Taylor eyes another big moment

Everywhere he goes, Canadian hears where-they-were stories from fans

- JASON LOGAN

Nick Taylor hugs caddy Dave Markle after sinking a 72-foot putt in a playoff to win the 2023 RBC Canadian Open.

Twenty-one years ago, on the first week of September, Mike Weir walked onto the driving range at Hamilton Golf and Country Club to an almost eerie silence.

The club was hosting the Canadian Open for the first time in 73 years, and Weir was making his first competitive appearance on home soil since he had won the Masters that April.

As word spread that Weir had arrived to the practice area, the crowds behind the roped-off range grew rapidly. Then, as Weir walked toward his spot, a hush ensued. All that broke the calm was the sound of club faces connecting with golf balls. Players, even tour veterans, turned and watched as Weir walked by. The late Dan Halldorson, making the last of his 25 Canadian Open starts, stopped Weir for a chat. Anyone nearby could eavesdrop on their conversation.

The scene’s quiet was owed to Weir’s aura. For many Canadians, it was their first time seeing the diminutive golfer in person. Here was the left-hander who conquered giants like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Vijay Singh in golf’s most famous tournament at its most famous course. Though the support for Weir grew louder and louder as the week progressed, that first sighting left many awestruck.

“I remember feeling that and it was incredible,” Weir said, standing on that same range Tuesday.