Is Michelle Wie shrinking Morgan Pressel's and Annika Sorenstam's popularity?
Wednesday April 19, 2006 | 16:05:59 374 words, 7261 views
I can probably think of 20 questions to ask Morgan Pressel right off the top of my head without once mentioning the name “Michelle Wie". So why did reporter Dana Gross-Rhode, during a pre-tournament interview for this week’s Florida’s Natural Charity Championship hosted by Nancy Lopez, inject the following?
“On the Men’s Tour there has seemed to be over the last few years a growing sort of trend if Tiger doesn’t play in a tournament, the tournament is not an upper echelon event…is there a sense in your eyes that in the media sort of spotlight if Michelle (Wie) is not playing in a tournament that it doesn’t reach that hype status?”
Whether she likes it or not I believe Pressel is finally getting accustomed to hearing “Big Wiesy’s” name carefully threaded into her own interview. Morgan answered graciously, almost resigned to this fact, “when she (Wie)doesn’t play, it hurts the event so much. Even Annika, when Annika doesn’t play, it hurts these events.”
Wait a minute! When did Annika Sorenstam, the top player on the LPGA tour, start playing second fiddle to a 16-year old amateur? The LPGA hype fades fast if Wie doesn’t play a certain week and all the girls on tour seem to be resigned to it, even Annika, who stated at the Safeway International, “There’s a lot more younger players coming up, and they’ve got strong games and they’re making a lot of noise".
The ladies are now starting to put their egos aside which makes sense because publicity injects revenue so they can all benefit.
Oh, and in case you’re interested the Florida’s Natural Charity Championship is not even being televised this weekend. Even host Nancy Lopez‘ name couldn’t garner enough interest.
Annika Sorenstam is defending her “gimmie” last year as the field was blown away. Over $200,000 will go to the champion. My bet is that even with Paula Creamer and Natalie Gulbis in the mix the winner just might be Seon Hwa Lee who has quietly taken second place three times so far this season and is leading the charge to win the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year award.
But with Michelle Wie not playing this week do LPGA golf fans really care?
Comments, Pingbacks:
Comment from: Paul W [Visitor]
The lack of TV coverage is because there was a late sponser change. The non-major LPGA events Wie is in don't get any better coverage than the one's she is not in. Her presence seems to effect the coverage of the men's events she is in more than the LPGA events.
Pressel, consiously or unconsiously, seems to be doing a good job of playing off Wie's fame and trying to turn it in to a Wie/Pressel rivalry. Morgan stands to benefit a lot, all she has to do is start beating Wie more.
Pressel, consiously or unconsiously, seems to be doing a good job of playing off Wie's fame and trying to turn it in to a Wie/Pressel rivalry. Morgan stands to benefit a lot, all she has to do is start beating Wie more.
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2006-04-19 @ 17:43
Comment from: Stacy Solomon [Visitor] · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/golf-for-beginners
I have to disagree with you on the "late" sponsorship change. Chick-fil-a ended their association at the end of last year's tournament and Florida's Natural stepped in.
I try to be very careful with my facts although no one is 100% and your input is greatly appreciated.
In my opinion Michelle Wie is a major draw in attendance and broadcast coverage. I think it would be difficult for anyone to dispute that fact.
Wouldn't it be fun to see Wie make a PGA cut and play a round with Tiger Woods?
I try to be very careful with my facts although no one is 100% and your input is greatly appreciated.
In my opinion Michelle Wie is a major draw in attendance and broadcast coverage. I think it would be difficult for anyone to dispute that fact.
Wouldn't it be fun to see Wie make a PGA cut and play a round with Tiger Woods?
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2006-04-19 @ 19:28
Comment from: Paul W [Visitor]
Hi Stacy, according to the LPGA site "Because of the late negotiations, there will be no network television coverage of this year's event. " ( http://www.lpga.com/Content_1.aspx?pid=6076&mid=4 )
Michelle is a major draw, but TGC doesn't seem to increase their hours of TV coverage. However, there is certainly more press coverage.
I agree with you about Seon Hwa Lee, she is playing amazingly well and is well ahead of Pressel and Miyazato in the ROY contest.
Michelle is a major draw, but TGC doesn't seem to increase their hours of TV coverage. However, there is certainly more press coverage.
I agree with you about Seon Hwa Lee, she is playing amazingly well and is well ahead of Pressel and Miyazato in the ROY contest.
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2006-04-19 @ 19:59
Comment from: June [Visitor]
"Michelle is a major draw, but TGC doesn't seem to increase their hours of TV coverage. However, there is certainly more press coverage."
How about the Field Open 2nd round broadcasting? They showed whole 18 holes of Michlle Wie (17 of Morgan Pressel) over4 and half hours?
I don't know about you but this is my first to see one's entire 18 holes broadcasting. SONY Open and John Deere classic broadcasting has been extended till her fianl hole but even then her first couple of hole wasn't live.
Just some info.
How about the Field Open 2nd round broadcasting? They showed whole 18 holes of Michlle Wie (17 of Morgan Pressel) over4 and half hours?
I don't know about you but this is my first to see one's entire 18 holes broadcasting. SONY Open and John Deere classic broadcasting has been extended till her fianl hole but even then her first couple of hole wasn't live.
Just some info.
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2006-04-19 @ 20:48
Comment from: Jay [Visitor]
Wait a minute! When did Annika Sorenstam, the top player on the LPGA tour, start playing second fiddle to a 16-year old amateur?
*******************
Dear writer, you need to correct the above. Michelle ain't an amateur no more.
To answer the question, YES. If Wie don't play, We don't watch. It is not about the 'hype', but about the excitement, energy and grace that Wie brings to the tourney...
*******************
Dear writer, you need to correct the above. Michelle ain't an amateur no more.
To answer the question, YES. If Wie don't play, We don't watch. It is not about the 'hype', but about the excitement, energy and grace that Wie brings to the tourney...
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2006-04-19 @ 21:03
Comment from: TS [Visitor]
I think everyone is waiting to see Michelle win her first tournament. She is good enough to do it. If she can get it done this year, she will be the youngest ever to win on the LPGA. How often does that happen?
Annika is a great golfer, and is undeniably the best female golfer out there, but you're not going to change your schedule to watch her win yet another tournament.
Annika is a great golfer, and is undeniably the best female golfer out there, but you're not going to change your schedule to watch her win yet another tournament.
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2006-04-19 @ 22:46
Comment from: Gordon [Visitor]
Stacy--I agree it would be great to see Tiger and Michelle play a round together, we just need to Tiger to play in a Nationwide event or on the Asian tour and someone would need to give Michelle putting lessons. In other words I'm not holding my breath. Great comment from the guy saying that it's not the "hype" surrounding Michelle Wie that makes him watch her play, it's the excitement, energy and grace(all buzzwords for hype) she brings to the tournament--how about her skill, shotmaking, and competive fire. Finally TS it happened last year when Paula Creamer became the youngest to win on the LPGA tour(multi-round event), wow, she would be shattering a one year old record and don't forget that Amy Yang won the Australian Masters(granted a European tour event) at age 16 last year. That tournament included Ai Miyazato, Sophie Sandalo, Laura Davies and Karrie Webb among others. The cat is out of the bag when it comes to teens winning golf tournaments. Michelle's time will come soon, but let not go off the deep end hailing her as golf's conquering hero just yet, let's see her win first.
