Sports Oakville Beaver By Jon Kuiperij BEAVER SPORTS EDITOR www.aplushomes.ca Adam Campbell 905-844-4444 I N D E P E N D E N T LY O W N E D A N D O P E R AT E D Broker of Record B R O K E R A G E SPORTS EDITOR: JON KUIPERIJ Phone 905-845-3824 (ext. 432) Fax 905-337-5571 email sports@oakvillebeaver.com · WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2009 25 Weir tourney a day to remember Jim Westlake had teed it up with the pros before, but this time was extra special. The Oakville resident was one of several players teamed with Canadian and three-time PGA Tour winner Stephen Ames for Monday's inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic, teeing off RBC Canadian Open week at Glen Abbey Golf Club. Westlake has played in Canadian Open pro/ams in the past, where he played with PGA Tour members like John Cook and Joe Acosta, Jr. But he says the atmosphere Monday was like no other he had experienced. "I thought that was the most relaxed I've seen the pros," said Westlake, Group Head, International Banking and Insurance for RBC. "They all seemed to get into the spirit. They were really good." That included Ames, who -- deservedly or not -- has developed a reputation of being aloof and impersonal. Ames, who will be in the spotlight this week along with fellow Canadian Mike Weir, was engaging with his playing partners as well as the crowd. "Sometimes when you're around the pros, you don't know whether to solicit advice from them or not," said Westlake, a low double-digit handicap. "But he was watching people's swings and making suggestions to them, doing some completely-unsolicited coaching. "I would say he was the most talkative guy of any pro I've ever been around. I don't want to say it surprised me, but I agree it is in contrast with what you hear. He's obviously very technical about his swing and I can imagine when he's right into it on the Wednesday Pro/Am, you're really starting to get focused for the next day." Westlake and Ames even had something in common to discuss -- Trinidad and Tobago. Ames was born in the Caribbean state, while Westlake's head office is based there. Westlake admitted he'll be pulling for Weir at this weekend's Open -- "It just seems the right thing to do," he said -- but he's got a soft spot for Ames as well. "I have to cheer a little louder for Stephen after playing with him," Westlake said, "but I can't imagine he'll be too upset seeing Mike win." Ames switched teams after the first nine holes, but the fun didn't end there for Westlake and his partners. San Jose Sharks star Joe Thornton joined the team the rest of the way. "He was great, too, with kids coming up for autographs and pictures," Westlake said. "I can't imagine having two nicer people to play golf with than those two." Westlake's team finished the best-ball event with a score of minus-12. The team of Sean O'Hair and Damon Allen won the event, combining for a team total of 19under-par. The teams of Anthony Kim/Rick Nash and Camilo Villegas/Tom Cochrane tied for second at 15under. SEEING STARS: Oakville resident Jim Westlake follows his shot during Monday's inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic at Glen Abbey Golf Club. Westlake got the opportunity to play with Stephen Ames, one of Canada's top hopes at this week's RBC Canadian Open. NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER MEMO To: Subject: From: Oakville Soccer Club Returning Members Welcome to the Head of the Line The Oakville Soccer Club Advance online registration for our Fall and Winter indoor programs now available for returning members and siblings Visit www.oakvillesoccerclub.ca to register and to view complete information on fees, days of play and more In-person registration with proof of birth is required for siblings who are currently non-members Open registration starts August 10 1520 Pine Glen Road (Dundas and Third Line), 905-849-4436 The Oakville Beaver A Proud Sponsor of Oakville Soccer Club A proud sponsor of the Oakville Soccer Club