7 Aug 2017

Sport: Masters winner to play Fiji International

12:20 pm on 7 August 2017

Former Masters champion Mike Weir will play the Fiji International golf tournament later this month.

The Canadian was a dominant force on the US PGA Tour throughout the early 2000's, winning eight times.

He also lifted the World Golf Championship in 2000 and was crowned Masters champion in 2003.

Canadian golfer Mike Weir.

Canadian golfer Mike Weir. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The 47-year-old shares a strong history with the Fiji International's local icon Vijay Singh.

In 2004 he was defeated by Singh in a playoff on his home turf during the Canadian Open and said he was motivated to perform well on the the Natadola Bay Championship Course, which was designed his fellow Masters winner.

"I can't wait to tee it up against Vijay on his home course; it'd be amazing to return the favour from 2004," Weir joked.

"He's a great player and any course he's had a hand in re-designing is sure to be a great challenge, I'm looking forward to seeing what he's put together."

Mike Weir waits to make his put during the  2017 Canadian Open last month.

Mike Weir waits to make his put during the 2017 Canadian Open last month. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Mike Weir has spent most of his career in the US and has recently been plying his trade on the European Tour.

"I think it's great the Fiji International is a tri-sanctioned event, it presents a fantastic opportunity to the winner and will open a lot of doors, particularly for young players looking to establish their careers," he said.

"I haven't spent a lot of time on the Asian Tour so I'm looking forward to seeing some of those guys in action, there's a lot of talented guys coming out of there so it'll be really exciting."

Mike Weir joins a strong field which includes Vijay Singh, Phachara Khongwatmai, Jeev Milkha Singh, Ryan Fox and Brett Rumford.

Vijay Singh.

Vijay Singh has redesigned most of the holes at Natadola Bay. Photo: Fiji International