Bell Canadian Open

04 Sep 2002 - 08 Sep 2002
Angus Glen Golf Club, Markham, Ont.

Markam, Ont.-- Sunday I went out on a good note. I finished the Bell Canadian Open with my best round of the tournament, a 67. It felt good to post that score and I was generally please with the way I hit it.

I was really hoping to play well today – I came out with the attitude of just going out and playing golf, not over-thinking and having some fun. That really worked well.
I was especially happy to play well in front of the huge crowds. It was nice to give them something to cheer about out there.

Again, as it has been all week, my ball-striking was good. I didn’t have a bogey on the day and I finally managed to do well on the par 5s. I birdied all four of them (finally got that 14th hole!) and also threw in another birdie on the eighth. Although I would have liked to play four rounds like that, it was still a good week – hey it was my best Canadian Open finish ever!

I can’t say enough about this Canadian Open in terms of organization and operation. Kevin Thistle and his team at Angus Glen ran a great show and I know it the guys on Tour will remember how well they were treated and the overall great hospitality. The crowds were very supportive to me and all the other Canadians for all four rounds and I know that we really enjoy that. We don’t get to play in Canada too often so when we do come home, it’s a great feeling.

I’m heading home for a week now, to spend some time with my family. I’ve been out for five consecutive tournaments and I’ll admit I’m a little tired right now. But I want to also get prepared for my next event the American Express World Golf Championship in Ireland. I’m the defending champion there – although it comes under unusual circumstances. This was the event that was cancelled a year ago in the wake of the Sept. 11 tragedy. So it will be strange on a number of levels, from the lengthy delay to playing in a different country. I haven’t played the course yet so I’m going to leave Sunday to get a lot of good preparation in and make sure I’m ready.

As I’m sure most of you know, I’ve had a lot of success in the fall so I’m hoping I can turn it on. I think my game is coming around, as evidenced by my round on Sunday. I’d certainly say that so far this year, my game has been sound, but not spectacular. Hopefully, I can find that magic the next time out.

Thanks for your support.
Mike