Nissan Open
20 Feb 2003 - 23 Feb 2003Riviera CC., Pacific Palisades, California
Two wins in four starts is amazing and really restores my confidence in my game. It’s not that I ever really doubted I’d rebound from last year, but the quick start is certainly reassuring.
The win at the Nissan Open was pretty amazing. I started off on Sunday never really thinking about winning the tournament; after all, I was seven shots back. So I went out just hoping to play well. By the time I made the birdie on the 11th hole, I realized that I was in the hunt and winning became possible.
All day, things just kind of went my way. The fact the weather was a bit cold, probably helped me and early on, I got in a good rhythm, I felt good out there right from the opening tee shot.
Of course I also got some help. Charles was struggling a bit and so were some of the other guys and that allowed me back in.
I will say that on the second hole in the playoff, Charles hit a great second shot to the green on the 10th. If he lands that an inch shorter, it probably stays in the rough. If he lands it just a couple of inches further, it would probably scoot 20 feet past, but he hit it perfect. I was really preparing myself that he would hit a good shot, even though I knew it was tough. You have to expect that from guys out here – like the slogan says, “These Guys are Good.”
For me, I chose to play the 10th hitting a three wood. Some people might say that’s not aggressive, but I beg to differ. I think it’s a very aggressive play because it set up an aggressive line for me to attack the pin with my next shot, which I did and that led to my birdie and the win.
One thing is certain: winning or even being in the hunt is exhausting. It really wears you out and you do have to change your routine a bit. I had to do a lot more media interviews, including a conference call with all the Canadian press, take time for pictures, talk to the sponsors, call back friends – all sorts of things I don’t do on a normal week. And when I’m on the range, all my friends will come up and offer congratulations. That’s really nice as we’re all sort of like a big family out here.
But it has taken a lot out of me. I think I’ve learned that I can play about three weeks in a row out here – that’s about my maximum – without getting worn out.
One thing I find funny is how a lot of fans ask me why I don’t play very much. The truth is, if you look at my record, I’ve pretty much always played around 23 to 25 weeks. I don’t plan to change that this year, even with my early success.
Perhaps if I was single and didn’t have a family, I might play more, but I like to go home and spend time with my wife and kids, and do all the regular things families do. I want to be a good husband and father, and those things are more important to me than missing an event here and there. It is important on TOUR to find and maintain a balance in my life and in my game.
As you read this, I’m probably already playing in the World Golf Championships Accenture Match Play. I’m looking forward to that as I enjoy match play. It’s different than a regular week because you’re playing more against the other guy than the golf course. You can also be a little more aggressive because it doesn’t matter if you make a nine on one hole. I think it’s great for the fans and it’s a nice break for us.
Finally, thanks to everyone who has written in to me at MikeWeir.com for all your kind wishes on my latest victory.
Thanks for your support,
Mike Weir
