11/05/2009
Ottawa, Ont. (RCGA with files from Chris Johnston, The Canadian Press) - Professional golfer Mike Weir was among the 35 Canadians who were invested with the Order of Canada in a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa Thursday morning.
Weir has captured eight PGA TOUR victories which matches George Knudson for the most ever by a Canadian. He also became the first man from this country to win a major when he captured the Masters in 2003.
However, it was the 39-year-olds off-course achievements which 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. 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."
In 2009, RBC and the RCGA named the Mike Weir Foundation as the National Charity Partner for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open. Included as part of the partnership was the launch of the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic which took place Monday, July 20 at Glen Abbey Golf Club. The high-profile charity fundraiser featured marquee celebrities from the music, sports and entertainment industries. The event would go on to raise $275,000 for the Weir Foundation.
"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."
The PGA TOUR veteran joins fellow Canadian golfers Marlene Stewart Streit, Sandra Post, Lorie Kane and the late George Knudson in joining the order.
Weir's parents Rich and Rowie as well as his wife Bricia were in attendance Thursday when he joined the Order of Canada.
Established in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes Canadians for outstanding lifetime achievements. New appointments are made twice yearly with award ceremonies taking place three times a year.
Later this month, on Nov. 28, Weir will be inducted to the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame during a ceremony in his hometown, Bright’s Grove, Ont.
ABOUT THE CANADIAN GOLF HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM
The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame celebrates the outstanding individuals of Canadian golf from players, both amateur and professional, to the builders, architects and others who have been fundamental to the evolution of the game in this country. Operated by the Royal Canadian Golf Association, the Hall of Fame, museum and library are open to visitors to discover more about the game and the inductees. For more information please visit www.cghf.org.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
For more information:
Terry Lenyk
Media and Public Relations Coordinator
Royal Canadian Golf Association
1.800.263.0009 x 335 (Toll Free)
Cell: 416.407.3893
tlenyk@rcga.org
