There was a time when Michael Weaver’s parents couldn’t get him near a golf course. Now they can’t pull him away.

It’s that dedication to the sport since an early age that paid off in a brilliant 2009 season for Clovis West and culminated with The Bee’s Boys Golfer of the Year honor.

“People say he’s a natural. But if they only knew how hard he works, there’s nothing natural to it,” Golden Eagles coach Tom Deel said. “No one has a better work ethic.”

It’s hard to recall a more solid season by a Valley high school golfer.

Weaver tied for first at the Southern California and state championships, losing both times in playoffs. He was medalist at the Area and Central Section team championships and second at the individual championships.

The recently graduated senior bound for Cal hit 75% of his greens, averaged an amazing 69.34 per 18 holes and shot par or lower in all 31 events for the Golden Eagles.

Weeks before the high school postseason, Weaver shot 15-under 201 to become the youngest champion in the 82-year history of the Fresno City Amateur.

“It’s tough to be consistent when you’re playing at that level with all that pressure on you,” Deel said, “but Michael did the things we expected of him. He’s also an excellent student and the classiest kid I’ve coached. I want to be like him when I grow up.”

But it took arm twisting to get Weaver interested in the sport. His dad, Bill, recalled his son at age 10.

“We had him take lessons twice but it didn’t excite him. Then one summer he was complaining about going to church camp, so we said either go there or to the golf course and hit balls. He took the lesser of two evils and hasn’t stopped since.”

Weaver remembers the time fondly now.

“I wasn’t great, but I thought I had talent,” he said. “I got the bug and it grew on me.”

To the point where his senior season at Clovis West might grow to legendary status in years to come.

“I’ve gotten to the point where I expect to shoot under par every time,” he said. “I worked hard over the winter to gain confidence and consistency. I got in a groove and really got it going for a couple months.”

About Michael Weaver

Vitals: Clovis West, senior

He’s qualified because: Runner-up at state and Southern California Regional championships, both decided in playoffs. First at section team championships. Shot par or better in all 31 events this year.

He said it: “What an improvement from last year. He blew everyone out of the water.” — Kerman coach Dave Bakholdin