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2006-04-19 @ 23:35
Comment from: TS [Visitor]
Actually Michelle would be breaking a 54-year old record if she wins before she turns 18. Paula is the second youngest to win an LPGA event. The only reason folks don't count 18-hole events is so Paula can have a record.
She'll also be going for the "youngest female to make the cut in a PGA event", and the "youngest to win a major". Both are possibilities this year.
Won't be long before she'll be out of the running for "youngest to win ..." records. She may as well go for the glory while she can.
She'll also be going for the "youngest female to make the cut in a PGA event", and the "youngest to win a major". Both are possibilities this year.
Won't be long before she'll be out of the running for "youngest to win ..." records. She may as well go for the glory while she can.
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2006-04-20 @ 00:32
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
I would say it is a safe bet to assume TGC is working the negotiations to carry the SK Telecom Open from Seoul in May.
The Casio was not on their schedule until Michelle signed on and it is apparent TGC knows a good thing when they see it.
Look for some huge galleries following her in Seoul.
The Casio was not on their schedule until Michelle signed on and it is apparent TGC knows a good thing when they see it.
Look for some huge galleries following her in Seoul.
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2006-04-20 @ 04:13
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
One more note of interest. For several years the SK Open has been played at a very fine 18 hole golf course in Seoul.
When Michelle signed on the event sponsors negotited the use of a course that is much larger with 72 holes a little further outside of Seoul.
They are expecting on having in excess of 200,000 plus attendance and the most ever to view a golf event in Korea.
That is the power of Wie.
Just wait till she tees it up in China for the first time. It may hit a million for a four day event.
Nike, Sony and Omega are getting everything they could hope for in the largest emerging market in the world.
When Michelle signed on the event sponsors negotited the use of a course that is much larger with 72 holes a little further outside of Seoul.
They are expecting on having in excess of 200,000 plus attendance and the most ever to view a golf event in Korea.
That is the power of Wie.
Just wait till she tees it up in China for the first time. It may hit a million for a four day event.
Nike, Sony and Omega are getting everything they could hope for in the largest emerging market in the world.
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2006-04-20 @ 04:25
Comment from: JM [Visitor]
TS--18 hole events are an asterisk item. If you are going to consider 18 hole tournaments you might as well count 9 hole tournaments back when golf was actually only 9 holes per round. All the mens and womens records would change. Additionally only 18 women played in the event Marlene won. Paula Ctreamer is the youngest so far but Wie might break her record.
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2006-04-20 @ 07:00
Comment from: Stacy Solomon [Visitor] · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/golf-for-beginners
It's good to see so many LPGA fans!
Ah, to be 16 again and not to have a care in the world but school, going to the mall with your friends and playing great golf.
I truly agree with the statement from One-putt, "Nike, Sony and Omega are getting everything they could hope for in the largest emerging market in the world."
Ah, to be 16 again and not to have a care in the world but school, going to the mall with your friends and playing great golf.
I truly agree with the statement from One-putt, "Nike, Sony and Omega are getting everything they could hope for in the largest emerging market in the world."
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2006-04-20 @ 08:36
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
So Stacy do you think a Mercedes Umbrella is in the works to keep Michelle cool in the hot Asian sun? Why did Annika move over to Lexus?
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2006-04-20 @ 09:07
Comment from: Stacy Solomon [Visitor] · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/golf-for-beginners
I don't know if Michelle is the Mercedes type...although Barry points out that the convertible 2-seater might look interesting on her...
I couldn't tell you the reason why Annika moved over to Lexus. Perhaps the package was better and her commitment to Mercedes was over, although I would personally prefer a nice shiny "S-600" sedan to a Lexus LS. ;-)
I couldn't tell you the reason why Annika moved over to Lexus. Perhaps the package was better and her commitment to Mercedes was over, although I would personally prefer a nice shiny "S-600" sedan to a Lexus LS. ;-)
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2006-04-20 @ 14:08
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
It is hard to imagine her tooling around the Hawaian landscape in a Buick.
I would recommend the SLK55 AMG in red. Every little girl would want one. :-)
I would recommend the SLK55 AMG in red. Every little girl would want one. :-)
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2006-04-20 @ 14:39
Comment from: Paul W [Visitor]
After the way she talked about her driving on 60 minutes, maybe she should drive a Volvo.
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2006-04-20 @ 15:36
Comment from: dedeu [Visitor]
As for Michelle's time left for breaking "youngest to win" records
If she was going for the record for the youngest woman to make the cut in the PGA, wouldn't she have another 16 or 17 years left to beat Babe Didrikson Zaharias' record?
If she was going for the record for the youngest woman to make the cut in the PGA, wouldn't she have another 16 or 17 years left to beat Babe Didrikson Zaharias' record?
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2006-04-20 @ 16:29
Comment from: TS [Visitor]
I don't think we'll have to wait 16 years before some young lady makes the cut in a PGA tournament. Unless the PGA stops giving out sponsor's exemptions to women.
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2006-04-20 @ 21:51
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
It appears Michelle will donate her appearance money to a Korean charity that pays for life saving operations on poor children. SK Telecom will match her donation to the charity.
Don't feel too bad for Michelle though, she is set to sign some more endorsement contracts in Korea that will net her over 5 million dollars. One as a spokesperson for a Korean constuction firm (I know Alex appreciates this one.) and another for a womens clothing manufacturer (not sportswear). There is a possibilty of four more, but they are still in negotiation.
During a recent survey Michelle Wie was the most recognized personality in Korea finishing ahead of native Pop Star Rain.
$18,000,000 plus since turning Pro in October. What will happen after she learns how to win?
Don't feel too bad for Michelle though, she is set to sign some more endorsement contracts in Korea that will net her over 5 million dollars. One as a spokesperson for a Korean constuction firm (I know Alex appreciates this one.) and another for a womens clothing manufacturer (not sportswear). There is a possibilty of four more, but they are still in negotiation.
During a recent survey Michelle Wie was the most recognized personality in Korea finishing ahead of native Pop Star Rain.
$18,000,000 plus since turning Pro in October. What will happen after she learns how to win?
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2006-04-21 @ 03:12
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
It appears Porsche has gained the inside front row position in the Michelle automobile endorsement derby.
The word is Porsche is looking to enter the golf world in a big way like their European competitors Mercedes, Volvo and BMW.
The 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet would match a sparkly Omega watch perfectly.
The word is Porsche is looking to enter the golf world in a big way like their European competitors Mercedes, Volvo and BMW.
The 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet would match a sparkly Omega watch perfectly.
