Michelle Wie's struggles continue, Tadd Fujikawa's have only just begun
Friday August 3, 2007 | 12:45:04 pm 220 words, 4026 views
Tadd Fujikawa and Michelle Wie shared common youthful dreams: escaping the grim, hopeless prison of the Hawaiian Islands for a brighter future in pro golf. Wie’s path - after a promising start - has been rocky, which is more than Fuji can say so far.
16-year-old munchkin Fujikawa made his first PGA Tour appearance as a professional this week at the Reno-Tahoe Open. He shot an opening 6-over - which is worse than it sounds given how easy the course was playing and considering the Tour’s better golfers are duking it out with Tiger at Firestone - not with Dicky Pride in Reno.
Fujikawa is 4th from the bottom entering Round 2. I watched a little of his round on TV last night coming in and out of a post-dinner nap - and he looked hyperactive. The only thing mature about him was his fuzzy little chin ’stash. It’s all cute when you’re an amateur playing in front of home crowds, but not when you’re playing against grown men old enough to remember the Clinton Administration.
Michelle Wie on the other hand…is revealing it’s her noggin - not her wrist that’s the problem these days - posting a second round 80 at the Women’s British Open and missing the cut.
On the leaderboard, Lorena Ochoa still leads, currently fending off Wendy Ward, Annika Sorenstam and Scotswoman Catriona Matthew.
Comments, Pingbacks:
Comment from: Ron Mon [Member]
It's a sad revelation that you bring. I'm trying to determine which evokes more misery, the downward spiral of Miss Wie or the foolish decision of Mr. Fujikawa. I guess "set for life" supercedes "have a life" these days.
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08/03/07 @ 14:22
Comment from: Brandon Tucker [Member] · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/brandon.tucker
Eloquent, Mon.
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08/03/07 @ 14:27
Comment from: kampfy1 [Visitor]
I think the biggest differentiator between these two people is family. Tadd is out to help the family (is that any different than an early 1900's boy going into a coal mine to help his family) where Wie is forced into perfection by her idiot parents.
While I will never defend Wie, her dysfunctional breakdown stems mostly from not being able to live her own path. Between mom and dad and her sponsors, what choice does she have until she's 18? Not much.
Tadd can overcome one showing. At least I think he can. He's got talent and I am sure will find some form of guidance out there as he grinds through it. If tennis stars can do this at 16, golfers can too. I am not condoning it, but, let's not compare these two in scenario.
I say, Wie is done and gone before 25. Tadd will make it someplace; perhaps on the Nationwide to get started.
While I will never defend Wie, her dysfunctional breakdown stems mostly from not being able to live her own path. Between mom and dad and her sponsors, what choice does she have until she's 18? Not much.
Tadd can overcome one showing. At least I think he can. He's got talent and I am sure will find some form of guidance out there as he grinds through it. If tennis stars can do this at 16, golfers can too. I am not condoning it, but, let's not compare these two in scenario.
I say, Wie is done and gone before 25. Tadd will make it someplace; perhaps on the Nationwide to get started.
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08/03/07 @ 14:35
Comment from: visitor [Visitor]
Hawaii -grim, prison? A bit too loose on words.
Commentator Mon -eloquent. It gets one thinking. I have concluded that what might look like 'set for life' to ordinary people is 'living life" for prodigies that also happen to be media and spectator "favorites" to read about and watch as well.
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08/03/07 @ 14:55
Comment from: William K. Wolfrum [Visitor] · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/william.wolfrum
Tadd is out to help the family (is that any different than an early 1900's boy going into a coal mine to help his family)
Yeah, I'd have to say it's different in at least one way - one example is playing golf, while the other is working in a coal mine!
Aside from that, if Fujikawa can handle stinking up the joint for a few years, he should emerge from this and be Ok, I think. Unlike Wie, he doesn't have millions in deals and people aren't putting pressure on him to be the next "greatest golfer ever."
I do think that in the end, he'll find that college would have been a much better way to spend his time.
As for Wie - yikes. I am no fortune teller and don't know what things will look like in a decade, but her golf - the thing she's getting all the money for - has been painfully putrid all year. Honestly, I'd advise two years off and go to college. But Nike has dangly earrings to sell or whatever, so who knows what will happen.
