By BRANDON PARKER
bparker@beaufortgazette.com
843-986-5536
To the naked eye, Boo Weekley's stroll down the 18th fairway seemed eerily familiar, almost as if the two-time defending Verizon Heritage champ couldn't help but relive the moment.
So as Weekley strode up to a 5-foot birdie attempt, his Sunday red shirt flapping in the wind, it all came back to him.
The "Booo" calls resonated strong, to which Weekley tipped his hat and blew kisses at his many adoring fans. And to cap things off, he even misfired on his short putt, just as he had done before capturing last year's title.
All that was missing for one of the Heritage's favorite sons were another tartan jacket and the Gentleman Golfer's trophy.
"(The walk down No. 18) was a little less stressful," Weekley said while cracking his signature grin. "I'd have to say, honestly, I was a little remorseful, because I'm not the one that will be holding the trophy. I'm a little sad on that end, but at the same time, it's all good."
Weekley's final day gave him reason for satisfaction, producing six birdies while enjoying his first pain-free round of golf after struggling with back problems since Monday. But three bogeys and wayward putting left Weekley at 2 under for the day and 5 under for the tournament.
The score stuck Weekley in a tie for 13th place with seven others, well behind the record-setting performance of new champion Brian Gay. Yet Weekley was quick to remind others that while Gay got the new threads Sunday, there are still two tartan jackets hanging in Weekley's closet at home.
"I'm still a champ; they can't take that from me," he said. "I just wasn't this year's champion."
Granted, judging from the swirling "Booos" and camouflage apparel dotting the crowd, it's safe to say Weekley reigns as the people's champ at Harbour Town.
At least David Hammonds and his daughter Brandi are convinced as much.
"Boo's good people and that's one reason we pull for him," said Mr. Hammonds, who spent much of the week walking along the fairways with Weekley's mom and manager. "He's just a good old southern boy who is very bright and polite. The world needs more Boos out there."
Just one Boo is enough for Brandi, who plays golf for Bluffton High School and uses Weekley as her muse on the golf course.
"He's the only one I watch on TV because he's more interesting than the others," she said, donning the same orange and brown hat that Weekley wore at last week's Masters. "He isn't like the other people. He's his own type of person and very respectful to others."
So respectful that it was evident Weekley hated not being able to sign autographs after his round, instead having to rush off and catch a 4 p.m. flight. But in Weekley's mind, his departure from the winner's circle at Harbour Town won't be a long one.
"I'm going to get there," Weekley said. "I get that putter hot and the rest will take care of itself."
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