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2006-04-21 @ 03:35
Comment from: David [Visitor]
I'll still watch if Michelle doesn't play. Michelle, after all, hardly ever plays; and she only ever comes second anyway. Never first.
Besides, she's not even the best player on tour.
Besides, she's not even the best player on tour.
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2006-04-21 @ 05:47
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
David, You're really asking for it! The Wie Warriors are getting out the napalm and the flame throwers as we speak!
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2006-04-21 @ 10:35
Comment from: Johnny N. [Visitor]
David, well done for your commitment to the lpga.
Unfortunately for the lpga, many many fans only tune in to watch Wie in action.
Unfortunately for the lpga, many many fans only tune in to watch Wie in action.
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2006-04-21 @ 12:58
Comment from: jon [Visitor]
A slight change of topic. Annika was recently invited by Greg Norman to join his Shark Shootout at the end of the 2006 season. She can pick anyone she wants as her partner. The rating will go absolutely mad if she and Michelle Wie partner up. One problem I see is that neither of them is up to the PGA standard. I don't know whether it will be good for either one, if they do really badly. On the other hand, if they somehow exceed the expectations, it would be a quite a coup. The idea must be very tempting.
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2006-04-21 @ 16:48
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
Hell David I even watch the European and Asian Tours, so I must be an addict. I keep looking for a Monday qualifier named "Norman".
Right now I am watching a tribute to Payne Stewart on DVD and realize just how much I miss him and his game. Watching PGA golf is kind of dull without his charisma in the field.
Alex you must have some comment on Michelle getting 2.4 mil to be a spokesperson. I recall once stating to you Alex, "Michelle may not win any awards for public speaking, but she will be paid very well to speak publicly..".
At least give me credit for being right once Alex in our lengthy debate.
Michelle will be applying to Stanford this fall so she must have pulled at least the minimum SAT requirements:
Stanford SAT Requirements: 620 verbal; 670 MATH.
Right now I am watching a tribute to Payne Stewart on DVD and realize just how much I miss him and his game. Watching PGA golf is kind of dull without his charisma in the field.
Alex you must have some comment on Michelle getting 2.4 mil to be a spokesperson. I recall once stating to you Alex, "Michelle may not win any awards for public speaking, but she will be paid very well to speak publicly..".
At least give me credit for being right once Alex in our lengthy debate.
Michelle will be applying to Stanford this fall so she must have pulled at least the minimum SAT requirements:
Stanford SAT Requirements: 620 verbal; 670 MATH.
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2006-04-21 @ 16:58
Comment from: Stacy Solomon [Visitor] · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/golf-for-beginners
Jon, I hardly agree that neither Annika Sorenstam nor Michelle Wie are up to PGA standard. Wie can hit a drive 300 yards and Sorenstam is the top golfer in the LPGA.
On any given day either of these two women can defeat any top player in the PGA Tour and can easily defeat the majority of the players in the PGA.
On any given day either of these two women can defeat any top player in the PGA Tour and can easily defeat the majority of the players in the PGA.
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2006-04-21 @ 18:48
Comment from: Jim COULTHARD [Visitor]
There was a joke in the Wie camp that Michelle Wie(as far as driving distance is concerned)was too long for the LPGA, too short for thr PGA but just right for the Chanpions(Senior) Tour. It sounds like Michelle Wie is still working on bringing herself up to the PGA standard. I expect Michelle to make a PGA cut in the near future--but I certainly don't think it will be easy for her to defeat the majority of PGA players.
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2006-04-21 @ 20:16
Comment from: Jim COULTHARD [Visitor]
If the SK Open in Korea is going to be played on a 72 hole course, will that mean everyone plays all 72 holes with no cut? That would mean Michelle Wie will definitely play 4 days. It would be interesting to see her perform in such a format.
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2006-04-21 @ 20:29
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
"Comment from: Jim COULTHARD [Visitor]
If the SK Open in Korea is going to be played on a 72 hole course, will that mean everyone plays all 72 holes with no cut? That would mean Michelle Wie will definitely play 4 days. It would be interesting to see her perform in such a format."
No Jim it was moved to a larger venue to accomodate the expected crowds and need for additional parking. Il Dong Lake Golf Club was just too small of an area after Michelle signed on.
Last year at the SK Telecom they had less than 30,000 attend the event over all four days. They are estimating 35,000 plus a day this year while Michelle is playing in the field. If she plays on the weekend they are estimating releasing 50,000 passes a day as a limit.
If the SK Open in Korea is going to be played on a 72 hole course, will that mean everyone plays all 72 holes with no cut? That would mean Michelle Wie will definitely play 4 days. It would be interesting to see her perform in such a format."
No Jim it was moved to a larger venue to accomodate the expected crowds and need for additional parking. Il Dong Lake Golf Club was just too small of an area after Michelle signed on.
Last year at the SK Telecom they had less than 30,000 attend the event over all four days. They are estimating 35,000 plus a day this year while Michelle is playing in the field. If she plays on the weekend they are estimating releasing 50,000 passes a day as a limit.
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2006-04-21 @ 22:02
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
According to BJ, Michelle will major in economics at Stanford to prepare her for life in her forties and beyond after the professional golf days are over.
I guess we have a few more years to go before we see Michelle playing fulltime on any tour.
I guess we have a few more years to go before we see Michelle playing fulltime on any tour.
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2006-04-22 @ 03:35
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
Miss Wie's agents have wangled her a sponsors' exemption to the 84 Lumber Classic in September, to be played again this year on the Nemacolin Resort course in Western Pennsylvania. It will take a major miracle and an Act of Congress for her to make the cut on that layout. I've played it twice and it is long and tough. From the pro tees it measures over 7500 yards. One par five is 634 yards. At least two of the par threes are 230 yards plus. And it's hilly and rocky to the max. It definitely is not a pitty-pat course like those at the Sony or the John Deere where Bubbles still hasn't made a cut. She'll be in WAY OVER her head.
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2006-04-22 @ 09:00
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
One-Putt, Your latest prediction for Miss Wie will surely win the rose-colored glasses award for 2006. Let's see: Bubbles is only 16 years old, BUT she is on the verge of re-writing the history of women's golf. That is, after she learns how to putt. Although she is still a high school junior, she has somehow applied for admission to Stanford where she will major in and graduate summa cum laude in economics so that she can self-manage her vast financial empire. She will amass this fortune by winning multiple majors on the LPGA tour as well as a few on the PGA tour. But these accomplishments will only be a sidelight to her real career as a motivational speaker which will net her millions well into her forties. And the beautiful part of all this is that she won't need any financial or investment advice like other celebrities. No, she'll be at least as qualified as any investment banker at Goldman Sachs to manage her portfolio. Did I leave anything out?
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2006-04-22 @ 09:24
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Alex, what ever happened to you that you are so sour on life and/or everyone and anything in it?
Instead of whining about MW, why not just sit back and watch. All your bellyaching isn't going to change what she or the LPGA or the PGA does.
Get a life, try to be happy.
Instead of whining about MW, why not just sit back and watch. All your bellyaching isn't going to change what she or the LPGA or the PGA does.
