Former Masters champion Mike Weir of Bright's Grove, Ont., and Vancouver's Jim Rutledge will represent Canada at the 2006 world golf championship.

It will mark the first time Canada has participated in the event since 2004. Weir last took part in 2003 with Ian Leggatt of Cambridge, Ont.

``I'm looking forward to playing with Jim to represent Canada at the World Cup,'' Weir said in a statement. ``He has enjoyed a great 2006 season and he brings valuable World Cup and international playing experience.''

Canada has won the competition twice, first in 1968 with Al Balding and George Knudson, then in 1985 with Dave Barr and Dan Halldorson.

Calgary's Stephen Ames also plans on playing in the event for his native Trinidad and Tobago with his brother, Robert.

The tournament, which will include 24 countries, will be played at the Country Club Course at the Sandy Lane Resort in St. James, Barbados, starting Dec. 4.

``It's an honour to represent my country in the World Cup, and also to play with a great player like Mike,'' Rutledge said. ``I know that he and I will work well together and I'm thankful for this opportunity.''

Weir is currently ranked 35th in the official world rankings while Rutledge stands at 320th.

Weir is 28th on the PGA Tour money list with six top-10 finishes in 21 starts. Rutledge is ninth on the Nationwide Tour money list, having won the New Zealand PGA Championship, and recorded five top-10 finishes.

If Rutledge can finish among the top-20 at season's end, he will earn his PGA Tour Card for the 2007 campaign.

© The Canadian Press, 2007