Hubbry Logo
Boo WeekleyBoo WeekleyMain
Open search
Boo Weekley
Community hub
Boo Weekley
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Boo Weekley
Boo Weekley
from Wikipedia

Thomas Brent "Boo" Weekley (born July 23, 1973) is an American professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour.

Key Information

Biography

[edit]

Born in Milton, Florida, Weekley turned professional in 1997 and played on mini-tours until 2002, when he qualified for the PGA Tour. He made the cut in only five of 24 events that year, and lost his tour card. From 2003 through 2006, he played on the Nationwide Tour, finishing well enough in 2006 to again qualify for the PGA Tour. His first victory came at the Verizon Heritage in April 2007.

Weekley's good form at the start of the 2007 season included two top 10 finishes before his victory, after which he reached a new career high of 55 in the Official World Golf Rankings.[2] Later in 2007, he entered the top 50 of the rankings. He represented the United States at the 2007 Omega Mission Hills World Cup with Heath Slocum and finished in 2nd place.

In 2008, Weekley successfully defended his title at the Verizon Heritage, and rose into the top 25 of the rankings.[3] Weekley shot to prominence at the 2008 Ryder Cup, with a succession of virtuoso displays of superb golf including an emphatic 4&2 victory over Oliver Wilson in final day Singles play. The final day was also notable however when Weekley was filmed riding his driver "cowboy horse" style down the first fairway.

Weekley's nickname comes from Yogi Bear's sidekick, Boo Boo Bear.[4]

He attended Milton High School and then Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College where he studied turfgrass science. After only one year at ABAC, where he played on the golf team, Weekley returned home. He was hired as a hydroblaster at the Monsanto chemical plant in Pensacola, Fla. where he would be lowered into large ammonia tanks to clean them.

Weekley began his professional career on the Developmental Players Tour (DP Tour) in Atlanta, Ga., a tour co-founded by Jack Slocum, father of fellow PGA golfer and friend Heath Slocum. Weekley attended high school with Slocum and they played together on the golf team. He lists Ben Hogan as his hero. In May 2013, Weekley won the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas. Weekley beat Matt Kuchar by one stroke to take his first win in five years.

Since 2017, injuries have been significantly limiting Weekley's schedule. He played no professional golf events between the July 2017 RBC Canadian Open on the PGA Tour and the January 2019 Bahamas Great Exuma Classic on the Web.com Tour, suffering from tendinitis.[5] Again, Weekley played no events between the November 2019 RSM Classic on the PGA Tour and the June 2022 Rex Hospital Open on the Korn Ferry Tour. Weekley no longer has full-time status on the PGA Tour, but continues to make limited starts using past champions status and sponsor exemptions.

In August 2023, Weekley began playing on the PGA Tour Champions.

Professional wins (3)

[edit]

PGA Tour wins (3)

[edit]
No. Date Tournament Winning score To par Margin of
victory
Runner(s)-up
1 Apr 16, 2007 Verizon Heritage 67-69-66-68=270 −14 1 stroke South Africa Ernie Els
2 Apr 20, 2008 Verizon Heritage (2) 69-64-65-71=269 −15 3 strokes Australia Aaron Baddeley, United States Anthony Kim
3 May 26, 2013 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial 67-67-66-66=266 −14 1 stroke United States Matt Kuchar

PGA Tour playoff record (0–1)

No. Year Tournament Opponents Result
1 2007 The Honda Classic Argentina José Cóceres, Colombia Camilo Villegas,
United States Mark Wilson
Wilson won with birdie on third extra hole
Villegas and Weekley eliminated by par on second hole

Playoff record

[edit]

Nationwide Tour playoff record (0–1)

No. Year Tournament Opponent Result
1 2006 National Mining Association Pete Dye Classic United States Jason Enloe Lost to par on first extra hole

Other playoff record (0–1)

