Could Michelle Wie play golf one day for the U.S. Ryder Cup team?
Wednesday September 6, 2006 | 15:41:04 405 words, 4415 views
Ah, the dreams of a teenager. Currently the youngest Omega ambassador in a group which includes golfers Sergio Garcia and Ernie Els as well as supermodel Cindy Crawford and actress Nicole Kidman, the ambitions of Michelle Wie are spreading to dreams of scoring 54’s and joining the U.S. Ryder Cup team one day.
“Hopefully I will be able to do it one day, that would be awesome. I think it is totally possible” stated a passionate Wiesy regarding her Ryder Cup aspirations at her pre-round interview for this week’s Omega European Master’s tournament. Another attempt for Wie to qualify in a men’s tournament and another possibility that she will go home empty-handed on Friday.
Sergio Garcia thinks Michelle Wie can make the cut. “It’s just a matter of…getting some good momentum on her side. It’s not an easy golf course, but she can definitely do it.”
Ernie Els shares the same confidence regarding her abilities. Jean Van de Velde, on the other hand, would prefer putting on a skirt and joining up with the LPGA tour.
Van de Velde believes that men should be able to play golf alongside the ladies. Perhaps the frenchman is convinced that joining the women’s tour might offer him an opportunity to take home a first place check and some accolades in a tournament that someone remembers. Can anyone even call to mind his last victory? Oh that’s right…Van de Velde won the Madeira Island Open. What I remember is his fateful fallout at the British Open in Carnoustie!
It’s interesting that Wie doesn’t believe that men should play in women’s events but she presumes the reverse is fair. I’m wondering if she feels that the infiltration of men into a women’s event might mark the end of the LPGA. Come on folks, Michelle is looking to dominate BOTH tours! How fair is that!
Michelle Wie isn’t backing down, at least in the near future. She’s more interested in continuing her journey on the men’s tour, gaining momentum from the SK Telecom Open in which she made the cut (and history) and believing that, by competing regularly against the men, she will one day convince naysayers that her ability far outweighs her hype. “I love playing men’s events. This is not going to be a short term event for me, it is long term for me and I intend to do it all the way.”
Comments, Pingbacks:
Comment from: Randy Hebert [Visitor]
She could never be competitive on the mens tour much less make a Ryder Cup. You have to make a top 10 to get points, enough said.
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2006-09-06 @ 18:57
Comment from: Steph [Visitor]
I think it's just a remark to create headlines and attract attention. She can't play well enough to beat her peers yet, it's a bit of a joke to even talk about playing well enough on the men's tour, earn points in order to play on the Ryder Cup. It's a publicity stunt comment probably encouraged by her overly eager parents, agent, and other PR folks. On the other hand, maybe MW is transgendered and felt more comfortable as a young man. After all, it's 21st century and gender identification can be different than physiological developments.
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2006-09-06 @ 19:42
Comment from: Git n the Hole [Visitor]
Sure she could play in the Ryder Cup.....As long as they have an exemption or a captain's pick......
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2006-09-06 @ 23:41
Comment from: Kimo [Visitor]
Randy and Steph -- can you possibly see past your personal sexual hangups on the subject of Michelle Wie in a PGA event? Really, there's a lot more than sex going on here. A lot more. And most -- if not all -- of it is fabulous for not only the game of golf but for life beyond the links.
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2006-09-07 @ 02:32
Comment from: patrick micheletti [Visitor] · http://www.onedayoneshot.com
I got one shot not bad yesterday in Crans-Montana, Michelle and BJ, just to illustrate (I will add some on my Pbase web gallery today)
http://www.pbase.com/isogood/image/66416483
Michelle was very busy during practice days, but not only on course, more with the crowd of media, photographers, sponsors, fans, VIP...
I never seen so much media on a non-major practice day, perhaps in Evian...
Not easy for her to prepare a competition on such a difficult mountain course, with many blind shots and invisible traps... But she's here also for business...
always a great pleasure to watch her playing (with Sergio)
http://www.pbase.com/isogood/image/66416483
Michelle was very busy during practice days, but not only on course, more with the crowd of media, photographers, sponsors, fans, VIP...
I never seen so much media on a non-major practice day, perhaps in Evian...
