Professional sports operates strictly under the logic of capitalism. Outstanding performance brings massive rewards, but once a player's utility fades, the industry turns away coldly. There are exceptions, however. The relationship between Boo Weekley of the United States, who recently delivered a long-awaited victory on the PGA Champions Tour, and his equipment sponsor Bridgestone is one such case.
Weekley claimed the title at the PGA Champions Tour Insperity Invitational, which concluded on November 10 (local time) at The Woodlands Country Club in The Woodlands, Texas. It was Weekley's first victory on the senior circuit. The win also marked his first triumph in 13 years, since capturing the PGA Tour's Crown Plaza Invitational in 2013.
Born in 1973 and now 53, Weekley has lived an unusual life that once included work as a chemical plant laborer. After graduating from high school and playing on a college golf team, he dropped out and took a job at a Monsanto chemical plant in his home state of Florida. Hired as a high-pressure cleaning worker, he climbed into large ammonia tanks to scrub them clean.
Weekley returned to the path of a professional golfer after his high school friend and fellow golfer Heath Slocum encouraged him to enter a local tournament, which he won. After making his PGA Tour debut in 2002, Weekley won the Verizon Heritage in back-to-back years in 2007 and 2008, and claimed his third tour title at the 2013 Crown Plaza Invitational.
At the 2008 Ryder Cup, the men's golf showdown between the United States and Europe, he played a key role in the U.S. victory while delivering his memorable "cowboy horseback riding" performance, galloping with his driver tucked between his legs. Weekley had been a Bridgestone staff player from the early days of his tour career.
Beginning in 2017, however, Weekley struggled with tendinitis that limited his tour activity. He was unable to compete at all from July 2017 through January 2019. He also had to take time off between November 2019 and June 2022. He then debuted on the Champions Tour, which is open to players aged 50 and older, in August 2023.
By this point, sponsors typically walk away. Bridgestone, however, extended a multi-year contract with Weekley in January of last year. In 2024, the company also released a limited-edition "Boo Ball," named after the player. Bridgestone stood by him with unwavering support throughout the 13 years it took him to win again.
"Weekley is like the heart of our team. His revival is a profound inspiration for our brand," Bridgestone said.
