Weir representing Utah

Mike Weir will be the only Utah golfer playing in this week's British Open at Turnberry, Scotland.

The 38-year-old Sandy resident is having a good season and coming off a successful U.S. Open when he led after the first round with a 64 and was in contention most of the way before finishing in a tie for 10th place.

Weir tees off today at 5:36 a.m. MDT along with former British Open champion Ben Curtis and England's Ross Fisher.

He is playing in his 11th straight British Open and first at Turnberry, although he has played there several times.

On his blog, Weir talked about playing Turnberry.

"I've played it several times in the past and thoroughly enjoyed myself," he said. "I actually shot a 61 there once, but that was in perfect conditions and it wasn't set up for an Open. They've made some changes since then, too. From what I've heard, the rough is very nasty over there, so staying in play will be the key. I made a call to my good friend Nick Price before I left and picked his brain. He won at Turnberry in 1994, so I knew he'd have some good insight."

Weir also talked about his preparation back home in Utah.

"I spent last week back home preparing for the tournament, working with my coach, Mike Wilson, on the type of game I'll need for Turnberry. Luckily for us, it was quite windy in Utah, so I was able to hit shots that I expect I'll need."

Weir's best British Open finish came in 2007 at Carnoustie when he finished in a tie for eighth place at 281. He also had a top-10 finish in 2004 when he tied for ninth place. Last year at Royal Birkdale, he came in 39th place at 296.

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