And Another
Special Open for Ames
Canadian Press
9/7/2004
OAKVILLE, Ont. (CP) - Stephen Ames has played in six Canadian Opens, but this one promises to be different.
The 40-year-old, who was raised in Trinidad and Tobago, became a Canadian citizen in December.
He will be playing a PGA Tour event on home soil for the first time when he tees it up Thursday at the 100th Bell Canadian Open.
``Playing the Canadian Open now as a Canadian, it's different,'' Ames said on Tuesday. ``But, for me, this has always been home.
Related Info
This One is Special
``People accept me now as a Canadian ... I'm going to be playing for Canada and doing the best that I can.'' SO WHAT THEY NEVER ACCEPTED HIM BEFORE AS a TRINI?
Ames met his wife Jodi, a former flight attendant, while travelling between tournaments and moved to Calgary 10 years ago.
The couple still lives there with sons Justin, 7, and Ryan, 5.
He had visa problems in 1999 and was unable to play a PGA Tour event until May. After that, he started looking into getting his Canadian citizenship.
Ames says that playing at home brings more distractions.
``It's a busier week for me,'' said Ames, citing increased media, fan and friend requests.
And why not? Ames is in the midst of a breakout year, having recorded 10 top-10 finishes and his first PGA Tour win at the Cialis Western Open in July.
He attributes the season's success to learning more about his golf game.
``I've grown a lot,'' he said. ``I think I've got to the stage now where I understand my golf swing.''
He tees off at 12:45 p.m. on Thursday in a group with Jose Coceres and former British Open champion Tom Lehman.
Ames' success this season and afternoon start time should inflate the size of his galleries.
For the last five years, the event's focus has been on 2003 Master's champion Mike Weir, but Ames will likely get a larger share of the attention this time.
But he doesn't necessarily see it that way.
``I don't know if the focus is going to be on me,'' Ames said. ``I think the focus is going to be probably on (new World No. 1) Vijay (Singh) and Phil (Mickelson).''
Ames' best finish in Canada was a tie for 13th in 1998. He finished in a tie for 23rd at Hamilton Golf and Country Club last year.
It's been 50 years since Pat Fletcher won this event, the last Canadian to do so.
Like every Canadian playing in the Open since, Ames was reminded of that fact Tuesday.
But it's not something he's worried about.
``No (pressure). None at all,'' he said.
Overall, Ames is pleased with his life.
He's coming off a two-week break, during which he spent time with his wife and children and got away from the game.
``I think it's exceptionally important (to balance golf and family),'' he said. ``It's the same with anybody's lives. You should have a balance.''
Winning hasn't stopped the Ames from speaking his mind.
On Tuesday, he said that he would consider turning down a highly coveted invitation to the World Team for the 2005 President's Cup if he were to earn one.
``I'm not a fan of team things - never have been,'' he said. ``When the time comes for me to play President's Cup, I'll have to decide.
``I might be the first not to play. I don't know.''
He also said the Royal Canadian Golf Association should start moving the Canadian Open around more. Next year, the event will be played in Vancouver.
``I'm working on trying to get it to Calgary,'' Ames said. ``As a national open, I think it should be moved around Canada.''
Success on the PGA Tour hasn't changed anything for Ames, just as playing at home as a Canadian citizen won't.
``I'm going to enjoy the limelight,'' he said with a smile.