Although Michelle Wie is not playing golf in the Michelob Ultra Open, her name is still mentioned to all of the ladies during the pre-tournament interviews. The essence of the question was would the ladies ever consider entering the men’s arena like Michelle Wie has successfully done?
Could it be that Dana Gross-Rhode is secretly wishing that she was interviewing Wie instead of the likes of Morgan Pressel and Paula Creamer or is her agenda more sinister, attempting to provoke the ladies yet again by throwing them six-foot Wiesy curveballs?
The ladies remained gracious in their responses with both Pressel and Creamer not ruling out the possibility of a stab at stardom on the PGA Tour but also emphasizing that their main goal is to compete, and win, on the LPGA tour.
Paula Creamer stated, “Right now, I don’t have any desire to do that. Maybe later down the road. There’s just so much I want to do out here first. I mean, this is my second year, and I feel that there’s just so much to achieve.”
Morgan Pressel wouldn’t rule out a try on the men’s tour in the future but “as of right now, I wish to concentrate on the ladies tour and play as well as I can out here.”
Ron Sirak compared the paths of Tiger Woods and Michelle Wie in a recent article on ESPN.com. Although Woods’ father Earl established reachable goals in one area of his game before moving on to the next, the strategy of Wie’s father is to set the bar high and have Michelle jump over it, with the possibility of completely foregoing the traditional LPGA route.
Two different paths to achieving the goal of golf prominence. Which one should the ladies choose? Which is the more realistic? By allowing Michelle Wie exemptions into men’s events shouldn’t the ladies have the same opportunities? Should Pressel and Creamer “pull a Michelle Wie” and try their luck immediately on the men’s tour before gaining strength and prestige on their own tour? If all the ladies decided to do this, wouldn’t the LPGA tour just become a glorified Futures Tour?
Annika Sorenstam says that she has been invited yet again to play in a men’s event. Although she enjoyed the experience and hopes to get an invite to skins games and made-for-television match-ups Annika says, “No, I’m not going to do it, no. Not an official PGA event.”
Although Michelle Wie should be congratulated for her great play recently at the SK Telecom Open, would she have performed better if she would have taken the path of the LPGA and won a few events before entering men’s events or is B.J. Wie correct in the road he has chosen for his daughter? Only time will tell. In the meantime it would be nice for Rhode to concentrate her questions on the players and their preparations for this week’s “fifth major” instead of slipping in the name “Michelle Wie” to enhance google hits.
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Of course there is no 5th major though.
On Pressel and Creamer, I would be surprised if Pressel proke 85 on a pga course and surprised if Creamer broke 80.
I think that is the real reason why they don't want to play with the men. They basically know that they are not good enough. They can decorate it all they like, but the fact is that they just don't hit the ball long enough and arn't strong enough.
Who's to say what may happen for Creamer. She has added 15 yards over the off season. She is 5 foot 9, so she isn't a small girl. If she continues to improve her game, then maybe she could try something against the men down the line.
For Pressel, I don't think there is a realistic chance of her doing anything against the men. She probably know that but won't admit it, because she doesn't want to admit Wie can do something she can't.
Pressel's jealousy was further emphasised when she said Wie's 35th place was no big deal.
Does Pressel think she could make a cut against men on a 7,100 yard course?
One might have thought Pressel would have been humbled by missing the cut last week on the lpga tour.
When did Michelle Wie last miss an lpga cut?
More importantly, I think Wie will make every lpga cut, bar injury or dq for many years to come.
Maybe you haven't noticed the LPGA will not publish any photos of Michelle standing directly beside any of their players. That is why Bivens wanted to control the photographs taken at LPGA events. It is hard to look larger than life when you are looking up to a sixteen year old.
This picture haunts them to this day:
http://www.seoulsisters.com/players/misc/galleries/sisters/Sisters%202005/pages/jj_wie_bopen05_rd4trophies_jpg.htm
Pressel probably realizes that she receives the most attention when she speaks out of turn.
And Paula Creamer will be thrilled to get back a little of that magic she had in her rookie season!