Not easy for her to prepare a competition on such a difficult mountain course, with many blind shots and invisible traps... But she's here also for business...
always a great pleasure to watch her playing (with Sergio)
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2006-09-07 @ 02:58
Comment from: Brandon Tucker [Member] · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/brandon.tucker
Michelle Wie will one day play in the Ryder Cup. That day will come when Tiger Woods or some other Nike rep is captain and Nike gives him a blank check for picking Wie as a Captain's pick. It will also be the last Ryder Cup ever, as all tradition and credibility will be out the window. From then on, everyone will spend that fall weekend focusing on football like God intended.
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2006-09-07 @ 03:53
Comment from: Randy Hebert [Visitor]
Comment from: Kimo [Visitor]
Randy and Steph -- can you possibly see past your personal sexual hangups on the subject of Michelle Wie in a PGA event? Really, there's a lot more than sex going on here. A lot more. And most -- if not all -- of it is fabulous for not only the game of golf but for life beyond the links.
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First you don't know me to say that and 2nd my statement is based on facts , not sexual hangups. I think she is great for the womens tour, one of the top 5 there. No business making those kind of statements that she does about the pga tour where she has proved making a cut is too much to ask so far much less actually being competitive. To say she can make a Ryder Cup is Fantasyland. She's 16 and to think that to herself is one thing, to make those kind of statements in public every chance she gets is another. She is now open for business for the critics. And if she actually believes that she can make a Ryder Cup it leaves fantasyland and enters the realm of stupidity in the face of facts. And you Kimo, if you think she can make a Ryder Cup team on her own merit are just as delusional as she is.
Randy and Steph -- can you possibly see past your personal sexual hangups on the subject of Michelle Wie in a PGA event? Really, there's a lot more than sex going on here. A lot more. And most -- if not all -- of it is fabulous for not only the game of golf but for life beyond the links.
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First you don't know me to say that and 2nd my statement is based on facts , not sexual hangups. I think she is great for the womens tour, one of the top 5 there. No business making those kind of statements that she does about the pga tour where she has proved making a cut is too much to ask so far much less actually being competitive. To say she can make a Ryder Cup is Fantasyland. She's 16 and to think that to herself is one thing, to make those kind of statements in public every chance she gets is another. She is now open for business for the critics. And if she actually believes that she can make a Ryder Cup it leaves fantasyland and enters the realm of stupidity in the face of facts. And you Kimo, if you think she can make a Ryder Cup team on her own merit are just as delusional as she is.
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2006-09-07 @ 07:14
Comment from: Randy Hebert [Visitor]
No you don't get it. This blog is about her absurd statement it is " absolutely possible" she can make the Ryder Cup someday, nothing else. Try reading the title of the blog.
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2006-09-07 @ 13:29
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
Bubbles will have to wait a little longer to make the Ryder Cup team, She carded a seven-over 78 today and is 12 strokes off the lead in the Omega. Kimo, I don't get it either. Do you?
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2006-09-07 @ 13:41
Comment from: Merrin [Visitor]
Michelle is getting tiresome. I like big dreams, I like the idea of her not limiting herself, but I would like it better if she kept it to herself until she started winning & makes it a viable option. Until then, she is like a Nike bot creating more & more hype that becomes increasingly harder to justify or live up to. I appreciate her immense talent, and think she will be somehting VERY special if she can put it all together, but her persona /potential seems to be outshining her talent.
As a woman, I have to say that if men & women are going to be playing together regularly, then there is no reason the women's tour should be held sacred. I couldnt justify a man not being allowed to play, because it flies in the face of exactly what she's trying to achieve.
I dont think Michelle should be speaking into a microphone for more than 5 seconds until she turns 18 or 19, it's obvious.
As a woman, I have to say that if men & women are going to be playing together regularly, then there is no reason the women's tour should be held sacred. I couldnt justify a man not being allowed to play, because it flies in the face of exactly what she's trying to achieve.
I dont think Michelle should be speaking into a microphone for more than 5 seconds until she turns 18 or 19, it's obvious.
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2006-09-07 @ 15:51
Comment from: Stacy [Visitor] · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/golf-for-beginners
Michelle Wie was, originally, the wunderkind of the female golf world. As Merrin aptly stated, "Michelle is getting tiresome". She hasn't won a tournament and the world's expectations of her are remarkably high. There is too much pressure on her to perform.
Annika Sorenstam is getting older (and her performances are, for the most part, boring but profitablshe isn't exciting to watch either...just goes about her business) and Paula Creamer sort of slid down the ADT Money list. In my opinion, Creamer had the best chance of becoming a female superstar for the youth...she still might, as soon as she gets out of her own way.
Natalie Gulbis is not winning anything...even with the help of Butch Harmon!
