The Greatest Moment in Canadian Golf History

It’s been 20 years since Len Mattiace sailed his par putt well-past on the 72^nd hole of the 2003 Masters, setting up a long come-backer. Mike Weir reaches for a towel from his caddie, Brennan Little, pats the beads of sweat off his forehead and watches Mattiace roll the come-backer five feet long.

Just two putts to be the first ever Canadian major champion; to be the first ever Lefty to win a Green Jacket; to cement himself as the best golfer his nation had ever seen (a title he has only recently relinquished to LPGA superstar Brooke Henderson.) 

Weir steps up to the six-footer and it burns the edge. He promptly walks up, taps it in, and we hear the famous words from Jim Nantz “the Green Jacket is going north of the border! Mike Weir has won The Masters”. Weir tips his hat, arms high, and a smile as big as Brights Grove, Ontario beams across his face.

The 2002 champ... a guy by the name of Tiger Woods... slips the Green Jacket over Weir’s shoulders and I grab a wedge, a couple hen pearls, and head to the park across the road to hit a few shots. I’m just 15 years old, part of this esoteric group of LEFTY golfers trying to fit in in this golf space, and now I have a legend to look up to; It’s not so lonely on this side of the tee box anymore.

Fast forward 20 years and 30% of golfers north of the border are LEFTIES and we now have our very own brand dedicated to LEFTIES as well. The WEIR effect is indisputable and now we’re celebrating the 20th anniversary of the greatest moment in Canadian men’s golf history.

Weir is still one of only four LEFTY major champions, joined by Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson, and Bob Charles. Three of the four will be in the field at the 2023 Masters, and although even making the cut would be accomplishment for any of them in one of the deepest fields in golf, there will be plenty for the LEFTY community to follow. 

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