And to Johnny N., it is not necessarily the long ball hitter that wins the tournaments...but in this case I agree. ;-)
They always will be unable to fill her shoes unless they can find a way to fit into a size 10 mens golf shoe. That is not a fair question. :-)
By the way, Creamer has said on more than one occasion that she would indeed like to take on the men. However she thinks that is a few years away yet.
She wants to become the number 1 female player and do lots more on the lpga tour first, but when she has achieved that she has explicitly stated that she does want to play against men.
If she can add length, I think she is right. She has a great game, hits plenty of greens in regulation and is a good putter.
1. Earl Woods & BJ Wie dictated the goals for their children.
2. It is possible for Wie to concentrate more on the LPGA.
I know 2 to be false and wonder about 1.
In the case of Michelle, it is my understanding the goals of the Masters and PGA TOUR are/were hers.
As to concentrating more on LPGA competition - HOW?
She already enters all the LPGA events allowed.
If Wie did not play against male professioanls, she would not have any real competition beyond 6-8 events per year.
Maybe she should take the fifth when she gets a Michelle Wie question.
I'd like to see the press stop baiting the other players with questions about Wie. I understand it makes headlines, but it only increases the resentment against Wie.
That extra yardage has really made the difference for her this season.
As far as Lorena goes I enjoy watching her play and I don't think another woman on the tour hits a five wood as well as she does. She is smokin that thing on par fives.
Stick an edit button on here admin.
Let me see--the great Morgan Pressel who loves to trash talk because of her great amateur career is now tied for 70th place after missing a cut on the LPGA a week ago. (Then has the gall to downplay Michelle's making the cut at a men's event)
This was right after two meltdowns at the Fields and Kraft Nabisco--Wow she sure is showing that Michelle Wie how to get it done!
Let me see--the great Morgan Pressel who loves to trash talk because of her great amateur career is now tied for 70th place after missing a cut on the LPGA a week ago. (Then has the gall to downplay Michelle's making the cut at a men's event)
This was right after two meltdowns at the Fields and Kraft Nabisco--Wow she sure is showing that Michelle Wie how to get it done!"
Well Sheryl you are off by a couple of spots: Morgan is tied for 68th place in the field at +2 but she is ready to topple the leaders tomorrow.
Sometimes i'd like to play mean old grampa with that girl, take her out by the hedge and give her a talking to. I'd tell her to say to the reporters, "next question please or the interview is over." If she did that a couple of times, they'd leave her alone and my respect would go way up.
Come on kid, we may be ticked at you and your mouth, but you are better than that, prove by keeping your mouth closed.
One of the problems is that old Herb encourages her cause he thinks it's great that his G-daughter is fiesty.
As for Lorena, she is one heck of a golfer and I don't mind seeing her win at all.
Paula is pretty pc when the reporters bait her but when you watch her answer the questions you can see she is itching to give them an answer. Whether it would be about Wie or about the reporters ethics is the question, lol. I love Paula cause she can back up her talk, mostly. And she is class all the way. She'll get it all together again, no doubt.
I still think Rick Arnett at SI has a better take on MW's plans than anyone else at the moment. Michelle really doesn't need the LPGA, ut they need her. Whether they wise up and take advantage of MW's public image and talent or not is another story. Thye could loosen the strings for the full time of MWs summer break and have her on tour, making big waves for the LPGA but somehow I doubt if that'll happen.
She is going to change the way the LPGA handles the younger generation although maybe not in time to help herself.
Sure, the interviewer could only ask the young Pressel and Creamer about Wie and PGA, because Webb and Inkster in their mid-age career won't try the PGA.
Why is Wie so popular despite being winless ? It is not because people care about the sport golf (compared to NFL, MLB, NBA etc), but rather intrigued about the fact that a 6 foot tall beauty can (or is trying to) compete with men. Women and girls like to see a historic gender breaking event and men like to watch the powerful swing of a supermodel. In fact, because Wie plays in men's event, that is what brings this popularity. Champions and great players come and go, but pioneers are rare.
2. You got the hottest brand name out there in Michelle Wie.
3. But, there's a problem -- she's not one of you.
It behooves the LPGA to do the right thing right now. And then maybe, there's hope in shedding their second-rate tag as an organization.
The best that the LPGA could hope for is that she would show up for a few more events if they increased the exemptions.
