Mike Weir a Bob Hope Classic fan favorite
Mon, 25 Jan 2010 06:07:41
by Drew Schmenner
LA QUINTA - Mike Weir's consistent play has put him in contention at the Bob Hope Classic.
Playing at La Quinta Country Club in front of a boisterous crowd, the Canadian shot his fourth consecutive 5-under 67 on Sunday, placing him three strokes behind co-leaders Alex Prugh and Bubba Watson. Weir's scorecard has only one blemish after four rounds. Weir bogeyed the par-5 seventh hole at SilverRock Resort in the third round Saturday. Weir said he has been satisfied with his ball striking all week, but he has struggled on the greens.
"It was a solid round," Weir said. "I'm really just not putting too well." Weir three-putted two par-5s Sunday, but those were the only mistakes in a round that dazzled fans, some of whom were wearing red and white to show their allegiance to Canada. "Hey, ho! Canada, go!" chanted several men wearing red and white Canadian golf shirts after Weir tapped in a 2-foot birdie on the first hole.
Weir said he attracts large galleries in California and Florida where many Canadians escape for the winter. "It's been great to have that much support (with) all the Canadians out here," Weir said. "It's been a lot of fun." Weir, who attended Brigham Young University, also avoids the cold so he can practice, but he doesn't have to travel as far as his fellow Canadians. He and his family have settled in the Salt Lake City area, but Weir calls the Palm Springs area his "home away from home."
Weir said he has made the 1-hour, 20-minute flight from Salt Lake City to Palm Springs six times since November. He worked at the Palms Club with coach Mike Wilson to prepare for the season, which he opened this week. Ranked No. 36 in the world, Weir is the highest-rated golfer in the field, and he is returning today to the site of his greatest moments at the Hope - the Palmer Private Course at PGA West. "It's a golf course I really like," Weir said. "I play well on it."