--WKW
Yeah, I'd have to say it's different in at least one way - one example is playing golf, while the other is working in a coal mine!
Aside from that, if Fujikawa can handle stinking up the joint for a few years, he should emerge from this and be Ok, I think. Unlike Wie, he doesn't have millions in deals and people aren't putting pressure on him to be the next "greatest golfer ever."
I do think that in the end, he'll find that college would have been a much better way to spend his time.
As for Wie - yikes. I am no fortune teller and don't know what things will look like in a decade, but her golf - the thing she's getting all the money for - has been painfully putrid all year. Honestly, I'd advise two years off and go to college. But Nike has dangly earrings to sell or whatever, so who knows what will happen.
--WKW
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08/03/07 @ 15:45
Comment from: Brandon Tucker [Member] · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/brandon.tucker
Comparing golf to a "coal mine". Classic.
Wolf, I am not sure how much a young kid can improve when faced with pro pressure week-in, week-out.
I envision a decent Nationwide career with a few PGA appearances. That's just my gut right now. Nothing worth skipping college for, that's for sure.
Wolf, I am not sure how much a young kid can improve when faced with pro pressure week-in, week-out.
I envision a decent Nationwide career with a few PGA appearances. That's just my gut right now. Nothing worth skipping college for, that's for sure.
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08/03/07 @ 15:50
Comment from: Ray [Visitor]
I think in both cases they did the right thing. They made the money when it was available to them. Do you think Wie would be getting these 20 million a year contracts the way she is playing right now? Tadd is probably just another great young golfer who will probably never make it full time on the PGA Tour. Right now he is a name and he struck while the iron was hot and got some endorsement deals. I think in both cases they are overrated... but Wie has a vault full of money. I wish Tadd well because he seems like a good kid. Wie was arrogant right from the word go and it looks good on her what she's going through now.
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08/03/07 @ 16:14
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
The motivation for 16 year old Tadd to turn pro was more than dire necessity. I'd call it consummate greed.
It is my understanding that Tadd is an only child and that both his parents are gainfully employed.
The Dickensian scenario as with the coal mine would hardly apply to Tadd's situation.
It is my understanding that Tadd is an only child and that both his parents are gainfully employed.
The Dickensian scenario as with the coal mine would hardly apply to Tadd's situation.
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08/03/07 @ 17:12
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
A coal mine . . . . Well, the wee lad may be diminutive, but he isn't scrawny. I wouldn't guess that he's missing too many meals.
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08/03/07 @ 17:22
Comment from: Jamie [Visitor]
MW goes to Stanford and learns how to party and drink or whatever. The life of a carefree college student should give her a nice break from the stresses of pro golf;-)
Tadd may struggle for quite some time I'm afraid. The good thing for him is he ain't as cute as Michelle so he won't have to deal with the over marketing thing.
Tadd may struggle for quite some time I'm afraid. The good thing for him is he ain't as cute as Michelle so he won't have to deal with the over marketing thing.
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08/03/07 @ 18:23
Comment from: Blazer [Visitor]
The difference between Wie and Fujikawa is that Wie actually had (and maybe still does) a chance to be one of the best women players in the world. There was no need to hurry her. On the other hand Tadd F. has little or no chance to become anything more than a mini-tour golfer. He's doing the smart thing by cashing in on his 15 minutes, make that 72 holes of fame.
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08/03/07 @ 19:09
Comment from: JR [Visitor]
well, here it is Sunday AM and still no comments about MW missing the cut other than the extremely brief and almost non-existant reference by B Tucker. Fujikawa posted a 1 under 71 in his second round so why don't you cut him some slack since maybe, just maybe, nerves got the better of him on Thursday. And atleast wait until he plays in a few events before dismissing him. After all, remember he is only "16"... or is the age card only appropriate for MW????
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08/04/07 @ 11:25
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
I wouldn't be so quick to discount Fujikawa's chances on the PGA Tour. True, it would be a bit fanciful to think he'll be the next Tiger Woods, but the fact remains that he does have excellent potential. Remember that he made the cut and finished about 20th at the Sony (I believe my facts are correct) not that long ago. Of course, it's only one event, so we can't draw sweeping conclusions from it; however, he's not some no-talent hack.
Also remember that if he doesn't achieve success, it will be because of the five inch fairway between his ears, NOT his 5' 2" frame (don't forget about Ian Woosnam).