And also, how can Michelle try to "win" on the LPGA more and then try to take on the men, if she's only allowed 6 exemptions? I mean...critics always say she should focus on the LPGA...but the fact is SHE IS! She is focusing on the LPGA as much as the LPGA is allowing her to. She's already gotten 6 top 3's in her last 9 LPGA starts. She is the most consistant female golfer out there today! (maybe Ochoa or Seon Hwa Lee could be considered for this as well, but those two only started to get real consistant this season.)
The bottom line is, if the LPGA is only going to allow her 6 exemptions and expects her to focus more on the LPGA (quoted by the likes of Dottie Pepper and Nancy Lopez), how is she going to receive that experience that one gets from playing actual tournaments? 8 tournaments a year is not going to help her. With the PGA and International mens tour exemptions, michelle is getting the tournament play and experience that she needs.
"if she would have taken the path of the LPGA and won a few events before entering men's events or is B.J. Wie correct in the road he has chosen for his daughter? Only time will tell"
Rubbish. Time won't tell anything, she has taken a particular path and her career is set accordingly.
By the way. This is the right path for her, because she chose it.
Alan M
Maybe she won't be successful playing with the guys as the odds are stacked very high against her, but she should have the right to try anyway.
There will be a defining moment in Michelle's life when she will decide which way to go.
Who knows, if she somehow manages to make it through qualifying and end up on the first tee of the U.S. Open that might be her moment to decide as she would become a golf legend in her own time.
If she is competative on the PGA tour they would welcome her into the fold. The PGA is owned by the players and they can tolerate a girl in their midst when they know it increases revenue.
After all business is business.
Apart from Annika she is the most consistant player over the last couple of years.
In the mens side she has aquitted herself well. Some may think she started too early, but I think she was right.
Although she missed early cuts, I think she is ready to start making alot of cuts.
I think she will make the cut at the Casio in Japan, and I think she has a great chance of making the cut at, at least one of the 2 pga events.
I'll bet the Sybase Classic will be much emptier next week, even with Sorenstam taking center stage.
And, as far as MW choosing her own career, she still is just 16. I remember when I was that age and your parents still have alot of input, no matter what is said to the press, etc.
I think that is what Michelle is trying to do most: break social barriers aside from being a golf champion. Being a champ in golf is relatively a minor feat as there are dozens/scores of them; breaking barriers and changing how ordinary folks think would be truly a milestone. Michelle can accomplish what Earl Woods said of what Tiger was going to do:influence global society in a similar fashion as Gandhi or Mandela.
Michelle will win many LPGA tournaments; but she will not be known for that. She will be known for her accomplishments in men's golf even if they are minor: qualifying for a PGA major, making a cut, etc..
Put it this way, the men's game is a different game than the women's game, due to the premium on length and strength (rough), especially given the "Tiger-proofing" of so many PGA tournaments. The only women equipped with sufficient strength and length to even consider making a cut are Sorenstam and Wie. But they'll likely never be able to have a reasonable chance to win on the PGA tour: the physical requirements are too great and there are too many physically superior men [note that I didn't say "more talented"].
From 150 yards, I have no doubt that the top 20 female players could likely compete effectively with PGA players. But the only two capable of driving the 300+ yards consistently enough to reach the 150 stakes are Sorenstam and Wie. That doesn't mean Wie is BETTER than Ochoa, Creamer, Webb, or Kerr, that means she's LONGER and therefore more able to compete with men. But that length is inconsistent and sometimes a minus on the claustrophobic women's layouts, which is why she hasn't been able to win against other women. In other words, her length and skill help her be competitive against some men, but not enough to have a chance to win. And her length and inconsistency hurt her against women. She'd probably be better off being weaker and more consistent (Ochoa, Creamer) if she wants to WIN against women. If she wants to win against men, she better stick to the minor tours.
I think Pressel gets it, but the subject of playing against men is something most of the LPGA players don't seem comfortable discussing. It's almost like Wie was competing in tennis as well as golf and the LPGA players were asked when they plan to try competitive tennis.
http://www.lpga.com/Greensheet.aspx?pid=496&year=2006
And to HC2, Michelle Wie's global legacy could very well be as an inspiration to those who would never even dream of playing golf, as you said about little girls in Qatar, etc. Very insightful of you!
