Northern Trust Open Snubs Weir

Mike Weir made his return to the PGA Tour last week at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. It was Weir’s first PGA Tour start since July after shutting it down in August due to elbow surgery. This week Weir was hoping to make his second straight start at the Northern Trust Open but tournament officials had other ideas.

Weir, the two-time champion (2003 & 2004) of the Northern Trust Open is relying on sponsors exemptions and his European Tour status this season. Most would have considered Weir to be a shoe in for one of the eight available exemptions at the historic Riviera Country Club. However to the surprise of many including Weir, he was denied a spot.

There are countless reasons as to why Weir may have been passed over this week, the most glaring are the two young Japanese golfers who received invites, Ryo Ishikawa and Yuta Ikeda. Noted golf writer, Lorne Rubenstein clarifies the situation.

A source close to the events that transpired around Weir but who did not want to be identified speculated that Asian television could be a priority with Northern Trust, a Chicago-based financial services company that has Asia-Pacific operations … Riviera is owned by Japanese interests.

Bingo! It’s a tough break for Weir but it’s not the end of the world as Weir indicated on his blog after receiving the news.

“On the same subject, I was hoping to get an exemption into the field at the Northern Trust Open but it’s tough because there will never be enough spots for all the players who want them. The organizers had to make the best choice for their tournament and I wish everyone involved with the Northern Trust Open all the best with this year’s event. I’m sure it will be another good one.”

Stay classy, Northern Trust Open.