Canadian PGA Member Mike Weir Receives Order of Canada
Canadian PGA Member Mike Weir's next major honour is only partly in recognition of what he's accomplished on the golf course.
The former Masters champion and Bright's Grove native became a member of the Order of Canada and is pleased the Governor General's office noted his charitable work in announcing his investiture.
"I'm honoured in the fact that maybe it has something a little to do with golf, but it's something more to do with the foundation (wife) Bricia and I set up," Weir said yesterday. "It's something that as I get a little older and when I retire from the game will be a bigger part of my life. We just kind of got started."
The Mike Weir Foundation celebrated its fifth anniversary this year and is dedicated to advancing the physical, emotional and educational welfare of children.
Weir was one of 35 Canadians honoured during the ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. He found out he would be appointed in June 2007, but hasn't been able to attend a ceremony until now.
The golfer's off-course achievements were highlighted in a press release from Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean's office last week.
"His charitable activities are as notable as his golfing accomplishments," it read. "Despite his busy schedule, he has been steadfast in his commitment to raising awareness of and funds for a number of children's causes over the years."
Even though the 39-year-old continues to focus on his playing career, he's gradually taken on more projects and interests away from the course.
Weir isn't totally sure where things are headed with his charitable foundation. Above all, he'd like to see it expand.
"It's continuing to grow each and every year," he said. "Who knows where it will lead? Arnold Palmer built a hospital with his name to it, Hal Sutton's done the same down in Shreveport. I think when your foundation continues to grow and you can hopefully make millions of dollars through that, you can really make a significant impact."
He's certainly done that on the course.
Weir's eight PGA Tour victories match Canadian PGA legend George Knudson for the most by a Canadian. He also became the first man from this country to win a major when he captured the Masters in 2003.
The achievements he'll be recognized for today have all happened fairly quickly.
"Eleven years ago, I was just fighting to get on the PGA Tour," said Weir. "I was back at Q-school at this time 11 years ago. It's not that long of time and I've been able to do pretty well on the course and be able to do these things (off the course). It's pretty special to be able to do that."
Weir's parents Rich and Rowie and his wife Bricia were n attendance when he joined the Order of Canada.
It's part of an offseason of honours for Weir. This month, he'll be inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame during a ceremony in his hometown.
"That one threw me for a loop more than this," said Weir. "At my age, I still feel like I have a long way to go. It's nice to be honoured, but a little bit strange going (into the Hall of Fame) at this stage of my career."
The former Masters champion and Bright's Grove native became a member of the Order of Canada and is pleased the Governor General's office noted his charitable work in announcing his investiture.
"I'm honoured in the fact that maybe it has something a little to do with golf, but it's something more to do with the foundation (wife) Bricia and I set up," Weir said yesterday. "It's something that as I get a little older and when I retire from the game will be a bigger part of my life. We just kind of got started."
The Mike Weir Foundation celebrated its fifth anniversary this year and is dedicated to advancing the physical, emotional and educational welfare of children.
Weir was one of 35 Canadians honoured during the ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. He found out he would be appointed in June 2007, but hasn't been able to attend a ceremony until now.
The golfer's off-course achievements were highlighted in a press release from Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean's office last week.
"His charitable activities are as notable as his golfing accomplishments," it read. "Despite his busy schedule, he has been steadfast in his commitment to raising awareness of and funds for a number of children's causes over the years."
Even though the 39-year-old continues to focus on his playing career, he's gradually taken on more projects and interests away from the course.
Weir isn't totally sure where things are headed with his charitable foundation. Above all, he'd like to see it expand.
"It's continuing to grow each and every year," he said. "Who knows where it will lead? Arnold Palmer built a hospital with his name to it, Hal Sutton's done the same down in Shreveport. I think when your foundation continues to grow and you can hopefully make millions of dollars through that, you can really make a significant impact."
He's certainly done that on the course.
Weir's eight PGA Tour victories match Canadian PGA legend George Knudson for the most by a Canadian. He also became the first man from this country to win a major when he captured the Masters in 2003.
The achievements he'll be recognized for today have all happened fairly quickly.
"Eleven years ago, I was just fighting to get on the PGA Tour," said Weir. "I was back at Q-school at this time 11 years ago. It's not that long of time and I've been able to do pretty well on the course and be able to do these things (off the course). It's pretty special to be able to do that."
Weir's parents Rich and Rowie and his wife Bricia were n attendance when he joined the Order of Canada.
It's part of an offseason of honours for Weir. This month, he'll be inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame during a ceremony in his hometown.
"That one threw me for a loop more than this," said Weir. "At my age, I still feel like I have a long way to go. It's nice to be honoured, but a little bit strange going (into the Hall of Fame) at this stage of my career."