ToddCommish: I agree that the men play a totally different game than the women and believe that Michelle Wie is caught between the two worlds. That is what makes her so special."
And to HC2, Michelle Wie's global legacy could very well be as an inspiration to those who would never even dream of playing golf, as you said about little girls in Qatar, etc. Very insightful of you!"
A woman getting a Sponsor's Exemption to play golf in an Arab country, come on guys. Women would have a better chance becoming members of Augusta National than playing a professional men's tournament in Qatar. Maybe you haven't noticed HC2 and Stacy, the LPGA has no events in the Muslim world.
Michelle is ground zero for Islamic radicals as she depicts everything hated about the West. You folks must also think Condi was there to just play golf with Michelle and let her drive the golf cart.
Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa al-Thani is choking on his Wheaties reading about this subject.
Talk about wanting to root for an underdog. Look at this year's results for this particular LPGA player: zero dollars in seven events; never broke par this year! Yet, she has a good chance to finally make the cut as she is 3 under after one round:"
I'm rooting for the gal in last place who shot 15 over in the first round. If she plays really hard today she should eclipse the LPGA record for missing the cut by the most strokes.
"Comment from: HC2 [Visitor]
Talk about wanting to root for an underdog. Look at this year's results for this particular LPGA player: zero dollars in seven events; never broke par this year! Yet, she has a good chance to finally make the cut as she is 3 under after one round:"
I'm rooting for the gal in last place who shot 15 over in the first round. If she plays really hard today she should eclipse the LPGA record for missing the cut by the most strokes.
Oh well she had a better round today and ended up at 21 under.
At least for now Tiger Woods plays in Dubai...next stop for Michelle Wie?
Morgan made a move and shot even par today to end up in a tie for 60th for now. Hey she just might make a cut.
Lorena and Paula are heading South of the Border on the leaderboard.
The rejuvinated Karrie Webb is giving everyone golf lessons again this week. GO KARRIE!!!
Of course the public is more interested in a sixteen year old girl teeing off against the guys in Hawaii this weekend in an attempt to get into the U.S. Open.
Not all Islamic people are radicals. It's difficult right now for the average Muslim female in a foreign land to speak out but times do change. IF the ladies ever DO play golf out there, they'll have to take off their burkas!
At least for now Tiger Woods plays in Dubai...next stop for Michelle Wie?
To tell you the truth I think the Muslim women are more interested in being able to drive a car, vote and avoid stoning rather than playing a round of golf.
You might ask yourself why Michelle all of a sudden has a Security Detail traveling with her right after Condi's visit and her security protocols from the host country are coordinated by DoS overseas.
No, I won't be one of them!
Her length off the tee will help her against the guys on longer courses, but her short game will help her to win tournaments. Q-School is way down the road and I'm not sure that she would choose that option without having a few wins under her belt.
I really want to see her win an LPGA event...I think that's going to happen soon.
Big NEWS FLASH!!!!!!!!! Annika missed a cut at plus four.
Bigger NEWS FLASH!!!!!!!! Morgan made the cut in a tie for 50th place.
Biggest NEWS FLASH!!!!!!!!!!!Karrie, Cristie, Pat and Julie are going into the weekend in the top four positions without a Korean name in front of them. Talk about Old Home Week, These Gals are Rockin!
There isn't really a curse of Hall of Fame. It is just not easy to compete for a long time at the top level with all the young guns charging at you.
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Is she jealous of Michelle, her fame, endoresments and unlimited potential? Probably. Just like Michelle she is a child and deserves the same courtesy and respect. Many of the same people who level claims of child abuse at the likes of Chris Baldwin and others who dare criticize Michelle are on this blog attacking Morgan and her family in much the same way. I used to watch women's golf when I wanted to fall asleep or when I wanted to feel good about how far I hit the ball compared to them. Now I watch because of the high level of play and because of the names like, Sorrenstam, Wie, Creamer, Ochoa, Webb and yes even Pressel. Let's let each do it their way and sit back and enjoy.
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I agree, very much so. I love to watch Pressel, Creamer, Gulbis and all the young players putting the older players on their metal...
Makes for excellent golf.