No. Year Tournament Opponents Result
1 2007 Omega Mission Hills World Cup
(with United States Heath Slocum)
 ScotlandColin Montgomerie and Marc Warren Lost to par on third extra hole

Results in major championships

[edit]
Tournament 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Masters Tournament T20 CUT CUT
U.S. Open T26 T26 CUT CUT 66
The Open Championship T35 CUT T13 T58 CUT
PGA Championship T9 T20 T36 CUT T12 WD T37
  Top 10
  Did not play

CUT = missed the half-way cut
WD = withdrew
"T" indicates a tie for a place

Summary

[edit]
Tournament Wins 2nd 3rd Top-5 Top-10 Top-25 Events Cuts made
Masters Tournament 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 1
U.S. Open 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 3
The Open Championship 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 3
PGA Championship 0 0 0 0 1 3 7 5
Totals 0 0 0 0 1 5 20 12
  • Most consecutive cuts made – 5 (2007 U.S. Open – 2008 U.S. Open)
  • Longest streak of top-10s – 1

Results in The Players Championship

[edit]
Tournament 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
The Players Championship T44 T21 WD T56 CUT T48 CUT CUT T16 T48
  Did not play

CUT = missed the halfway cut
WD = withdrew
"T" indicates a tie for a place

Results in World Golf Championships

[edit]
Tournament 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Match Play R16 R32 R64
Championship T30 T61 T54
Invitational T30 T66 T58 T46 T33
Champions T11
  Top 10
  Did not play

QF, R16, R32, R64 = Round in which player lost in match play
"T" = Tied
Note that the HSBC Champions did not become a WGC event until 2009.

U.S. national team appearances

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Boo Weekley, born Thomas Brent Weekley on July 23, 1973, in , is an American professional golfer renowned for his distinctive personality, powerful ball-striking ability, and three victories, including back-to-back wins at the Verizon Heritage in 2007 and 2008. Raised in a rural setting along the , Weekley earned his nickname as a child from the Yogi Bear character Boo-Boo and initially pursued multiple sports like in high school before injuries steered him toward . After studying turfgrass science and playing collegiate golf at , where he later was inducted into the athletics hall of fame, Weekley turned professional in 1997 following a brief stint as a at a . Weekley earned his card in 2002 through and quickly established himself as a fan favorite for his folksy Southern humor, storytelling prowess, and entertaining press conferences, often drawing comparisons to a modern-day character in the polished world of professional . His breakout came with the 2007 Verizon Heritage victory, where he sealed the win with chip-ins on the final two holes, followed by a repeat triumph the next year—becoming the first player to win consecutive titles at since in 1991 and 1992. In 2013, he added the Invitational at Colonial to his resume, showcasing his precision on one of the Tour's tightest layouts. Beyond individual success, Weekley represented the United States in the 2008 Ryder Cup, contributing to the team's victory with standout performances, including a 4&2 win in foursomes, and also competed in the 2007 World Cup. Over his 319 PGA Tour starts, he amassed over $15 million in earnings, 31 top-10 finishes, and a reputation for resilience amid personal challenges, such as his 2016 divorce from high school sweetheart Karyn, whom he met on a golf course. Now 52, Weekley has transitioned to the PGA Tour Champions circuit since 2023, where he continues to compete and entertain; as of 2025, he holds full status on the tour and ranks in the top 36 of the Charles Schwab Cup standings, often highlighting his passions for fishing and hunting in interviews.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Early Life and Family Background

Thomas Brent Weekley, professionally known as Boo Weekley, was born on July 23, 1973, in . His parents gave him the nickname "Boo" during his childhood, drawing inspiration from Yogi Bear's sidekick, Boo-Boo. Weekley was raised in a supportive environment in the small town of Milton. His father, Tom Weekley, operated a local for many years, providing steady in the . His mother, Patsy Weekley, worked as a nurse, contributing to the family's stability and emphasizing care and responsibility. The fostered a household dynamic rooted in mutual support and practical values. Growing up in rural northwest near the , Weekley enjoyed a childhood immersed in outdoor pursuits, including and , activities he often shared with his father. This environment, reminiscent of a with its natural abundance, instilled in him a laid-back and a deep appreciation for and simple pleasures.