Get a life, try to be happy.
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2006-04-22 @ 12:51
Comment from: Jon [Visitor]
I am kind of curious. I recall One Putt imploring me to appreciate the talents of various other LPGA players besides Wie. One Putt, you seem to be knowlegeable about the various tours, PGA, LPGA, Asian and Champions. My questions is: What do you find exciting about the LPGA besides Wie. Am I weird that I find the LPGA boring? Granted that Annika has an extremely dependable swing and she is a true champion on and off the field. But, in general I don't find the level of plays exciting. One putt, give me one good reason that I should appreciate the LPGA.
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2006-04-22 @ 14:35
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
Actually Alex Michelle has been invited to the 84 every year since 2003 and decided to accept this year out of respect for her father's friend, Mr. Hardy. It is the last 84 Lumber Classic to be played on the PGA tour.
Michelle's family has vacationed with the Hardy family over the years and played many rounds at Nemacolin. The reason she didn't play in the 84 in the past was the threat from some PGA elitests that they would not play the event if Michelle was in the field. Mr. Hardy said, "to hell with them this year" since it is the last year of the event with the new PGA 2007 schedule.
Nemacolin might have seemed like an impossible golf course to an amateur hacker like yourself Alex, but Michelle is a Professional golfer who thinks of it as just another challenging golf course. It is one of her favorite courses to play on.
Michelle's family has vacationed with the Hardy family over the years and played many rounds at Nemacolin. The reason she didn't play in the 84 in the past was the threat from some PGA elitests that they would not play the event if Michelle was in the field. Mr. Hardy said, "to hell with them this year" since it is the last year of the event with the new PGA 2007 schedule.
Nemacolin might have seemed like an impossible golf course to an amateur hacker like yourself Alex, but Michelle is a Professional golfer who thinks of it as just another challenging golf course. It is one of her favorite courses to play on.
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2006-04-22 @ 14:51
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
Jon needs a reason to watch excellent golf being played? I guess they make it look so easy, you must think it really is Jon.
I am a fan of the game Jon, not of gender or the age of the players. Good golf is good golf.
Jon if you need one good reason I would suggest you attend a event with Annika in the field and join her gallery. Most days her shots are magical and will leave you breathless. If you want to learn how to manage and tame a golf course, watch her in action.
I am a fan of the game Jon, not of gender or the age of the players. Good golf is good golf.
Jon if you need one good reason I would suggest you attend a event with Annika in the field and join her gallery. Most days her shots are magical and will leave you breathless. If you want to learn how to manage and tame a golf course, watch her in action.
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2006-04-22 @ 15:09
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
BTW Jon, Annika does not feel threatened by Paula, Lorena, Natalie or Morgan. Now that Inkster and Webb have rediscovered their games, they are the ones she is wary of in the field.
Get ready for one exciting season.
Get ready for one exciting season.
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2006-04-22 @ 15:14
Comment from: Jon [Visitor]
One Putt... Thanks for providing many useful information in your blogs, but you are not really answering my question. I am sure the LPGA is excellent for women. Compared to the PGA, however, it is a junior high golf. Why would I watch a LPGA tourney when I can watch a PGA one. Heck, I can hit longer than almost all of them. On a good day, I can hit a few close to 300 yards. College kids can hit over 300 yeards. When you hear a man swing, you can feel and hear the power. Women will never be able to hit irons from a deep rough like men do. They don't have the forearm strength. The list goes on and on. I still think the LPGA should have coustume themed tournaments. Now, that would be fun.
(my issue is: one reason unique to the LPGA)
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2006-04-22 @ 18:03
Comment from: Stacy Solomon [Visitor] · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/golf-for-beginners
Jon, the ladies of the LPGA can hit a long drive but that is not why someone would tune in. Accuracy with irons and through putting can make a viewer just as breathless as watching a 300 yard drive.
When I was the standard-bearer for Annika Sorenstam at the Sybase (a few years back) she was just incredible to watch, even though she wasn't at her best. My eyes followed every putt and I was able to listen to her talk about her next shot with her caddie.
It's not all about who can hit the longest drive, although with Michelle Wie in the field you might soon get your wish to watch an LPGA tourney where the girls can hit as long as the guys!
When I was the standard-bearer for Annika Sorenstam at the Sybase (a few years back) she was just incredible to watch, even though she wasn't at her best. My eyes followed every putt and I was able to listen to her talk about her next shot with her caddie.
It's not all about who can hit the longest drive, although with Michelle Wie in the field you might soon get your wish to watch an LPGA tourney where the girls can hit as long as the guys!
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2006-04-22 @ 19:15
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
No Alex you didn't miss anything I think you covered most everything.
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2006-04-23 @ 02:33
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
putt4par, If I and others like me were to take your advice and quit our incessant bitching on these blogs about the over-hyped Bubbles, the only ones posting would be fawning, butt-kissing, brown-nosing Wie Warriors like yourself. There would be no opportunity for your to express yourself in opposition with such brilliant retorts like "get a life" and "try to be happy." What fun would that be?
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2006-04-23 @ 07:53
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
One-Putt, I find it more than a little telling that Miss Wie's sponsors' exemption to the 84 Lumber Classic was revealed to the press not by her doting father, the irrepressible BJ, not by Joe Hardy, reputed to be a longtime friend and vacation partner of the Wie family as wll as board chairman of the event sponsor, and not even by Miss Wie herself, who could have used the occasion to showcase her developing talent in public speaking. No, It was announced by her AGENT! This is quite amazing since in the opinion of the Wie Warriors her agent(s) never even try to pressure any sponsors for the coveted exemptions. O-P, you seem to know a lot about Miss Wie's playing at Nemacolin. What is her average score on the many rounds she has played on one of her favorite courses? Since she is a high school student in Hawaii, about 5000 miles from the course, how often does she get to play on this layout, one of her favorites? Last year it took a score of even par to make the cut in this event. That's even par on a 7500+ yard par 72 course. She has two chances of making the cut: slim and none. A few touring pro's have privately stated that the PGA should step in to prevent such blatant pandering; that several of the alternates feel rightfully slighted that someone so eminently unqualified should get admission to a tour event over a player who may have the stats but not the exempt status as yet. Incidentally, how is Michelle going to make up the week of school she misses when she plays at the 84 Lumber? Will her agent announce that she is being privately tutored at night after she finishes her round? Her academics won't suffer too much though since she'll only be playing two days.
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2006-04-23 @ 10:03
Comment from: Jim COULTHARD [Visitor]
And I say Michelle Wie has two chances to miss the cut--slim and none. When the results are in, guess what, neither one of us will be proven wrong, since we both hedged our predictions so that any
possible outcome would be consistent with what we predicted. Either your slim chance will come to pass or mine will.
possible outcome would be consistent with what we predicted. Either your slim chance will come to pass or mine will.