Hey, I don't think anyone disagrees with the fact that Michelle Wie is the most likely woman to be able to compete on the PGA tour. That doesn't mean that she WILL or SHOULD try.
Put it this way, the men's game is a different game than the women's game, due to the premium on length and strength (rough), especially given the "Tiger-proofing" of so many PGA tournaments. The only women equipped with sufficient strength and length to even consider making a cut are Sorenstam and Wie. But they'll likely never be able to have a reasonable chance to win on the PGA tour: the physical requirements are too great and there are too many physically superior men [note that I didn't say "more talented"].
From 150 yards, I have no doubt that the top 20 female players could likely compete effectively with PGA players. But the only two capable of driving the 300+ yards consistently enough to reach the 150 stakes are Sorenstam and Wie. That doesn't mean Wie is BETTER than Ochoa, Creamer, Webb, or Kerr, that means she's LONGER and therefore more able to compete with men. But that length is inconsistent and sometimes a minus on the claustrophobic women's layouts, which is why she hasn't been able to win against other women. In other words, her length and skill help her be competitive against some men, but not enough to have a chance to win. And her length and inconsistency hurt her against women. She'd probably be better off being weaker and more consistent (Ochoa, Creamer) if she wants to WIN against women. If she wants to win against men, she better stick to the minor tours.
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How can one supposedly rational and sane man make such idiotic statements
FIrst of all, who are you to tell her she must alter her dream of challenging the PGA because you don't think it's right? What outrageous arrogance!
If she wants to challenge the PGA then she should, if she fails, at least she tried. Have you ever tried to challenge the PGA, Could you even post a score good enough to be considered? or is that your problem, you aren't good enough, therefore no woman let alone a 16 year old girl is good enough????
Michelle, pay no attention to the dreamstealers. Let them be negative and non suppotive underachievers all their lives but don't listen to them.
The same goes for any other boy or girl, man or woman that wants to challenge the best.
Sheesh, go back to your weak little blog, Todd.
http://www.daniellefisher.com/
All it takes is the will to do it. Until the day you can no longer move, never ever stop trying to reach your summits. And never let anyone steal your dream.
********
The best part about Morgan? You'll never see her trying to get attention in front of the camera; she possesses a sort of discreet modesty out on the field and in interviews. She's never flashy and doesn't put any of her opponents down. Morgan Pressel is an exciting, intelligent teenager who demonstrates the true meaning of sportsmanship, both on, and off, the course.
********
LAUGH! She never puts any of her opponenets down? SHe's very modest on the field and in interviews? She knows th true meaning of sportsmanship...DONT MAKE ME PUKE!
Here's the link:
http://lpga.com/content_1.aspx?pid=5710&mid=2
Well, some of us are and I do try but sometimes.. and I'll leave the rest to your imagination.
RE: Holt on Q-School
It's reasonable to empathize with the golfers and even the quality of the golfers. But in golf, the play is always against OLD MAN PAR. And because of that, "tricking up" or setting up the course to PGA/USGA/LPGA "standards" is the bear.
The quality of the field does set the cutline, but OLD MAN PAR is the target.
Annika, Lorena, Juli, Paula, Karrie and Kristi have shown scoring consistency with LPGA course standards. I believe MW has also shown scoring consistency with LPGA course standards.
Yes, I know--she has not won an LPGA tournament, yet. Going for the win in the Fields and the Nabisco and coming in third, gets no gold stars from the critics but "going for the win" ranks high in my book.
MW scoring at the Sony and the SK showed promise. But I'm waiting for John Deere and Lumber to see if MW can show high enough scoring consistency with PGA course standards to place in the top 10, as is her goal.
It won't be this year.
If she can just win even 1 LPGA title i'd be happy but 2 would be fabulous.
The changes I've noticed are her improvements in Course Management and Putting.
The Pros when they walk a course pick out holes that are birdie chances and the ones that bogey is a good score. Sometimes taking a bogey is a smart play when you avoid something worse.
Last year Michelle didn't play this way and tried to go for it everytime. It still happens now and then, but she has minimized her errors in judgement.
If Michelle earns the opportunity to step onto the first tee at Winged Foot her place in the history of golf is cemented.