Lorena Ochoa is a quiet type...she just goes along and does her business and is happy doing it. Perhaps, one day, the media will see that Ochoa is worth spending a little time on. Who knows? I may write a book about a female golfer who is a real champion!
Annika Sorenstam is getting older (and her performances are, for the most part, boring but profitablshe isn't exciting to watch either...just goes about her business) and Paula Creamer sort of slid down the ADT Money list. In my opinion, Creamer had the best chance of becoming a female superstar for the youth...she still might, as soon as she gets out of her own way.
Natalie Gulbis is not winning anything...even with the help of Butch Harmon!
Lorena Ochoa is a quiet type...she just goes along and does her business and is happy doing it. Perhaps, one day, the media will see that Ochoa is worth spending a little time on. Who knows? I may write a book about a female golfer who is a real champion!
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2006-09-07 @ 16:30
Comment from: Stacy [Visitor] · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/golf-for-beginners
Great picture Patrick! B.J. looks a bit like Kilroy!
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2006-09-07 @ 16:34
Comment from: Kimo [Visitor]
[begin quote]
Comment from: Randy Hebert [Visitor]
No you don't get it. This blog is about her absurd statement it is " absolutely possible" she can make the Ryder Cup someday, nothing else. Try reading the title of the blog. 2006-09-07 @ 13:29
[end quote]
Randy, I'm sure you agree that this blog is also about the statements that we -- all bloggers -- make. My comment was addressed to you (and Steph), in response to your posts. Reread your earlier message, and you'll see what I mean by raising the sex issue above all others. Others raise the age issue. In fact, in most of the posts critical of Michelle, these two are prominent. If we can get past her sex and age, we may begin to understand why so many are intrigued by her.
Comment from: Randy Hebert [Visitor]
No you don't get it. This blog is about her absurd statement it is " absolutely possible" she can make the Ryder Cup someday, nothing else. Try reading the title of the blog. 2006-09-07 @ 13:29
[end quote]
Randy, I'm sure you agree that this blog is also about the statements that we -- all bloggers -- make. My comment was addressed to you (and Steph), in response to your posts. Reread your earlier message, and you'll see what I mean by raising the sex issue above all others. Others raise the age issue. In fact, in most of the posts critical of Michelle, these two are prominent. If we can get past her sex and age, we may begin to understand why so many are intrigued by her.
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2006-09-07 @ 17:34
Comment from: Kimo [Visitor]
[begin quote]
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
Bubbles will have to wait a little longer to make the Ryder Cup team, She carded a seven-over 78 today and is 12 strokes off the lead in the Omega. Kimo, I don't get it either. Do you?
2006-09-07 @ 13:41
[end quote]
Hi, Alex. Please see my response to Randy.
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
Bubbles will have to wait a little longer to make the Ryder Cup team, She carded a seven-over 78 today and is 12 strokes off the lead in the Omega. Kimo, I don't get it either. Do you?
2006-09-07 @ 13:41
[end quote]
Hi, Alex. Please see my response to Randy.
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2006-09-07 @ 17:37
Comment from: Randy Hebert [Visitor]
Kimo re-read my original post. It's not because of her sex I said that, it's that she simply isn't good enough for the PGA
Stacy I agree with you on Lorena, I wish the media would pick up on the year she is having. You write that book and I will read it.
Stacy I agree with you on Lorena, I wish the media would pick up on the year she is having. You write that book and I will read it.
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2006-09-07 @ 17:52
Comment from: gpro [Visitor]
I couldn't care less about her sex or age, everyone is in awe of her potential and not what she has actually done. When she finally "earns" a place in a field and makes a cut there may be something to talk about.
Kimo, you say to get past her sex and age to understand why so many are intrigued by her. What are you talking about? If it wasn't for her sex and age no-one would ever have heard of her. If she was a male and a few years older she would be struggling in anonymity on the Tight Lies, Hooter's or Nationwide Tours.
Kimo, you say to get past her sex and age to understand why so many are intrigued by her. What are you talking about? If it wasn't for her sex and age no-one would ever have heard of her. If she was a male and a few years older she would be struggling in anonymity on the Tight Lies, Hooter's or Nationwide Tours.
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2006-09-07 @ 18:07
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
Randy Hebert, Asking a Wie Warrior like Kimo to read or re-read anything and to glean the common sense from said post is like asking a vampire to eat garlic. Randy, I've got to ask. With your surname are you a Ragin" Cajun?