Education and Amateur Achievements

Weekley attended Milton High School in , graduating in 1992 as a member of the school's golf team, where he developed his early competitive skills alongside future PGA Tour player . Following high school, he enrolled at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in , to study turfgrass science, focusing on golf course maintenance and . During the 1992–93 academic year, Weekley competed for the ABAC golf team, contributing to the program's efforts in competitions. His amateur golf highlights were modest and centered on local and regional play, including high school team events in and college-level tournaments through ABAC. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the ABAC Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010. Weekley's in turf management provided practical insights into the golf industry, influencing his eventual decision to turn professional in 1997 after initial post-college work.

Professional Career

Early Professional Years and Minor Tours

Weekley turned professional in 1997 following his collegiate career at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, where he studied turfgrass management. To support his early ambitions in amid financial challenges, he took a job as a hydroblaster at the chemical plant in , earning $7.50 per hour while wearing protective rain gear and a to clean tanks in extreme conditions. He held this position for three years, balancing the demanding labor with his pursuit of competitive play, as the role provided stability during a period of limited tournament earnings. From 1997 to 2002, Weekley competed primarily on various mini-tours, including a developmental circuit based in operated by Jack Slocum, where prize money was modest and often insufficient to cover travel and entry fees. These lower-level events demanded consistent performance just to , with Weekley facing the typical struggles of aspiring professionals, such as scraping together funds for weekly qualifiers and . His during this phase remained low, reflecting the grind of the , though specific tournament results from these tours are sparsely documented beyond his gradual improvement in contention. In late 2001, Weekley earned his first card by advancing through the Qualifying School finals at Bear Lakes Country Club, securing a spot for the 2002 season. However, he struggled to adapt, making the cut in only five of 24 starts and finishing 200th on the money list with earnings under $50,000, which resulted in the loss of his playing privileges. This setback returned him to the developmental ranks, where he joined the Nationwide Tour (now ) full-time from 2003 to 2006, using it as a platform to rebuild his game. Weekley's Nationwide Tour tenure began modestly, with earnings of just $5,000 in both 2003 and 2004, highlighting ongoing financial pressures as he honed his skills in a field of seasoned competitors. By 2005 and into 2006, his consistency improved, culminating in a breakout year where he recorded two runner-up finishes and two third-place results, propelling him to seventh on the money list with over $300,000 in earnings. These strong performances earned him a full card for 2007, marking the end of his primary minor-league phase and validating years of perseverance.

PGA Tour Breakthrough and Peak Years

Weekley earned his full PGA Tour status for the 2007 season by finishing seventh on the 2006 Nationwide Tour money list, securing the spot with two runner-up finishes and two third-place results that year. In his debut full season on the in 2007, Weekley quickly established himself with strong ball-striking and a relaxed approach, finishing 19th on the money list with earnings of $2,344,500. His breakthrough victory came at the 2007 Verizon Heritage, where rain delays extended the tournament across four days from Thursday to Tuesday; entering the final round with a three-shot lead over , Weekley extended it to five at the turn before facing pressure on the closing holes, chunking chips short on the par-4 17th and par-5 18th but holing par putts from 15 and 10 feet, respectively, to win by one stroke over and secure his first title. This dramatic finish, coming shortly after a near-miss in a four-way playoff loss at the , significantly boosted Weekley's confidence and marked his emergence as a contender. The following year, 2008, solidified Weekley's peak form as he defended his Verizon Heritage title under more typical conditions, entering the final round with a two-shot lead and closing with an even-par 71 to win by three strokes over and , earning $990,000. This back-to-back success at propelled him to a career-high of 23 in late April, while his season earnings reached $2,174,299 and included multiple top-10 finishes that highlighted his powerful driving distance—often exceeding 300 yards—and unassuming, folksy demeanor that endeared him to fans. Weekley's momentum carried into subsequent years, culminating in his third PGA Tour victory at the 2013 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, where a final-round 66 gave him a one-stroke edge over and returned him to the winner's circle after a five-year drought. Over his peak period from 2007 to 2013, Weekley amassed career earnings surpassing $15 million, with consistent top-10 results in events like the 2007 (T9) underscoring his resilience built from prior minor-league experience, though his game relied more on raw power off the tee than precision.