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2006-04-23 @ 13:05
Comment from: Jim COULTHARD [Visitor]
The SONY is a par 70 course of 7060 yards compared to the 84 Lumber's par 72 course of 7516 yards. Is making par really harder on a par 3/4 than it would be on a par 4/5 that is 228 yards longer?
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2006-04-23 @ 13:26
Comment from: David [Visitor]
As regards to Michelle and Stanford University - Michelle doesn't need to meet the standard entry requirements. She's rich and famous so the rules don't apply to her.
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2006-04-23 @ 13:40
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
It doesn't seem unusual for an Agent to make announcements for their client. After all they need to earn their ten percent.
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2006-04-23 @ 14:35
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
When the PGA steps in to tell a sponsor who they can invite to the tournament they are underwriting, the PGA will be chomping on the hand that feeds them. Ain't going to happen Alex.
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2006-04-23 @ 14:53
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
I haven't had the opportunity to observe Michelle playing the course Alex, but according to Maggie she does very well on a course that sets up nicely for her game.
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2006-04-23 @ 15:03
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
You are right David, Stanford has made exceptions in the past as they did for Tiger because of his excelling at golf.
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2006-04-23 @ 15:30
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
Uh, One-Putt, old buddy, Tiger was an AMATEUR at the time and was competing for Stanford. Bubbles is a pro,even though she is...sigh...,only 16 YEARS OLD. She won't be on the golf team roster at Stanford. I don't think they have sponsors' exemptions in college golf. But if they ever do, I'm sure that Miss Wie's agent(s) will be there hat in hand. If I could get the right odds, say 3 to 1, I'd bet that Bubbles never gets a degree from Stanford, and with 10 to 1 odds, I'd bet she never even attends that prestigious institution.
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2006-04-23 @ 20:29
Comment from: Jim COULTHARD [Visitor]
Alex
How would that bet work? You pay me a thousand is she attends Stanford, and I pay you ten thousand if we are both still alive when Michelle Wie dies without ever attending Stanford?
How would that bet work? You pay me a thousand is she attends Stanford, and I pay you ten thousand if we are both still alive when Michelle Wie dies without ever attending Stanford?
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2006-04-23 @ 21:36
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
Tiger was recruited by Stanford for he was the Tiger.
Michelle will be recruited for she is Michelle Wie. She will be invited to the most important Alumni fundraisers and special events. Gee Alex they may even ask her to be a guest speaker.
Alex you seem pretty sure Michelle will not pursue her dream of attending Stanford. I can see you are willing to bet the family plantation to bolster your claim.
I believe Michelle has nothing to lose and everything to gain by attending college.
Michelle will be recruited for she is Michelle Wie. She will be invited to the most important Alumni fundraisers and special events. Gee Alex they may even ask her to be a guest speaker.
Alex you seem pretty sure Michelle will not pursue her dream of attending Stanford. I can see you are willing to bet the family plantation to bolster your claim.
I believe Michelle has nothing to lose and everything to gain by attending college.
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2006-04-24 @ 01:54
Comment from: Wayne [Visitor] · http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-4/1168157/Star.Wars.Kid.gif
Michelle being competitive, might not want to be the only one in her family not to have a degree. Since they value education highly I think she will attend Stanford.
Maybe she should just settle for an honorary degree.
Maybe she should just settle for an honorary degree.
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2006-04-24 @ 06:10
Comment from: Gordon [Visitor]
Let me get this straight, Michelle Wie and Annika Sorenstam are now of PGA Tour quality and able to EASILY defeat the top players in the world at the drop of a hat. That's funny, Michelle can't seem to defeat the top women in the world or at least all of them over the course of a tournament, check her career wins. Not only has Michelle been an absolute non-factor in every male tournament she has entered she has never even made a cut. Remember also that she has tried and failed in PGA venues, Nationwide venues and even Asian tour events hardly showing that she is capable of easily beating or even competing with top-players. As for Annika, even she doesn't believe your premise. After she missed the cut at the Colonial she herself stated that she was out of her league and that she was going back to the LPGA where she belonged. On any given day in a field of 150 tour pros odds are that I could beat a few of them, the ones that are having nightmare days or who are nursing injuries or are playing one-handed. I am all for equal rights and I think Annika Sorenstam is the greatest female golfer of all time, while Michelle Wie if she continues to improve and learns how to putt and close the deal at the end of tournaments can be one of the greatest of all time, but lets keep things in perspective here, wild claims about their level of play does nothing but weaken your arguments and diminish your credibility.
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2006-04-24 @ 09:13
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
Gordon, I was wondering where you you got that information touting Annika and Michelle as capable of easily beating any PGA pro on any given day and capable of beating the MAJORITY of PGA pros. So I re-read this entire blog and sure enough, there it was, posted at 18:48, 04/21, by Stacy Solomon, those extraordinary words quoted verbatim. Now Stacy, it's one thing to be a Wie Warrior, it is a good thing to hope that Miss Wie excels in every aspect of her life, it may even be acceptable to advocate militant feminism. But Stacy, you've got to be realistic. There is absolutely no evidence that there is any truth or substance to your claims. Unless some unforeseen physical transformation occurs with either of these females, nothing that you state as fact will ever happen. I find it difficult if not impossible to think that you really believe what you claim in your post.
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2006-04-24 @ 09:56
Comment from: Stacy Solomon [Visitor] · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/golf-for-beginners
Glad to see you're paying attention!
Where I'm not a "Wie Warrior" I stand by my statement that Wie and Sorenstam are CAPABLE of beating any PGA tour pro on any given day. Wie never came in LAST in any PGA tour event she entered, did she?
Remember, the majority of the tour players are not Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson or Vijay Singh.
Where I'm not a "Wie Warrior" I stand by my statement that Wie and Sorenstam are CAPABLE of beating any PGA tour pro on any given day. Wie never came in LAST in any PGA tour event she entered, did she?
Remember, the majority of the tour players are not Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson or Vijay Singh.
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2006-04-24 @ 10:32
Comment from: David [Visitor]
Stacy, Michelle couldn't beat Tiger, Phil, or Vijay Singh. She couldn't beat my club pro most of the time.
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2006-04-24 @ 12:21
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
Stacy, this has been explained several times on these blogs by myself and others. But in case you missed them all, I'll try just this once more. Michelle Wie has never finished last in a PGA, Nationwide, or Asian Men's tour event for the simple reason that she has NEVER FINISHED an event on any of these tours. The only notation made in PGA stats when a golfer doesn't finish in the top 70 and ties is the one word, "CUT" Period, end of discussion. When a player misses the cut, whether it be by one stroke or ten, he's out of the money, he packs his bags and clubs, and either goes home or to the next tour stop. Maybe they should also get a "DNF", did not finish, next to their names.
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2006-04-24 @ 13:23
Comment from: Stacy Solomon [Visitor] · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/golf-for-beginners
Scores are still posted and Wie came in ahead of PGA Tour pros at the 2006 Sony Open.
