Interview: Mike Weir

Former champion Mike Weir tells skysports.com about his love of The Masters and recalls his famous win in 2003.

Mike Weir was one of the hottest golfers on the planet in the first few months of 2003 - and yet his lack of length meant few had him down as the potential Green Jacket winner. Weir arrived at Augusta having already won twice that season (the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and the Nissan Open at Riviera) and his putter was red-hot. The Canadian had also proven himself at the highest level by winning the 2000 WGC-American Express Championship and the 2001 Tour Championship so the experts were missing a trick by leaving him off their shortlists for Augusta. Weir started fast and despite a third round wobble his clutch putting and steely nerve saw him through to a memorable victory. He relives his finest hour in this exclusive interview... First of all Mike, just tell us what it means to you, coming back to Augusta... MW: Coming back to Augusta is something you could never get tired of. It's such a special place with so much history. It really has a special feel about it, and being the first Major of the year, you're always excited. What are your thoughts on the Masters being the only Major to have a retained venue, is that something you endorse? MW: The Masters is one of golf's greatest traditions and Augusta is one of the best courses in the world. They are synonymous. It's an event that every golfer, and golf fan, looks forward to. Take us back to 2003. You became the first Canadian to win a Major by winning the Masters. That must've felt pretty special... MW: Becoming the first Canadian male to win a Major Championship, especially being the Masters, was a dream come true. I spent hours as a kid on the putting green of the local golf course imagining I was sinking a putt to win the Masters. It will be a moment that I cherish the rest of my life. Talk us through the week, how you bounced back with that closing 68 after a disappointing Saturday and how you kept it together down the stretch, holing that putt for par on 18 to force a play-off... MW: In every major, but especially the Masters, you just want to give yourself scoring chances and minimize mistakes. After shooting a 75 on Saturday I was still in second place, just two out of the lead, so I felt very good about where I was. On Sunday I had to make a few key putts, but none more important than that seven footer to force a play-off. When that went in, it gave me a lot of confidence for the play-off. I was so close to my dream of winning the Masters, I wasn't going to let it get away from me. And the play-off itself, how did you feel on the 10th tee? Relieved to be in the play-off or disappointed that Len Mattiace managed such a great round on Sunday to force the play-off? MW: You just don't have the time to worry about what others are doing. You just want to take care of your own business. You are focused on that tee shot on the 10th tee and making it to the finish line. It's one of the most stressful moments in professional golf, but you have worked so hard to get to that point, that it really is fun. Best bogey of your life, right?! MW: Without question...best bogey of my life! Moving forward to this year, first of all how is the elbow? MW: The elbow is feeling much better. I've got two events under my belt this year and I'm feeling a lot more confident in it. I can practice a lot more without it hurting, so now I'm focused on getting my game back to where it needs to be. Obviously 2010 was a disappointing year for you which ended with the elbow problem. How does the swing feel now, are you hopeful that you can return to your best this year? MW: Last year was disappointing, but injuries and adversity is part of golf and sports in general. I have work to do to get my game back to where I want it to be, but I feel good about the direction I'm headed and believe that I'll be able to return to top form this year. What do you make of world golf at the moment? It seems that there are a lot of young players winning tournaments across the globe, has anyone in particular impressed you? MW: It's exciting to see so many young, talented players around the world. It's great for the game. Players like Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler and Ryo Ishikawa have all really impressed me. They have the game, and the confidence, to win a lot of tournaments and Majors in their careers. And what of Canadian golf? Obviously Graham DeLaet put together some solid rounds last year. MW: Yes, Graham had a great year last year. Unfortunately he is recovering from surgery on his back in the off-season, which you hate to see, but he'll come back and continue to do great things for the game in Canada. I'm happy for him. Thanks for your time Mike. We look forward to seeing you back to your best this year and good luck at Augusta.