Later PGA Tour Challenges and Injuries

Following his peak years, Weekley's performance on the became increasingly inconsistent from 2014 to 2016, with no victories and fewer top-10 finishes compared to his earlier successes, as he struggled to maintain the form that had once elevated him to a career-high world ranking of 23rd. In 2014, he recorded just one top-10 result, a T7 at the Honda Classic, while making 24 starts overall, many ending in missed cuts. This trend continued into 2015 and 2016, where he relied on conditional status after falling outside the top 125 in earnings, highlighting early signs of the physical toll from years of professional play. The challenges intensified starting in 2017 with a series of injuries that severely limited his participation and led to withdrawals and missed cuts. Tendinitis in his right forced him to miss the cut at the RBC Canadian Open in July 2017 and sidelined him for the remainder of the season, requiring surgery that fall; he made only 18 starts that year, with no top-20 finishes. In 2018, during recovery from his elbow surgery, a cancerous was discovered in his right shoulder, necessitating surgery in July 2018 and further delaying his return. He returned in 2019, attempting five starts on a major medical extension, achieving a T68 at the but withdrawing twice and missing two cuts. Shoulder issues, including prior cysts dating back to 2011, compounded the problem, contributing to that restricted his swing and practice time. By 2019, Weekley had lost full status and turned to the for opportunities, making limited appearances via past champion exemptions, such as a last-place finish after the cut at the where he completed his final round in a record 1 hour and 47 minutes. He managed 12 starts that year, with under $200,000 and multiple missed cuts, reflecting diminished consistency. A in early 2021 further hampered his comeback attempts, leading to withdrawals like at the 2021 and only sporadic play through 2022, including three starts where he missed the cut each time. In 2023, at age 49, he played eight events before turning 50, ending his career with 319 total starts, many marred by injuries, and career of $15,167,517—motivating his shift to the senior circuit for a less physically demanding schedule.

Transition to PGA Tour Champions

Weekley turned 50 on July 23, 2023, becoming eligible for the , and made his debut the following month at the , where he finished tied for 66th at 10-over par. In his inaugural season, he competed in a limited schedule of events, adapting to the senior tour's shorter tees and more relaxed pace compared to the , with notable early finishes including a tie for 35th at the Electric in . This transition allowed him to ease into the format, focusing on consistency amid a field of seasoned veterans. By 2024, Weekley increased his participation, posting solid mid-pack results such as a tie for 35th at the Mitsubishi Electric Classic and a tie for first after the opening round of the Championship before finishing tied for 10th overall. In 2025, as of November 2025, he played 25 events, making 23 cuts and earning $673,503, with his best performance a tie for third at the DICK'S Open in July, where he shot 13-under par. These efforts placed him 35th in the Schwab Cup standings, securing full exempt status for 2026 after a strong finish at the Championship. Weekley's powerful driving game, a hallmark of his PGA Tour career, has proven well-suited to the senior tour's forward tees, enabling him to maintain distance advantages while benefiting from the reduced physical demands. He has expressed enjoyment in the less intense environment, describing it as a "dream come true again" and appreciating the camaraderie without the high-stakes pressure of his earlier years.