She finished ahead of Todd Hamilton, Shawn Micheel, Bart Bryant(winner of this year's Memorial Tournament), to name a few of the 19 tour players in total.
http://www.pgatour.com/scoring/leaderboard/r006
If your club pro was this good he'd be on tour also! ;-)
She finished ahead of Todd Hamilton, Shawn Micheel, Bart Bryant(winner of this year's Memorial Tournament), to name a few of the 19 tour players in total.
http://www.pgatour.com/scoring/leaderboard/r006
If your club pro was this good he'd be on tour also! ;-)
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2006-04-24 @ 14:53
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
Alex let me ask you a question or two, so I can understand your logic:
Say I started playing professional golf a couple of years back and never won an event Alex, according to your logic I should quit trying to win and head home.
After turning Pro I enter my first PGA event on an exemption and failed to make the cut. According to your logic Alex I should hang up the spikes and quit trying.
I'm glad for the game Annika and Tiger did not follow your logic Alex.
Say I started playing professional golf a couple of years back and never won an event Alex, according to your logic I should quit trying to win and head home.
After turning Pro I enter my first PGA event on an exemption and failed to make the cut. According to your logic Alex I should hang up the spikes and quit trying.
I'm glad for the game Annika and Tiger did not follow your logic Alex.
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2006-04-24 @ 15:07
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
One-Putt, It's beyond me where you arrived at those suppositions, but if it floats your boat it's all right with me. O-P, you normally make sense, but your last post has me somewhat bewildered. You didn't start drinking early, did you? If it will make you feel better and to clear the air, I will post the Gospel according to Alex: Annika and Woods, Julie and Phil, Karrie and Vijay, and Nancy and Jack have made their bones, they've earned their stripes, they've proven their worth and everybody knows it. Others like Stu and Christy are on the cusp and Paula and Camilo, and Morgan and JB are apprentices who despite their achievements thus far, still have much to prove. Michelle is an anomaly, the product of an enormous amount of hype and hyperbole. So much so that normally lucid folks like Stacy now think that Miss Wie's missed cuts are some sort of monumental triumphs. Despite the fact that she hasn't won a thing and has yet to make her mark on any tour, you folks have bestowed the mantle of immortality upon her. You have her giving motivational speeches at alumni dinners at Stanford more than a year before she graduates high school. Now, if you guys were just engaging in some light-hearted repartee in the mode of "devil's advocate" it wouldn't be all that bad. But you birds have convinced me that you're serious. So I guess I'll just sit back for the next few years and watch the Wie Warriors implode. As I've said previously, it just doesn't get any better than this. Come on, you Wie Warriors, to the ramparts! Upward and onward!
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2006-04-24 @ 17:53
Comment from: Stacy Solomon [Visitor] · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/golf-for-beginners
Although I do not agree that Michelle Wie's MC is a monumental triumph (as you claim), I believe that she did a terrific job and should be congratulated for her efforts.
Now it is time for Michelle to win a tournament and live up to the "hype". If it happens first on the LPGA Tour, so be it. But watch out for Wie once she starts to win...she'll be a force to be reckoned with.
Still, not bad for a 16-year-old! :-)
Now it is time for Michelle to win a tournament and live up to the "hype". If it happens first on the LPGA Tour, so be it. But watch out for Wie once she starts to win...she'll be a force to be reckoned with.
Still, not bad for a 16-year-old! :-)
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2006-04-24 @ 19:00
Comment from: Wayne [Visitor] · http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-4/1168157/Michelle.Wie.going.postal.gif
The upcoming LPGA's Ginn Clubs & Resorts Open has two amateurs to watch for. The 13-year-old girl Dakota Dowd who was given an exemption because of her terminally ill mother's wish to see her play on an LPGA event. The other is Andia Winslow, the niece of the former NFL great. Good luck ladies.
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2006-04-25 @ 01:57
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
The world according to Stacy: Miss Wie's missed cut is not a big achievement, BUT she did a terrific job by missing the cut and she should be congratulated. Huh? Am I losing something in the translation? I will be at the Memorial on June 1. Maybe I'll approach one of the pros who missed the cut and tell him "I know that you're disappointed that you played poorly and missed the cut, but in my opinion you did a terrific job and I'm congratulating you." Then I'll wait for security to escort me to the van with the padded interior.
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2006-04-25 @ 08:11
Comment from: Stacy Solomon [Visitor] · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/golf-for-beginners
The achievement for Miss Wie is that she's a 16-year-old girl playing great golf in a men's tournament. Her rebound on Friday (score 68) to almost make the weekend was phenomenal.
A pro golfer CAN have a great round of golf and be congratulated afterwards even if he/she misses the cut. No paddywagon needed for that!
A pro golfer CAN have a great round of golf and be congratulated afterwards even if he/she misses the cut. No paddywagon needed for that!
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2006-04-25 @ 09:54
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
Michelle almost made the weekend? Good Golly, Miss Molly, she missed the cut by FOUR STROKES! Now missing the cut by four shots is PHENOMENAL! Now shooting a round of nine over par in round one and being out contention is "playing great golf." Stacy, you've got to stop playing fast and loose with the English language. Semantics will only carry you so far.
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2006-04-25 @ 10:36
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
So when was the last time you carded a 79 Alex on a course setup for the PGA? After all you are a man Alex, so playing with Michelle at the Sony you would have easily beat her on that day or any day for that matter. Heck Alex you could have beaten John Cook who shot a 79 that day and has 11 PGA wins to his credit.
The next round John redeemed himself somewhat by shooting 2 over to finish his tournament at 11 over par. It might have been a little difficult for you to finish ahead of John the second round Alex. Of course Michelle just got lucky the second round with her 68.
The next round John redeemed himself somewhat by shooting 2 over to finish his tournament at 11 over par. It might have been a little difficult for you to finish ahead of John the second round Alex. Of course Michelle just got lucky the second round with her 68.
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2006-04-25 @ 14:58
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
One-Putt, You'd better stay off the sauce, man. Some of the non sequiturs that you're coming up with are downright surreal. Your bizarre comparisons are way beyond "apples and oranges". They're more like "turnips and mangos." I fail to see how the potential golf score of a 60 year old amateur, an attorney to boot, would have the slightest connection with that of Miss Wie, John Cook, or any PROFESSIONAL. To put it bluntly, One-Putt, what in the pluperfect hell are you talking about?
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2006-04-25 @ 18:59
Comment from: Barry G. [Visitor]
Alex, I have been watching the comments and have little to say because on my best day, I can't beat Michelle even though I sport a real 9-12 handicap. She is a Pro that knows how to go low. In my book, just as in other sports, any team or any player at this level can defeat another on any given day.
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2006-04-25 @ 19:02
Comment from: Jim COULTHARD [Visitor]
Michelle Wie cannot easily beat any PGA pro--but on her best day she can post a score that will easily beat the scores posted by the majority of PGA pros--and it will be a score that will be better than the score posted by a top pro like Tiger if this happens to be his worst day. While this is true for Michelle(and she did the first part her second round at the SONY this year), I doubt there are very many women pros for whom it is true.
