WGC: American Express Championship

19 Sep 2002 - 22 Sep 2002
Mount Juliet, Kilkenny, Ireland

Mike and Brennan at the Bell Canadian Open
© MikeWeir.com

Mike and I arrived in Ireland early this week, in preparation of defending Mike’s 2000 Championship title at the WGC – American Express Championship. Mike won this event in Spain 2 years ago, and is excited to defend his title after it was postponed in the wake of the terrorist attacks last year. This year’s event is being played at Mount Juliet Estate in Thomastown, Kilkenny. It is a beautiful, par 72, 7200-yard Irish golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus in 1991. It will prove to be a challenge this week for the top 65 golfers in the world.

The memorable holes this week will be 3, 10, 13, and 18. Hole # 3, a par 3, 182 yards is probably the most picturesque hole on the course. With an elevated tee and a green guarded by a stream and a lake, it is a hole that most golfers will remember.

The par 5, 553 yard 10th hole is one that will test the strategies of the world’s best golfers this week. A large hill off the tee and a cluster of trees guarding the green creates two blind shots. This is a difficult start to the back nine.

Debated to be Mount Juliet’s signature hole, the par 4, 433-yard Hole # 13 requires a long tee shot. Hitting the fairway will provide a good opportunity to hit the undulating green. Mike will have to be careful with this second shot, as there is a pond just in front of the green, and a granite wall guarding the pond.

The final hole at Mount Juliet, is par 5 like in length at 474 yards, but is a par 4. The lake that hugs the fairway and the green with troublesome bunkers and mounds will present a challenge for all to make par on this hole.

Mike is playing very well right now and enjoys the course as it sets up well for his game. Let's just hope we can get a few more putts to drop and finish off the last part of the 2002 season on a high note.