Tournament Achievements

PGA Tour Victories

Boo Weekley secured his first victory at the 2007 Verizon Heritage, held at in . Entering the final round one shot behind leader , Weekley faced severe weather disruptions when a windstorm halted play on Sunday after just one hole, forcing a Monday finish. Resuming on the 17th hole, he chipped in for par from off the green on both the 17th and 18th to close at 15-under par 269, securing the win as missed a birdie putt on 18 to force a playoff. This breakthrough triumph earned Weekley $972,000 and marked the first of his three titles, all of which awarded a signature tartan jacket. Weekley defended his title at the 2008 Verizon Heritage on the same Harbour Town course, becoming the first player to win back-to-back since in 1991 and 1992. Starting the final round with a three-shot lead over the field, he navigated a steady even-par 71 despite several bogeys, finishing at 15-under par 269 for a three-stroke victory over and . The win, attended by his mother for the ceremonial tee shot, boosted his world ranking and solidified his status as a consistent performer on the Tour. Weekley collected $990,000 for the repeat, highlighting his affinity for the tight, strategic layout of Harbour Town. After a five-year , Weekley claimed his third victory at the 2013 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial in . Trailing second- and third-round leader by two shots entering the final round, Weekley fired a 4-under-par 66 with birdies on holes 8, 9, 10, and 13 to surge ahead. He finished at 14-under par 266, one stroke clear of Kuchar, ending a long winless streak and earning $1,152,000 from the $6.4 million purse. This emotional comeback victory at the historic Colonial course underscored Weekley's resilience amid career challenges. Weekley's three PGA Tour wins spanned from 2007 to 2013, with the first two occurring consecutively at the Verizon Heritage, amassing $3,114,000 in prize money across all victories. These triumphs represented his peak competitive impact, contributing significantly to his career earnings of over $15 million.

Playoff Performances

Boo Weekley has participated in only one PGA Tour playoff during his career, compiling a 0–1 record. His sole playoff appearance came at the 2007 Honda Classic, where he joined Mark Wilson, , and José Cóceres in a sudden-death format after all four finished regulation at 9-under par. Weekley had seized the outright lead with a 15-foot birdie putt on the par-3 17th hole but faltered on the 72nd hole, missing a 3-foot par putt that would have secured his first victory and the $990,000 winner's share. The playoff commenced late Sunday afternoon on the par-4 18th hole at PGA National, with all participants recording pars to extend the contest, only for darkness to suspend play before a second hole could be completed. Resuming Monday morning on the par-4 10th, Weekley bogeyed after failing to reach the green in regulation, joining Villegas in elimination while Wilson and Cóceres advanced. Wilson ultimately claimed the title with a birdie on the third playoff hole (the par-4 18th). This outcome marked a narrow escape for Weekley in a high-stakes scenario, underscoring the pressure of sudden-death formats early in his breakout season. None of Weekley's three PGA Tour victories involved playoffs, as all were secured outright in regulation play. His limited playoff exposure highlights a career defined more by consistent contention than extended post-round drama, with the 2007 serving as his closest brush with defeat in such a setting.

Major Championships

Individual Major Results

Weekley made his debut in the in 2008, finishing tied for 20th with rounds of 72-74-68-77 for a total of 291, highlighted by a strong third-round 68 that moved him up the leaderboard before a final-round 77 dropped him back. He followed with a missed cut in 2009 after opening rounds in the 70s, and another missed cut in 2014, marking his three appearances in the event with just one made cut. In the U.S. Open, Weekley achieved tied for 26th in 2007 at , posting scores of 72-75-77-72 for 296 amid the tournament's notoriously thick rough and firm conditions that tested accuracy and recovery skills. He repeated the T26 finish in 2008, but missed cuts in 2009, 2013, and finished 66th in 2014 at Pinehurst No. 2, reflecting challenges in sustaining consistency over the demanding layouts across his five starts. Weekley's best performance in came in 2009 at Turnberry, where he tied for 13th with an opening 67 followed by 72-72-71 for 282, demonstrating effective adaptation to the links-style play with strong ball-striking in windy conditions. Earlier, he tied for 35th in 2007, missed the cut in 2008, tied for 58th in 2013, and missed again in 2014, compiling five appearances with three made cuts. At the , Weekley earned his career-best major finish with a T9 in 2007 at Southern Hills, carding 76-69-65-71 for 281, bolstered by a third-round 65 featuring precise iron play and putting that propelled him into contention before a steady final round. He tied for 20th in 2008, T36 in 2009, missed the cut in 2010, tied for 12th in 2013 at Oak Hill, withdrew in 2014, and tied for 37th in 2015, across seven starts with five made cuts. Over his major championship career, Weekley made 20 appearances, advancing past the cut 12 times and recording one top-10 finish.

