OAKVILLE, Ont. -- Mike Weir said his play at last years Canadian Open was awful. A lot has changed since then. The 43-year-old Brights Grove, Ont., native returned to Glen Abbey Golf Club on Wednesday for the 2013 Canadian Open with a new approach to his game and a renewed confidence after last years disappointing finish. Weir shot 72 in each of the first two rounds in 2012, missing the cut by five strokes. "The confidence level and the way Im playing from a year ago is a big change," said Weir. "I feel confident when I tee it up on Thursday every week now. Its not quite where I want it to be, but I could say that about weeks that Ive won before the week started and then things can kind of come together and you end up winning a tournament. "So Im hoping this week I feel good about my game and I think if I can get some momentum going early in this tournament and get rolling, Ill have a good chance." Weirs renewed confidence comes from working on his driving at the range, allowing him to relax at the tees and concentrate on his putting. "I have much more confidence with my ball striking and Im able to spend more time on my short game now," said Weir. "I spent so much time on my long game that that feels pretty good for the most part now." Weirs right to be encouraged after several big strides in his game this year, including a tie for 28th at the U.S. Open in mid-June after a strong fourth round when he shot 1-under par. "Im not fooling myself. I go out there and I tested like the U.S. Open," said Weir. "You cant fool yourself around a place like that." Although Weir is far removed from his championship at the 2003 Masters, he still has an avid following among Canadian golf fans. On Wednesday, he had a small crowd trailing behind him at the pro-am tournament of the Canadian Open. "Its great to have support like that. I think maybe their memories are a little better than some other people," said Weir. "They have a longer memory and know what Ive done and know how hard Ive worked and they follow what Im doing. "Its great to have that kind of support, especially being close to home." Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., is hosting the Canadian Open with a $5.6-million purse. Willian Jersey . "Thank you for the warm welcome," Beckham said on an 80-degree February morning. In this case, it was soccer weather. The sport moved a step closer to returning to South Florida on Wednesday, when Beckham confirmed he has exercised his option to purchase a Major League Soccer expansion franchise in Miami. Ethan Ampadu Jersey .C. -- Todd Fiddler scored a hat trick, including the overtime goal, as the Prince George Cougars survived an 8-7 win against the Kamloops Blazers in Western Hockey League play Sunday. http://www.chelseafcproshop.com/Kids-Ethan-Ampadu-Jersey/ . 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Wentworth ways to watch Dont miss a moment of this weeks BMW PGA Championship, with extended coverage from Wentworth live However, the world No 3 then birdied the par-five 16th as Knox three-putted and, after lipping out for a birdie on the 17th, fired a stunning approach from 252 yards to within three feet of the hole on the 18th for a closing eagle. The resulting 69 on a day interrupted twice by hailstorms and torrential rain meant McIlroy finished three shots clear of Knox and Wales Bradley Dredge.He will donate his first prize of £515,000 to his own foundation which hosted the tournament for the second year. It means a lot for my summer, said McIlroy, who failed to convert a similar position in the WGC-Cadillac Championship in March.Its nice to get that first win of the year.I kept telling myself, kept telling anyone that would listen, my game was close. It was just a matter of everything clicking. Maybe those last three holes is the catalyst for another big summer. Rory McIlroy reveals he was holding back the tears on the 18th after winning the Irish Open The 27-year-old, who won four times in 2014 including two majors and a maiden WGC title, added: I really feel like my game is in good enough shape to kick on from here and to challenge in the three final majors, and obviously everything else we have to play for this year, Olympics, Ryder Cup, Race to Dubai, FedEx Cup.ddddddddddddThe 13th European Tour title of McIlroys career was not enough to improve his position in the world rankings, but it did lift him to second in the Race to Dubai behind Masters champion Danny Willett, who shared the lead at halfway but slumped to a closing 77. McIlroy puts himself in prime position to win the Irish Open after firing this five wood to within two feet of the pin on the 18th That left Knox as McIlroys biggest challenger and the US-based Scot took the lead with birdies on the 14th and 15th, only for McIlroy to produce a stunning approach from 273 yards to set up a two-putt birdie on the 16th, while Knox found sand off the tee and three-putted for a costly bogey.I played brilliant to be honest, Knox said. Obviously 16 is a huge turning point, but the shots that Rory hit in the end, he deserves to win. I shot 75 the first day and finished tied second. Thats pretty good.Englands Matthew Southgate, who regained his European Tour card via the qualifying school after undergoing treatment for testicular cancer last year, carded a closing 68 to finish fourth, the best result of his career.Watch the BMW PGA Championship throughout the week live on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf Also See: McIlroy claims K Club thriller WATCH: Rorys winning shot Tearful Rory savours home win Free HD Golf Game ' ' '