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2006-04-25 @ 20:48
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
according to Alex:
"Michelle is an anomaly, the product of an enormous amount of hype and hyperbole."
And that is where you are wrong, Alex.
Hype : to promote or publicize extravagantly
Michelle is not the product of the hype, the Hype is the product of a media machine that is mostly Sports writers waxing far beyond poetic on her abilities.
Then to compound those same errors, people like you come along and add to the furor with no idea what you are talking about. Just being negative because you can, IMO.
Michelle is the product of a lot of time spent on the golf course.
Get your facts straight if you intend to bash everyone else. You don't have to watch her or agree with the hype or even read what Stacy has to say, but PLEASE... get it right if you intend to comment.
according to Alex:
"Michelle is an anomaly, the product of an enormous amount of hype and hyperbole."
And that is where you are wrong, Alex.
Hype : to promote or publicize extravagantly
Michelle is not the product of the hype, the Hype is the product of a media machine that is mostly Sports writers waxing far beyond poetic on her abilities.
Then to compound those same errors, people like you come along and add to the furor with no idea what you are talking about. Just being negative because you can, IMO.
Michelle is the product of a lot of time spent on the golf course.
Get your facts straight if you intend to bash everyone else. You don't have to watch her or agree with the hype or even read what Stacy has to say, but PLEASE... get it right if you intend to comment.
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2006-04-25 @ 22:59
Comment from: Jim COULTHARD [Visitor]
The Nancy Lopez Award for the world's outstanding amateur for 2005 was just awarded last week. To no one's great surprise Nancy awarded it to someone other than Michelle Wie. Morgan Pressel won it. Was Morgan Pressel really the most outstanding amateur for 2005--or has Morgan Pressel been overrated?
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2006-04-25 @ 23:50
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Considering that Nancy Lopez has not had too many nice things to say about Michelle Wies chosen path to fame and fortune, I would have been very surprised if she was even considered.
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2006-04-26 @ 00:28
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
Alex did your golf Hero Tiger ever post a score of 79 or above in a PGA tournament as an amateur (sponsor's exemption) or professional? Did he also ever fail to make a cut and if so, how many times?
I recall Tiger carding an 81 in the 3rd round of the Open. The worst round of his professional career, but that was not the real story Alex, the next day he came out and shot a 65 to end up at even par for the tournament.
Every golfer has the Demon visit them at one time or another and what is important is how they put him back in his place the next time out.
Annika's Demon made an appearance in Florida recently. Look for her to put him in his place at the very next event.
I recall Tiger carding an 81 in the 3rd round of the Open. The worst round of his professional career, but that was not the real story Alex, the next day he came out and shot a 65 to end up at even par for the tournament.
Every golfer has the Demon visit them at one time or another and what is important is how they put him back in his place the next time out.
Annika's Demon made an appearance in Florida recently. Look for her to put him in his place at the very next event.
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2006-04-26 @ 03:25
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Considering that Nancy Lopez has not had too many nice things to say about Michelle Wies chosen path to fame and fortune, I would have been very surprised if she was even considered.
Just another case of swing envy.
Considering that Nancy Lopez has not had too many nice things to say about Michelle Wies chosen path to fame and fortune, I would have been very surprised if she was even considered.
Just another case of swing envy.
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2006-04-26 @ 06:03
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
I don't think Nancy should hold her breath waiting for Michelle to show up at her event in the future.
Bivens and the LPGA board are sitting around wondering "what will Wie do".
Bivens and the LPGA board are sitting around wondering "what will Wie do".
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2006-04-26 @ 06:08
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
One-Putt, You're absolutely correct. Tiger did have some poor rounds as an amateur competing against the pros. He's even missed a few cuts as a pro. And he has even failed to win more than 75% of the tournaments in which he has competed. Oh, I know, some will say that he won three US Junior titles and three US Amateur titles, and now has won 61 pro events worldwide, but there are several things he might never accomplish. He won't ever collapse in his mother's arms sobbing when he misses a cut, he won't ever wear the longest dangling earrings in captivity, and he won't comment to an interviewer how pretty his new "sparkly"
wristwatch is.
wristwatch is.
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2006-04-26 @ 08:28
Comment from: Stacy Solomon [Visitor] · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/golf-for-beginners
Alex, I don't see how what Michelle Wie wears or how she cries in her mother's arms has anything to do with how she did during her round. To call these incidents "accomplishments" is moot.
It's nice to see the girls dressing like girls, isn't it? A few years ago everyone was complaining that the LPGA didn't look like girls and now that they do, more complaints...
It's nice to see the girls dressing like girls, isn't it? A few years ago everyone was complaining that the LPGA didn't look like girls and now that they do, more complaints...
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2006-04-26 @ 08:55
Comment from: Holt [Visitor]
You people are unbelievable. Morgan Pressel won the Nancy Lopez Amateur Award in 2005 because she won the US. Women's Amateur, not because of some grand conspiracy against Michelle Wie. Michelle Wie turned pro towards the end of 2005 and won no amateur titles and accomplished precious little of note.
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2006-04-26 @ 12:21
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
Right on, Holt! Morgan also came within a shot, a miraculous hole-out by Birdie Kim, of winning the US Women's Open. But to the Wie Warriors like Stacy, One-Putt and putt4par such play pales in comparison to Bubbles' missed cuts in men's events and her immortal comments about her "sparkly" wristwatch. Thank goodness that a real pro, one who has actually won something, agrees with the Wie skeptics. Thanks, Nancy!
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2006-04-26 @ 12:41
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
You're right Holt and Alex, "when you are ranked second in the World in Women's golf you must try harder".
Oh I forgot Alex that is a conspiracy by Rolex to boost up the ratings of a girl who wears a sparkly Omega watch.
So here are the 2006 stats for the three teens everyone likes to write about:
Morgan Pressel appeared in six LPGA events so far in 2006 and has earned $101,354. Morgan comes in at number 20 on the ADT Official money list.
Paula Creamer has appeared in eight LPGA events in 2006 and earned $184,071. She comes in at number 10 on the ADT money list.
Michelle Wie appeared in only two LPGA events in 2006 and so far has earned $181,449. Michelle is not ranked on the ADT list as the women with moustaches won't allow it. I think we can safely say she would place in 11th place slightly behind Paula.
Michelle is maintaining the same LPGA productivity average as she did in 2005 when she would have averaged above $90,000 per event if she were a Pro.
Holt and Alex, I would ask you both to do the math, but I can tell you are not rocket scientists so I did it for you.
Oh I forgot Alex that is a conspiracy by Rolex to boost up the ratings of a girl who wears a sparkly Omega watch.
So here are the 2006 stats for the three teens everyone likes to write about:
Morgan Pressel appeared in six LPGA events so far in 2006 and has earned $101,354. Morgan comes in at number 20 on the ADT Official money list.
Paula Creamer has appeared in eight LPGA events in 2006 and earned $184,071. She comes in at number 10 on the ADT money list.