Major Championships Summary

Boo Weekley competed in 20 major championships throughout his career, making the cut in 12 of those starts for a 60% success rate. His total earnings from majors amounted to $820,077. His best finish came at the 2007 , where he tied for ninth place.
YearMasters TournamentU.S. Open
2007-T26T35T9
2008T20T26CUTT20
2009CUTCUTT13T36
2010---CUT
2013-CUTT58T12
2014CUT66CUTWD
2015---T37
Weekley's strongest performances occurred in the PGA Championship, where he recorded four top-40 finishes across seven appearances, highlighting his affinity for the event's layout and conditions. Conversely, he struggled at the , making just one cut in three attempts and never finishing better than T20 in 2008. Injuries significantly hampered his later major outings, including a withdrawal from the and no appearances after 2015 as he shifted focus to the .

Other Key Tournaments

The Players Championship Results

, often dubbed the "fifth major," is a prestigious invitational tournament on the held annually at the in . The Stadium Course, designed by , is renowned for its demanding layout, including narrow fairways, strategic bunkering, and the iconic par-3 17th hole featuring the Island Green—a small, surrounded target that has challenged players since the event's debut there in 1982. With a field limited to 144 top professionals and the largest purse on the tour at $25 million as of 2025, it attracts elite competition and serves as a key indicator of form early in the season. Boo Weekley competed in 10 times between 2007 and 2017, aligning with his primary years (DNP in 2012). His strongest showing came in 2016, where he tied for 16th at 6-under par (282), earning $168,000 after an impressive opening round of 66 that tied for the day's low score and positioned him near the lead. This performance highlighted his ball-striking prowess on the challenging course, though he faded with a third-round 78. Weekley also notched solid mid-pack finishes in his early appearances, including T44 in his 2007 debut (+1) and T21 in 2008 (-1) during the rain-shortened 54-hole event won by Sergio Garcia. However, consistency proved elusive later, with multiple missed cuts amid injuries and form dips. Weekley's results in the event reflected his peak form around 2007–2008, when he made four consecutive cuts, but tapered off as injuries impacted his play from 2011 onward. Notable moments included a second round of 72 in 2009 that helped him make the cut despite an opening 69, and a tie for 48th in 2013 at even par, demonstrating resilience on the Stadium Course. He never contended for the title but contributed to the event's competitive depth, with his career earnings from The Players totaling approximately $338,000 across six cuts made out of 10 starts. No specific standout shots on the Island Green are prominently recorded, though his steady par-or-better scoring on par-3s in better years underscored his short-game reliability.
YearFinishTo ParScoresEarnings
2007T44+174-73-71-71$28,000 (approx.)
2008T21-170-71-74$95,000
2009T56+269-72-68-81$21,565
2010CUT+275-71$0
2011CUT+275-71$0
2012DNP$0
2013T48E71-71-73-73$23,614
2014CUT+475-73$0
2015CUT+273-73$0
2016T16-666-69-78-69$168,000
2017T48+470-76-73-73$26,712
Note: Earnings for 2007 estimated based on position and historical purse distribution; 2008 from final standings of shortened event. Total verified earnings from listed finishes: approx. $362,891 (including estimates). Appearances: 10; Cuts made: 6. DNP in 2012.

