Mike Weir is set to return to Southern Spain for the first time in 12 years for the Open de Andalucía Costa del Sol.
Weir will join four other past major winners - José María Olazábal, Paul Lawrie, Michael Campbell and Rich Beem - at Aloha Golf, Marbella from March 15 - 18.
It's his first time back in the region since the 2000 American Express Championship at Valderrama, when he triumphed over a world-class field - including Tiger Woods.
"I'm looking forward to returning to Spain next week for the Open de Andalucía," Weir told the European Tour website. "I have very fond memories of winning a World Golf Championship event in Spain early in my career, and it will be special to play there again. I have always enjoyed the golf courses in Spain and have heard that Aloha is an outstanding golf course. It will be a fun week."
Weir, a natural right-hander who plays golf left-handed, hit the big time in 2003 when he won the Masters at Augusta.
When he was 13 years old, he wrote Jack Nicklaus a letter asking if he should change to playing right-handed and, to his delight, Nicklaus wrote him back, saying he should not change anything that feels natural. Weir has the the letter framed, and considers it one of his most treasured possessions.
While he reached the pinnacle of the game back in 2003, the last few years have been a struggle for the Canadian, who has had to deal with many injuries. In 2010, he finally underwent elbow surgery and spent much of the downtime attending to his wine business and the Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids Foundation.
On the course, he's been working with good friend Nick Price, trying to get his game back into shape.
Weir will be hoping a return to the Costa del Sol will spark a return to winning ways when the Open de Andalucía tees off on March 15.
golf365.com