Also remember that if he doesn't achieve success, it will be because of the five inch fairway between his ears, NOT his 5' 2" frame (don't forget about Ian Woosnam).
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08/04/07 @ 11:51
Comment from: Michael [Visitor]
Hmmm ... no appearance yet by stan or putt4par.
I noticed on yesterday's article that putt4par posted that Bubbles had not broken any etiqueete rules of golf. If he visits today, I wanted to remind him of all the articles that have complained about her stepping through others' lines, being rude, etc.
As a Bubbles fan (formerly), I tried to excuse her actions as inexperience and immaturity. Sorry, she's a brat. After her no-88 WD, I quit making excuses and jumped off the bandwagon.
I noticed on yesterday's article that putt4par posted that Bubbles had not broken any etiqueete rules of golf. If he visits today, I wanted to remind him of all the articles that have complained about her stepping through others' lines, being rude, etc.
As a Bubbles fan (formerly), I tried to excuse her actions as inexperience and immaturity. Sorry, she's a brat. After her no-88 WD, I quit making excuses and jumped off the bandwagon.
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08/04/07 @ 15:38
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Micahel.
If there are "all those articles " out there, then you should have no problem posting your sources and the urls for the evidence. If you can't, then don't bother trying to start something.
Otherwise, go bug someone else.
If there are "all those articles " out there, then you should have no problem posting your sources and the urls for the evidence. If you can't, then don't bother trying to start something.
Otherwise, go bug someone else.
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08/04/07 @ 21:17
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
It is so very amusing to watch the Trolls and Alex _bots as One-Putt calls them continue to rant about Michelle and the posting of here round of 80.
Absolutley hilarious how they can wrap themselves up in righteous indignation that she isn't cursed, thrown out of all competitions etc, etc, ad nauseum.
What they never mention is why they would rail at Michelles 80 but fail to mention that in round one of the Ricoh Womens open there were 22 players that posted 80 or higher. Round 2 there were 18 that posted 80 or higher and round 3 there were 26 players to post 80 or higher.
Oh yeah, I forgot, these players have all proven that they can win so now they can prove that they can post ridiculous scores. Why that makes any difference is mind boggling, but then the whole rant against Michelle is so blood stupid to begin with.
Unless you are Alex, his bots and the troll brigade.
Absolutley hilarious how they can wrap themselves up in righteous indignation that she isn't cursed, thrown out of all competitions etc, etc, ad nauseum.
What they never mention is why they would rail at Michelles 80 but fail to mention that in round one of the Ricoh Womens open there were 22 players that posted 80 or higher. Round 2 there were 18 that posted 80 or higher and round 3 there were 26 players to post 80 or higher.
Oh yeah, I forgot, these players have all proven that they can win so now they can prove that they can post ridiculous scores. Why that makes any difference is mind boggling, but then the whole rant against Michelle is so blood stupid to begin with.
Unless you are Alex, his bots and the troll brigade.
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08/05/07 @ 16:58
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
puut4par,
Do you see anything significant in the fact that you and you alone are the only poster so far on this blog to bring up the name and spirit of Bubbles?
The sensible people are talking about Tadd.
Watch out for M. Tourette.
Do you see anything significant in the fact that you and you alone are the only poster so far on this blog to bring up the name and spirit of Bubbles?
The sensible people are talking about Tadd.
Watch out for M. Tourette.
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08/05/07 @ 17:25
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Alex, blind and biased as usual.
Obviously you don't have any real reading comprehension either.
Go back to your knitting, old woman.
Before you do, go read JR's post then do us all a favor, go to bed. and STFU.
Obviously you don't have any real reading comprehension either.
Go back to your knitting, old woman.
Before you do, go read JR's post then do us all a favor, go to bed. and STFU.
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08/05/07 @ 21:38
Comment from: Golf Goddess [Visitor]
I can’t help but wonder why you nutcases are so touchy about this topic.
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08/08/07 @ 23:17 Leave a comment:
Brandon Tucker
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WorldGolf.com blogger Brandon Tucker offers his unique perspective on golf and travel destinations from Scotland and Ireland to Myrtle Beach. He also chimes in on news events on the PGA and LPGA Tours, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and other happenings around the world of golf.
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