World Golf Championships Results

Boo Weekley qualified for the (WGC) series during his peak years from 2007 to 2010, entering based on his highs (peaking at No. 55 after his 2007 victory) and recent wins, which granted automatic invitations to select events. The WGCs featured elite fields of top-50 ranked players, recent major winners, and tournament champions, with formats including and 72-hole at venues like for the Bridgestone Invitational and Dove Mountain for the Match Play Championship. Weekley's limited appearances—seven in total—highlighted his breakthrough status but also the competitive barrier to consistent qualification beyond his initial surge. In the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, Weekley made one appearance in 2008, advancing past the opening rounds with victories over (2&1) and (3&1) before a 3&2 loss to in the round of 16, tying for 9th-16th overall. Weekley competed four times in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, posting solid but mid-pack results amid the event's demanding South Course layout known for its narrow fairways and challenging greens.
YearFinishTo ParEarnings
2007T30+8$58,000
2008T66+8$35,750
2009T58+7$44,250
2010T46+3$50,214
His strongest showing was a tie for 30th in 2007, where he opened with a 4-under 68 before fading with a second-round 78. Weekley also played the twice, finishing tied for 45th in 2009 (+4) and tied for 54th in 2010 (+10) at Sheshan International Golf Club. These results underscored his driving prowess but occasional putting inconsistencies against global fields. Overall, Weekley's WGC performances earned him around $250,000 and provided valuable exposure, though he never contended for a title in the series.

International Team Appearances

Ryder Cup Participation

Boo Weekley earned his place on the 2008 team through automatic qualification via the points list, joining captain Paul Azinger's squad for the matches at in . As a , Weekley was integrated into Azinger's innovative "pod system," which divided the 12 players into smaller groups to build chemistry; he was assigned to a pod with , , and , promoting strong team bonds during preparation. This approach emphasized camaraderie, with Weekley bringing his laid-back, humorous personality to foster a relaxed yet focused environment. Weekley competed in three matches, posting an impressive 2–0–1 record that contributed 2.5 points to the American cause. In the Day 1 four-ball session, he partnered with J.B. Holmes to halve their match against Lee Westwood and Søren Hansen after 18 holes. The duo rebounded strongly on Day 2 in four-balls, defeating the same European pair 2 and 1, snapping Westwood's 12-match unbeaten streak in team play. Weekley capped his debut with a dominant 4 and 2 singles victory over Oliver Wilson on Sunday, showcasing steady ball-striking and putting under pressure. His participation featured memorable moments that highlighted his unique flair and boosted team morale. Following the Day 2 four-ball win, Weekley and Holmes celebrated with his signature hog-calling routine—a boisterous "sooey" yell mimicking calling hogs from his rural roots—which ignited the partisan crowd and exemplified the event's electric atmosphere. In singles, Weekley galloped down the first fairway astride his driver like a , channeling a playful vibe that endeared him to fans and teammates alike. These antics underscored the pod system's success in creating a unified, enjoyable dynamic. Weekley's strong showing played a key role in the U.S. team's 16½–11½ triumph, marking their first Ryder Cup victory since 1999 and ending a painful nine-year drought against Europe. His rookie performance, combined with infectious energy, elevated his profile in the golf world, transforming him into a fan favorite and symbol of American resilience at Valhalla.