Yu Ping Lin (the gal that had zero earnings this year after 8 events, shot a 67 in the 3rd round! I am still pulling for her. Weird in that she had never broke par this year, and now has had rounds of 68, 74, 67. I'm sure she's in debt up to her ears.
It is good to see her tied fifth after three. While she missed every cut this year, her low round prior to this tournament was 72, yet her year to date average is 73.88. So she has played very consistently at just off of par pace. Usually a sign that one little thing needs to be fixed to become a contender.
This week's scores suggest she may have found that one-little-thing whatever it was.
Putt4par says that he would be deliriously happy if Bubbles wins even one LPGA event this year. No kidding! Really? Do you mean to tell me that you, as the consummate Wie-wee, would celebrate if Miss Wie gets that elusive victory? Well, who'd a thunk it! p4p, you guys are ecstatic when she misses a cut!
2006-05-14 @ 08:42
*sigh* Alex, you simpleton, you can't even quote honestly. Why not just go somewhere dark, like under a rock and stay out of the sunlight. It's obviously fried what few brain cells that you may ever have had.
Best of all, just go away. I'll bet even Baldie laughs at your incompetence.
Hey Mrs. Alex, come and get your ward and tie him up in his room again!!
[May 14, 2006]
community sports bulletin board
(Sun Journal (New Bern, NC)(KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) May 14--To submit a community sports announcement, send information as you would like it to appear in the newspaper to: Sun Journal Sports, 3200 Wellons Blvd., New Bern, NC 28562
-- The emergence of female golf superstars Michelle Wie, Annika Sorenstam and others has fueled a rapid 52 percent rise in the number of women playing golf since 1998. To proliferate this trend, America's most revered golf resort -- Pinehurst -- has announced plans to provide a week-long series of golf and golf-related activities exclusively for women.
Now ain't that something a 52 percent increase in women golfers. Nike knows this is just the "Tip of the Iceberg".
Five years later I'm glad to see that my perspective has changed.
Unfortunately everyone in the public eye is "fair game". Remember when Tiger Woods' game was below par? What was everyone saying then? And now that Annika Sorenstam is in a bit of a slump (she only won one event so far) the "old age" comments are flying!
On a seperate note I saw Michelle Wie was not only given an exemption to the Women's U.S. Open, but also to the European tour's Omega Masters. I wonder why Morgan and many others in the golf world(not just the LPGA) are a little bitter and jealous of Michelle. She was let into the women's open based on where she "would" be on the money list if she were a member of the LPGA tour and eligible for the money list. The only problem is that she is not on the official money list because she is not a member. If's and But's are like candy and nuts. My grandfather used to like this saying and it never really made sense to me until now. As far as the European Tour event goes, well lets just say Omega isn't handing her money and watches to sit out of tournaments they sponser. Not qualified to play on the European tour, who cares, more publicity for our company. Michelle is a great talent and she should have a fine career, but she does get things handed to her on a silver platter and probably always will as long as she makes a couple of cuts and god forbid actually wins a tournament.
I respect golf for the courtesy displayed and fair play we show each other. What other sport exists where you call a penalty on yourself or disqualify yourself from play. Paula Creamer showed real character when she took a DQ last season after discovering an extra club in her bag.
We shake hands when we start and finish a match no matter what the outcome. We wait our turn to hit or putt and remain still/quiet out of courtesy to the other players.
When Michelle is asked a question about another player she deftly deflects the question and moves on. Morgan still has to learn how to do this.
From 2005 to the present Michelle has averaged over $90,000 per event in potential or real earnings. Only Annika has a higher earning average on the LPGA tour and she is rated as the Rolex number one player. That is why Michelle when she has enough events ends up at number two on Omega's rival's list.
The USGA decides the requirements for their tournament, not the LPGA.
Pressel reminds me of Pat Hurst; and that is actually a compliment. She has the danger of looking like Becky Iverson if she does not watch her diet. But we musn't forget that it's never too late to do a makeover. Look at Christie Kerr, she was chubby before, and now is a hot trim babe.
I read Pressel only eats junk food like Lucky Charms, Spagetti O's and the likes of that. No veggies or anyhting that might do a body some good. She does look like a wrestler already, especially in those wide striped shirts.
By the way, MW is at -1 on the 14th hole of the qualifier. No idea what anyne else has done. That's all thats been posted so far.
