Mike Weir to receive Order of Canada
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 4, 2009 | 10:00 PM ET
The Canadian Press
Mike Weir will receive the Order of Canada later this week. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press) Mike Weir's next major honour is only partly in recognition of what he's accomplished on a golf course.
The former Masters champion from Bright's Grove, Ont., will become a member of the Order of Canada on Thursday morning and is pleased that 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 told The Canadian Press on Wednesday.
"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, which celebrated its fifth anniversary earlier this year, is dedicated to advancing the physical, emotional and educational welfare of children.
Weir, 39, will be one of 35 Canadians to be honoured during Thursday's ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. His off-course achievements were highlighted in a news release from Gov. Gen. Michaëlle 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 Weir continues to focus on his playing career, he's gradually taken on more projects and interests away from the course.
Weir's eight PGA Tour victories match 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 on Thursday have all happened fairly quickly.
"Eleven years ago I was just fighting to get on the PGA Tour," Weir said.
