By By Adam Prestridge
PGA Tour golfer Boo Weekley joined more than 120 golfers last weekend as they competed in an Atmore Country Club tournament.
The 35-year-old Jay, Fla. resident was on hand as he worked on getting back into the swing of things before making his reappearance on the Tour during the St. Jude Classic at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tenn.
Weekley suffered a SLAP tear - short for the superior labrum from anterior to posterior, in his left shoulder, which is common in golfers and baseball players.
The tear forced the right-hander to withdraw after his second shot at the par-5 11th hole during THE PLAYERS Championship on May 11.
Weekley has been rehabbing with acclaimed sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews at the Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze since late May. It is not believed that Weekley’s shoulder will require surgery should he follow his rehab regime.
Even with a mediocre day on the course, Weekley would have finished with his fourth straight Top-15 at THE PLAYERS Championship. As for the Atmore Country Club tournament, he was just there to have a good time.
Although Weekley’s presence at Atmore Country Club stirs up some excitement each time he visits, he said it’s low key compared to the professional events he competes in.
Country Club General Manager Brenda Gerald said the club enjoys entertaining Weekley and admitted that he can certainly draw crowds.
Ronnie Brown, tournament director, said most of the golfers in the tournament had no idea Weekley had requested to play the weekend.
Not only does Weekley enjoy the low-key environment in Atmore, he is also fond of the company that surrounds him.
The management and members at the country club share those same sentiments.
As for Atmore’s course, Weekley said it played tough.
In fact, Weekley ranked Atmore Country Club’s play high among smaller courses throughout the nation.
Although Weekley’s two-some was beat out by club members Chad Helton and Jim Jordan in the Championship Flight, he said being out of the limelight of professional sports for a weekend was like a vacation.
Look for Boo back in action next weekend as he hits the links. The tournament will be televised on the Golf Channel and CBS.