Golf-Weir win over Woods a memorable Cup consolation prize

By Steve Keating

MONTREAL, Sept 30 (Reuters) - Mike Weir could not deliver a Presidents Cup but gave Canadian golf fans plenty to cheer on Sunday by winning a stirring battle with world number one Tiger Woods.

With the U.S. needing just three wins from 12 singles matches to clinch the Cup, the final day lacked usual suspense, leaving Woods and Weir to provide the drama.

Backed by a record Presidents Cup crowd of 35,000, Weir rode the support to a final hole victory over Woods providing the hosts with a memorable consolation prize.

"For me, being from Canada, to have this kind of support, it's overwhelming," said the 2003 Masters champion. "I'm having a tough time putting into words what it means to me.

"But when I look back on my career, this may be even more special than winning the Masters."

Weir and Woods treated the galleries to a thrilling roller-coaster afternoon of golf, engaging in an epic battle that went down to the final hole.

Like he had all week, Weir received a hero's send-off from the first tee, the crowd chanting "Mikey, Mikey" as he charged three ahead going into the turn.

But Weir wobbled on the back nine and Woods pounced, erasing the deficit and going one with three to play.