Well, now I believe I've heard it all. Michelle has now mastered the art of diplomacy. She alone of all the 16 year old girls on Planet Earth has learned how to "deftly deflect the question and move on." The Wie boot licking gets better each day. Or maybe it's worse each day. One-Putt, have you got any more beauties like that?
You really should go and take some lessons from Michelle. She could teach you a lot, mostly how to keep your mouth shut in fly season. Hey little toad, put your sticky little tongue out and taste this.
Oh you missed that? See, you learn little one. MW would have told you to "keep mouth closed and be thought a fool rather than open trap and remove all doubt"
Good old asian proverb that.
Joe Phengsavath 73
Regan Lee 74
Tad Fujikawa 74
Chan Kim 74
MW medalist, 3 pos for Hawaii so Joe is also qualifier.
Lee, Fujikawa and Kim had a play off, two were alternates.
Would have liked to see her iron play.
I hope the term Spazzed will not offend my Euro friends here.
Wie could win BOTH majors this year!
Hey everyone, great news! Michelle Wie has now won the men's U.S. Open 1st stage qualfier and has an exemption into the women's US Open.
Wie could win BOTH majors this year!
Hahaha. I love to dream big Sracy and it is in the realm of possiblity but i'd say the chances of winning the game at the SU (mens?) Open are pretty slim. As for winning the womens, I like er chances there and would that set the old biddies in the LPGA on fire.
Bivens would have a coronary or apoplectic fit trying to get the most benefit from it without paying any price.
It owuld be so much fun to see though, lol.
Sracy=Stacy. Fast finger slip again, lol. Sorry Stacy.
I agree with putt4par that Michelle Wie doesn't need the LPGA...it needs her! Even with the new advertising campaign, "These Girls Rock", it rocks more when she's in the field.
I'll bet the Sybase Classic will be much emptier next week, even with Sorenstam taking center stage.
And, as far as MW choosing her own career, she still is just 16. I remember when I was that age and your parents still have alot of input, no matter what is said to the press, etc.
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I;m not so sure aboutMichelle making her own choices.
Have you watched closely when she and Daddy are together? When you talks to her, if she doesn' like what he says, she glares at him and he meekly walks away to join Bo on the side lines.
Anyone as strong willed and focused as MW is would not be prepared to give up control of where she is going or what she was doing, even for Dad.
I am of the firm belief that she is fully in control of her decisions. Just from watching her body language when she is being interviewed, she never looks to Dad to get approval for anything she says, her sataements are her own.
just my $.02 worth of point of view.
In any case after her missed cut last week and her 45th place finish this week --Pressel needs to concentrate less on Michelle and more on her game.
we are witnessing history before us in this six foot girl. add a few pounds of muscle on her and she'll be hitting 350yd drives!
The future of women's golf although definitely having an enhanced product with some new young faces, will remain as being little noticed. Just look at women's soccer, it had great young talent; yet the league was not viable. I am not saying women's golf will disappear. I am saying it will not grow as much as many anticipate. At best it will stagnate, and so will corporate money. CBS sports refusing to renew their LPGA coverage is a good indicator of things to come.
And HC2, you mean that great new slogan "These Girls Rock" had no effect on CBS Sports renewing their contract with the LPGA?
I meant the CBS did not sign up to cover the Kraft Nabisco: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/golf/267146_golf19.html
Also, recall that ABC will stop featuring golf altogether after vthis year, with the exception of the british open.
So, why all this gloom and doom? The story starts with 2000 and 2001, and how all the networks got suckered into a money losing deal with the pga tour. At that time golf was huge with Tiger and his dominating play, and his four consecutive majors. Then, the economy went into a recession, and Tiger got into a slump.
Without Tiger in contention, people stopped watching, which meant huge losses for the broadcasters. Consider now that Tiger has stopped playing after his father's death and you can bet all of those tournaments he skipped are bleeding money like crazy. LPGA golf's only hope of course is to get some viewers who watch the men's tour. At my office,
out of a staff of 700 noone that I know of follows lpGA golf.
Not even the golf fans, sports fans and active golfers. All they can recall is a blip in the daily sports show e it Michelle Wie or Annika. If I were an investor, IU would put my money on nascar, college hoops and colege football, and nfl if I'm in the US, and soccer if the market is aboad.
