LEWISTON — Drew Weaver was considered one of the favorites to win the 51st Annual Porter Cup at Niagara Falls Country Club.
That’s a little different than his recent appearance in the U.S. Open, where Weaver came in with little fanfare.
“It’s much different. It’s kind of fun to be under the radar at those tour events, but if you play well, your profile increases,” Weaver said Friday. “When you come to an event like this there are more expectations put on you and more people watching you. But that’s what golf is about — learning how to deal with those things.”
Weaver handled that experience well, finishing with a 69 in the opening round and heading into the clubhouse as the leader of the event at Bethpage Black. He made the cut and finished in a tie for 40th.
The Virginia Tech product is still in the hunt for the Porter Cup, entering today’s action five strokes behind the leaders. And he said the experience at the U.S. Open and previous trips to the British Open and the Masters have helped him stay focused.
“The experience is the most valuable thing. You can’t put a price on playing three majors. It’s helped me because you come to an event like this and you don’t have the same pressure,” Weaver said. “Now that I’ve played in the U.S. Open and made a cut and made big putts under pressure, those are the kinds of things that will only help me down the road. It gives you a great sense of confidence.”
Weaver said the experience at the U.S. Open was surreal, and he’s tried not to let the incident
“It’s one of those things you have to pinch yourself over. But I’ve tried to do a good job of staying in the moment and just playing golf. As simple as that sounds, that’s why I try to do.”
•••
Although the increased number of local golfers haven’t made a mark on the leaderboard, they have changed the size of the Porter Cup crowds.
For example, former NFCC groundskeeper John Edwards took a double bogey on No. 13 Friday en route to a 4-over-par 74, but he had a contingent of over 50 fans following him throughout the day. The Grand Island resident is six-over for the tournament.
“The crowds gave been great,” said Dr. Sal Menante, the general chairman. “Wednesday’s crowds were good for an opening day and today was good before the rains came. Having local players in the field makes a big difference with that.”
Contact sports editor Tim Schmitt at 282-2311, ext. 2266.
Porter Cup 2009
July 24, 2009
PORTER CUP NOTEBOOK: Fresh from Open, Weaver keeps his focus
- Porter Cup 2009
-
-
PORTER CUP: Rain couldn't compromise event
When the clouds finally cleared on Saturday, though, fans and organizers were treated to an incredible finish as Brendan Gielow, Andrew Yun and Cody Gribble went to a three-way playoff and Gielow captured the crown by sinking a chip from off the green on the third extra hole.
-
PORTER CUP: Gielow takes title in spectacular fashion
For all the talk of Doppler images, weather cells and emergency evacuations, the 51st Annual Porter Cup will rightfully be remembered for something more significant — the most scintillating finish in the tournament’s proud history.
- PORTER CUP NOTEBOOK: Wind is Mickelson downfall on final day Tim Mickelson had a feeling that a recent respite from golf might catch up to him at the 51st Annual Porter Cup.
-
PORTER CUP: Weather is the story after second round
The unfortunate story after Friday’s second round of the storied Porter Cup wasn’t who might emerge in Saturday’s final round, but if the round will be played at all. Tim Mickelson and Mike Van Sickle share the lead.
-
TIM'S TAKE: Reigning champ Mitchell tempers expectations
Adam Mitchell returned to NFCC to defend his crown, although he clearly understood that following last year’s performance would be no small feat.
-
PORTER CUP NOTEBOOK: Fresh from Open, Weaver keeps his focus
Drew Weaver was considered one of the favorites to win the 51st Annual Porter Cup at Niagara Falls Country Club.
That’s a little different than his recent appearance in the U.S. Open, where Weaver came in with little fanfare. -
PORTER CUP: Mother Nature claims second round
Porter Cup organizers had Thursday night marked for an annual trip that takes golfers and their families to the Maid of the Mist.
Turned out they got a preview of the world-famous thrill ride standing outside Niagara Falls Country Club. -
PORTER CUP: Mickelson among leaders after opening round
For one sizzling back nine, Niagara Falls Country Club played the role of safe haven for Tim Mickelson on Wednesday.
The wife of his well-known brother has been fighting through a publicized battle with breast cancer. His mother underwent surgery in a Houston hospital just a week ago for the same ailment. -
TIM'S TAKE: Captain Marucci still rolling along
As the captain of the 2009 Walker Cup team — the amateur equivalent of the Ryder Cup — it’s Marucci’s job to figure out who has the intestinal fortitude to represent the good ol’ U.S. of A. in the upcoming event, which will take place in September. The Americans have a two-match, four-year winning streak in hand and Marucci wants to build on his perfect 1-0 mark as team captain.
-
PORTER CUP NOTEBOOK: Rough forecast for upcoming rounds
After wreaking havoc on last year’s Porter Cup schedule, Mother Nature followed suit by handing the players a 50-minute fog delay before the opening round of the 2009 event on Wednesday.
- More Porter Cup 2009 Headlines
-
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
