see new life back in the tournament with RBC as title sponsor. There was a significant upgrade and I hope that continues.

Off the course, I had a busy year as well. My wine business has moved to Chateau des Charmes and I'm very excited about all that will be happening with that, including a big retail store and gallery right on the Niagara Parkway.

Of course the wine sales help out my foundation, which is something else I worked hard at this year. We had a fantastic event out in Saskatchewan where we raised more than $1 million which will help fund a new children's hospital in Saskatoon. I'm already looking forward to next year's event in Halifax.

Also, I moved closer towards opening my design business and breaking ground on my first course. This is something I'm very passionate about but I wanted to make sure I did it right so I've taken my time. I think I was in my second year on Tour when I was first asked to get into the design business but it's only now that I feel I'm ready to be an architect. I've played most of the great courses in the world and I feel I know what works and what a Mike Weir course will look like. I'm going to be very involved in this process focusing on one maybe two designs a year and will really dedicate myself into the job.

With all this going on, it can be extremely busy and this is one reason why I play the schedule I do. I know a lot of people ask why I don't play more, but I've found a nice balance with family, playing and business, and I'm comfortable with it. I think I'll always play around 23 or 25 events a year. I'd prefer to be really ready to play the events I'm at. I know some of my friends on Tour who tee it up 28 or 29 times a year and by the end of if, they're burned out. I don't want to fall into that mode - it's just not me.

This off season, I'm going to take a nice long break, which, coincidentally I haven't really done since the 2002 season . . . and 2003 wasn't too bad a year for me. I'll be spending time working out, going to the chiropractor, as well as relaxing with the family. I want to feel fit and refreshed when the 2009 season starts.

At this time of year, I also want to thank all the fans who've followed me at events, on television, on this web site (by the way, look for a big upgrade on mikeweir.com in 2009 - that's another exciting project I've been working on) or met me at various functions. It's great to know I have so much support in Canada and all over the world. It means a great deal to me.

Also, at this festive time of the year, I hope that you will take a moment to think of others less fortunate and help out. It's really easy to make a difference. You can make a donation to your local food bank, bring an unwrapped toy to a service group for distribution, send a cheque to one of the many worthwhile charities. Also, I hope you'll pause for a moment to remember our troops serving in Afghanistan and salute the difficult work they are doing.

On behalf of my family, I want to wish you all the best and may 2009 be a wonderful year for us all.

Mike