Today is a huge day for international soccer by the way, with the champions league final in espn2: Barcelona vs. Arsenal. Ratings will go through the roof worldwide. Along with the world cup,this match is the equivalent of the superbowl.
This was written after she missed a cut the previous week, and just shot a 74 in the opening round at the Micelob. By any reasonable standards her performance this year has been disappointing considering what she did on the LPGA last year. But she was given a friendly write-up. I would imagine that this type of friendly write-uo is quite common in sports. So why do so many people get upset when Wie's supporters put a positive spin on her achievements. At least Wie's supporters aren't claiming she is doing great in a year when her performances have declined.
Michelle Wie will never be a factor on the PGA Tour. She probably will never even dominate the LPGA Tour, she has thus far not shown the ability to win at that or any other level.
So Ty can you get over not making the cut at the SK Open. Remember Ty the Doctor told you to stay away from blogging.
When you study the demographics of who the extra fans watching or attending these events are, we find the majority are Fathers/Mothers and their Daughters who may have never played golf themselves or attended any amateur or professional golf events before. This next statistic will floor most people and tell you why Nike is in the mix.
The week after Michelle plays in a nationally televised event, sales of womens/girls golf equipment and apparel increases an average of 3 to 5 percent in those areas where the event is broadcast. This spike lasts for about ten days after the event.
Would you watch a amthc play between Kirk Triplett and Ben "All Day" Crane? How about Brittany Lang versus Pay Hurst?
Even if for the WOrld Mathcplay Championship?
All fine players, but viewers would drop to around 0.1 share.
The stars create reevnue. Any moron who has taken elementary school arithmetic can see that the stars drive the numbers and everyone else is free-riding.
Right now, the LPGA should be giving MW full LPGA membership and LPGA players should be tahnking her for the amount of new money that will soon flood to the LPGA.
If MW were to completely avoid the LPGA, sposors will seek her out and rightfully bail on the LPGA. Then let's see who plays for love and charity!!!
If you want to get noticed in the media or in a golf blog, just be a name dropper.
Michael is a great player who doesn't get the media coverage he deserves. His PR guys must have written his reponses to boost his coverage.
It has been the only way Jean Van de Velde can get a line written about himself anywhere. It is an old PR ploy that is quite transparent.
Oh and can we rest assured that later in his life Michael Campbell will never accept a sponsor's exemption himself?
MW is taking advantage commercially like few individuals can and that naturally results in jealousy and resentment. Blame the system, not MW for being akamai (hawaiian for smart).
Please recall that the LPGA refused to permit MW to play in both Hawaii LPGA events this year. MW ended up forgoing an event that she finished second last year, and the LPGA didn't generate the kind of excitement at that event it could have. How does that make the sponsor feel about next year's event when MW is still in high school? It is hypocrisy, plain and simple, to tell MW to focus on the LPGA. Sure, she can stay home just like she did when the SBS was being played in Hawaii.
I feel sorry about the male touring pros who are struggling to make it on the PGA Tour, but its a huge business and a sponsor is absolutely entitled to sell tickets and generate publicity. The PGA Tour (and its fat checks) simply does not exist for those poor, struggling male pros.
As far as the PGA qualifying school, it's a grueling, difficult tournament, and I think MW should try it because she will learn a great deal about herself and her game. She can tell us again how fun it is (and it should be fun playing against the best at 16). I don't know if she could qualify, but she did pretty good at the Men's Amateur beating some excellent players.
nice post. first sensible one I have read in many moons.
Michelle Wie tied for third in another Major LPGA event! I think she's definitely proving herself to be worthy of sponsor's exemptions on both the LPGA & PGA tours.
I couldn't agree more. The Big Wiesy is overmatched, underqualified, and generally
unproven in anything other than her matches against local caddies, has-beens,
and never-was's. I give her all the props in the world, but she's got to prove she
can beat the competition on the LPGA tour before she should try to beat the men.
Case in point, she's currently standing in SECOND TO LAST place with a first round
78 at the Sony Open.
I wrote about it on my blog: http://theextrapoint.com/archives/2007/01/12/michelle-why/trackback/
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