World Cup of Golf

Weekley represented the United States in the 2007 Omega Mission Hills World Cup of Golf, partnering with Heath Slocum. The event, held at Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen, China, from November 22–25, featured 28 two-man national teams competing in a 72-hole stroke-play format: four-ball better-ball on the first and third days, and alternate-shot foursomes on the second and fourth days. The American duo started strongly, combining for an 11-under-par 61 in the opening four-ball round, highlighted by Weekley's six birdies and Slocum's five, including a 25-foot putt on the third hole. They followed with a 3-under 69 in the alternate-shot round, maintaining a one-stroke lead. On day three's four-ball, they shot a 6-under 66 to extend their advantage to one over and entering the final alternate-shot round. In that decisive session, they posted a 5-under 67 to finish at 25-under-par 263, forcing a playoff against 's and , who matched the score. In the playoff on the par-4 18th hole, the teams matched pars on the first two extra holes. On the third, Weekley's approach landed short of the green, and Slocum's chip left a challenging 15-foot par putt, which Weekley missed, securing a runner-up finish for the U.S. team. Their performance in the alternate-shot rounds was particularly notable, as they navigated the format's demands effectively, with Weekley contributing key up-and-downs to keep the team competitive. Weekley's selection for the team stemmed from his breakout 2007 PGA Tour season, which included a victory at the Verizon Heritage in April and multiple top-10 finishes that elevated him into the top 50 in the . This marked his sole appearance for the U.S. in the , providing valuable international exposure and showcasing American team prowess in ' absence.

Personal Life

Nickname Origin and Public Persona

Weekley's nickname "Boo" originated in his childhood from the cartoon character Boo-Boo, the sidekick to , which was his favorite show at the time. His family bestowed the moniker on him, and it stuck throughout his life, becoming a defining part of his identity in professional . Known for his folksy Southern drawl and unpretentious demeanor, Weekley cultivated a public persona that contrasted sharply with the more polished images of many PGA Tour professionals. Hailing from the small town of Milton in Florida's Panhandle, he endeared himself to fans through humorous and candid interviews that highlighted his down-to-earth personality. One iconic media moment came during the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club, where Weekley and partner Hunter Mahan celebrated a strong tee shot by playfully riding their drivers like horses down the fairway, injecting levity into the high-stakes event and captivating audiences. Weekley's post-victory press conferences often featured witty, relatable quips that humanized the often-intimidating world of elite , such as comparing his frequent putter changes to switching underwear: "If it don't work, we're putting another pair on." This authentic charm broadened his appeal, positioning him as a fan favorite who brought levity and relatability to the sport. As Weekley transitioned to the in 2023 upon turning 50, his engaging persona remained intact, with behind-the-scenes moments and interviews continuing to delight followers and reinforce his status as 's enduring "folksiest ."

Family and

Weekley met his wife, Karyn, in 1999 at a in , where his initial approach was to ask if he could drive her truck. The couple married shortly thereafter and she provided crucial support during his extensive travels, helping maintain family stability amid his demanding schedule. Their faced challenges, including a brief separation in 2007, before they divorced in 2016. The Weekleys have two sons: Thomas Porter, born in 2002, and Aiden O'Neal, born on June 23, 2008. Balancing his professional commitments with fatherhood proved rewarding yet challenging, as Weekley often credited his family's encouragement for motivating his performances, such as during preparations for major tournaments. His laid-back personality aided in fostering a grounded family dynamic despite the rigors of tour life. Weekley has been actively involved in philanthropy, particularly through Florida-based initiatives leveraging his golf prominence. He established the Boo Weekley Charity Golf organization in Milton, Florida, to raise funds for local causes using his fan base and name recognition. This effort has supported community programs, including youth development, with events like annual charity golf outings generating donations for regional nonprofits. Additionally, he has donated portions of his tournament winnings to charitable efforts, such as contributing to the $2.6 million raised by the 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup team for organizations like the Folds of Honor Foundation and various colleges. Weekley has participated in youth golf clinics and pro-am events, such as those at the Ascension Charity Classic and Monday After the Masters, to inspire young players and promote access to the sport. Following the peak of his career, Weekley has shifted focus toward family, settling in , near his hometown of Milton, while maintaining close ties to relatives in , including multi-generational family gatherings. Now competing on the circuit after turning 50 in 2023, he prioritizes time with his sons and outdoor pursuits, reflecting a more family-centered life post-divorce and amid reduced competitive intensity.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.