CHAMPIONS: Team Ontario beat BC in a fun pre-tournament game in Augusta

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AUGUSTA, Ga. – Team Ontario beat Team BC at Augusta National as the four Canadians in this week's Masters meet for practice Tuesday.

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“It was only a nine-hole match because a couple of guys cut after nine holes, but Corey and I hit West Coast and the Ontario guys put them on the front nine,” Mike Weir said Tuesday. “We had an interesting match there.”

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In the All-Canadian practice round, led by the 2003 champion, Weir and Conners went up against the Abbotsford boys, Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin. Tuesday's round has become one of a long list of traditions at the Masters, even if it's only held by fans north of the border.

“I amPlaying with Mike is great. There is always something to learn. He's rooting for all of us,” Conners said. “I know all Canadians believe in us and I think we can do it; it's just a matter of doing it. Don't expect the wait to be long. I'm going to work hard and see if I can mix myself up.”

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It's a special time of year for 53-year-old Weir, who certainly earned a lifetime ticket to the Masters after defeating Len Matthias in a playoff 21 years ago.

“Vi had a great time. “It's always fun for me to catch up with the guys,” Weir said. “I see them once or twice a year. I'll be seeing them quite a bit now because I'm going to a few more events, but yeah, always fun.”

Weir will be more involved in PGA Tour events this year as he prepares for September's Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal, serving as international team captain.

“We talked about it a bit. Lots of information about the Presidents Cup. But yeah, I hope they all do it,” Weir said of his fellow Canadians. “I never thought I'd be playing in my first Presidents Cup, I think it was 2000, and I'd be standing here 24 years later as the captain of the team. I never thought this would happen. It never crossed my mind. Very respectful. I always love coming back here, being a champion here, coming back here. Two great things.”

Despite his familiarity with Augusta National, Conners said he's still learning from Weir and hopes to continue their conversation Tuesday over dinner one day.

“I'm very jealous of where he's going for dinner tonight, that's for sure.” Conners said this in reference to Tuesday night's Night of Champions. “I'm sure he'll like it. It's going to be really cool. I hope one day I can be there.”

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