Michelle Wie appeared in only two LPGA events in 2006 and so far has earned $181,449. Michelle is not ranked on the ADT list as the women with moustaches won't allow it. I think we can safely say she would place in 11th place slightly behind Paula.
Michelle is maintaining the same LPGA productivity average as she did in 2005 when she would have averaged above $90,000 per event if she were a Pro.
Holt and Alex, I would ask you both to do the math, but I can tell you are not rocket scientists so I did it for you.
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2006-04-26 @ 13:57
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Comment from: Holt [Visitor]
You people are unbelievable. .... not because of some grand conspiracy against Michelle Wie....
I don't believe that i mentioned anywhere that there was any conspiracy. It is well documented that Lopez feels like you and Alex, that MWs chosen path to glory doesn't fit in with the views of you and Alex and Lopez.
Hence the belief that she wouldn't have been considered, regardless of any other criteria.
But then again, I might have known that someone could manufacture some slight to your beliefs out of nothing.
You people are unbelievable. .... not because of some grand conspiracy against Michelle Wie....
I don't believe that i mentioned anywhere that there was any conspiracy. It is well documented that Lopez feels like you and Alex, that MWs chosen path to glory doesn't fit in with the views of you and Alex and Lopez.
Hence the belief that she wouldn't have been considered, regardless of any other criteria.
But then again, I might have known that someone could manufacture some slight to your beliefs out of nothing.
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2006-04-26 @ 13:59
Comment from: Holt [Visitor]
I was simply responding to Mr. Coultard and putt4par's complaints to Michelle Wie not winning an award that is clearly given to the top amateur golfer in 2005, which was rightfully presented to Morgan Pressel. I agree that Michelle has played wonderfully this year as a pro and has better results then both Ms. Pressel and Ms. Creamer, but that sadly is not pertinant to my earlier comment.
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2006-04-26 @ 14:41
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
Holt, Your reply is far too sensible and lucid to cut any ice with the Wie Nuts. To these sycophants of Miss Wie, you have displayed your apostasy by not buying in to their disgust with Nancy Lopez for their perceived snub of Miss Wie. You're not getting off the hook that easily, mister. As an example of the disdain in which you are held in the Wie hive, putt4par, in his last post, derisively mentioned your handle with that of arch Wie skeptic, Alex. You, sir, are in trouble!
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2006-04-26 @ 15:13
Comment from: Jim COULTHARD [Visitor]
The Nancy Lopez Award was not for the top performer in US Women's or Girl's Amateur Golf--it was for the world's most outstanding female amateur. Last year Michelle Wie had the most outstanding performance a female golfer ever had in an amateuir event--a quarter final appearance in the APL. At least that is my view. I think it is incredible that Alex has such a high opinion of Women's Amateur Golf that he is more impressed by Pressel's Women's Amatuer win(with Wie absent) than he is with a quarter final finish in the Men's APL. Does Alex really think there were any players in the APL other than Wie who could not have easly won the Women's Amateur if they had been allowed to compete?
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2006-04-26 @ 15:47
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
---their disgust with Nancy Lopez for their perceived snub of Miss Wie.---
Nowhere in that did I say anything about being disgusted with Nancy Lopez' opinion. I mean afterall, if you can have such wild opinions, surely Mrs. Knight is entitled to her opinion.
I still maintain that if Mrs Knight had a say in the picking of the recipient, then MW had no hope of even being considered. Nancy has made no bones about her feeling that MW has betrayed the LPGA by attempting to play in the PGA.
MW cannot belong to the LPGA until 2007 ( without an exemption from the commissioner) and that would bring another round of outraged verbal diarrhea from Alex, Chris Badwin, WKW and Tim McD.
She just cannot win with you guys, regardless of what she does.
---their disgust with Nancy Lopez for their perceived snub of Miss Wie.---
Nowhere in that did I say anything about being disgusted with Nancy Lopez' opinion. I mean afterall, if you can have such wild opinions, surely Mrs. Knight is entitled to her opinion.
I still maintain that if Mrs Knight had a say in the picking of the recipient, then MW had no hope of even being considered. Nancy has made no bones about her feeling that MW has betrayed the LPGA by attempting to play in the PGA.
MW cannot belong to the LPGA until 2007 ( without an exemption from the commissioner) and that would bring another round of outraged verbal diarrhea from Alex, Chris Badwin, WKW and Tim McD.
She just cannot win with you guys, regardless of what she does.
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2006-04-26 @ 16:39
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
Jim C, Your post is far too convoluted for me to decipher, but I'll try. Is it your opinion that because Miss Wie, a child of privilege and member of an exclusive private club entered a Men's Public Links event, qualified for the US Men's Public Links and then was trounced 5 and 4 in a quarterfinal match after being 5 down after nine holes that she should, on the basis of such a lackluster performance, be awarded the trophy as Women's Amateur of the Year? You said that it is your opinion and if so, I'm glad it's yours. It's certainly not mine.
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2006-04-26 @ 20:26
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
putt4par, you hint that you have nothing but the highest regard for the opinions of Nancy Lopez, but your post says otherwise? Why do you dislike Nancy so much? Did she win too many tournaments? Aren't her earrings long enough? No "sparkly" watch? What is it about her that has got your dander up?
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2006-04-26 @ 20:35
Comment from: Jim COULTHARD [Visitor]
Michelle Wie was not a member of an exclusive club when she played in the Public Links--and if that was only technically true, the same can probably be said for many of the other younger golfers in the event. And Alex, what about the three men she beat before she reached the quarters. Do you really think any of them were of lesser ability than Morgan Pressel? I figure any of the men who made the Public Links Match Play were better than all of the women in the US Amateur this year. Do you disagree with me on this one?
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2006-04-27 @ 00:16
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Alex... You have the wildest imagination.
I don't dislike Nancy Lopez. Nowhere in that response to your drivel is there even the vaguest suggestion of dislike.
Even you no longer get my dander up, you just want to fight. With anyone that will fight with you. just don't attribute meanings to what I have said that are not there.
I realize your reading skills are subject to question and your comprehension level seems to me remarkably low but even you must realize, I only commented on what Nancy Lopez has already said, in public and to the media.
Based on what she said, I can safely assume that she would not vote for MW as recipient of her trophy.
No dislike of Nancy Lopez, no disgust , just an observation. But then that may be way to complicated for your nebulous thought processes to handle.
Bye Alex. Go take your prozac old man.
I don't dislike Nancy Lopez. Nowhere in that response to your drivel is there even the vaguest suggestion of dislike.
Even you no longer get my dander up, you just want to fight. With anyone that will fight with you. just don't attribute meanings to what I have said that are not there.
I realize your reading skills are subject to question and your comprehension level seems to me remarkably low but even you must realize, I only commented on what Nancy Lopez has already said, in public and to the media.
Based on what she said, I can safely assume that she would not vote for MW as recipient of her trophy.
No dislike of Nancy Lopez, no disgust , just an observation. But then that may be way to complicated for your nebulous thought processes to handle.
Bye Alex. Go take your prozac old man.
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2006-04-27 @ 00:18