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2006-09-07 @ 18:10
Comment from: Randy Hebert [Visitor]
I am a Ragin Cajun and you are right about Kimo
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2006-09-07 @ 18:31
Comment from: Kimo [Visitor]
[begin quote]
Comment from: gpro [Visitor]
Kimo, you say to get past her sex and age to understand why so many are intrigued by her. What are you talking about? If it wasn't for her sex and age no-one would ever have heard of her. If she was a male and a few years older she would be struggling in anonymity on the Tight Lies, Hooter's or Nationwide Tours. 2006-09-07 @ 18:07
[end quote]
Precisely my point, gpro. Randy still doesn't get it -- and apparently you don't, either. The key is to suspend judgment for a moment to really look at the issue from more than just one or two angles.
Comment from: gpro [Visitor]
Kimo, you say to get past her sex and age to understand why so many are intrigued by her. What are you talking about? If it wasn't for her sex and age no-one would ever have heard of her. If she was a male and a few years older she would be struggling in anonymity on the Tight Lies, Hooter's or Nationwide Tours. 2006-09-07 @ 18:07
[end quote]
Precisely my point, gpro. Randy still doesn't get it -- and apparently you don't, either. The key is to suspend judgment for a moment to really look at the issue from more than just one or two angles.
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2006-09-08 @ 00:52
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
Kimo, Did you see Michelle's interview on the Golf Channel? Her voice was quavering and her eyes were blood shot from weeping. That is absolutely pitiful! That her parents would subject her to something that would so shatter her self-esteem to that degree is an abomination. If they had any consideration for their only daughter beyond the money she generates, they would withdraw her from next week's 84 Lumber Classic. Talk about exploitation! That could be a form of child abuse by the worst kind of stage parents.
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2006-09-08 @ 14:50
Comment from: Steph [Visitor]
Michelle Wie is entitled to have all the dreams she has, but she continually speaks about them in public when she can not perform and deliver during those tournaments that she has entered to date is quite sad and misguided. Where are the adults who should caution her that she is opening the doors to public ridicule and further damaging her self-esteem? It's sheer folly for her agent, her parents and anyone else who fails to see how sad and pitiful Michelle has become. All that she has done during the LPGA tournaments diminished whenever she is found tumbling backward and failing in men's tournaments. That is not learning how to win when her self-esteem is being hammered regardless of how stubborn she and her parents are.
Her parents should be protecting her instead of promoting her as a product. Mr. BJWie has made several comments about how people don't undertand marketing concepts when comes to promoting his daughter like he does. He is increasingly causing more harm to his daughter's developments and self-esteem due to his "grand plans". She is talented, but her parents are obviously pushing her or indulging her to the point that they too, are blind to their own daughter's rather public sufferings. One can't help but wonders who Michelle has learned from when she blames her schoolworks for her bad plays; and for her to remain so publicly arrogant about her ability and casting blames on everything that comes to mind. It would be refreshing if her parents teach her to take responsibility, talk less, develop some humility, and rise to the occasions.
Her parents should be protecting her instead of promoting her as a product. Mr. BJWie has made several comments about how people don't undertand marketing concepts when comes to promoting his daughter like he does. He is increasingly causing more harm to his daughter's developments and self-esteem due to his "grand plans". She is talented, but her parents are obviously pushing her or indulging her to the point that they too, are blind to their own daughter's rather public sufferings. One can't help but wonders who Michelle has learned from when she blames her schoolworks for her bad plays; and for her to remain so publicly arrogant about her ability and casting blames on everything that comes to mind. It would be refreshing if her parents teach her to take responsibility, talk less, develop some humility, and rise to the occasions.
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2006-09-09 @ 11:19
Comment from: InTheBunker [Visitor]
Very well said Stacy!. Those charged with nurturing this young lady are failing her miserably. She may never reach her potential as golfer/athlete due to the mental duress she's subjecting herself to. Maybe it's her parents, maybe it's her own stubborness. In any event, what we're witnessing is not pretty. As we're reminded time and again, she's only sixteen--how much can a 16 yr old endure on such a lofty stage!
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2006-09-09 @ 20:38
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
InTheBunker, It's her parents. And by extension, her agents and handlers. Miss Wie is not only a minor, she has even less legal standing. She is a juvenile. She hasn't the ability to make or sign any sort of contract. No matter how stubborn she might be, no negotiations she might make would have any validity. Her endorsements and her spons;rs' exemptions are all the doings of BJ, Bo, and her agents. She wouldn't even be able to travel by herself to a golf tournament without her parents' permission. Her father has frequently spoken of his daughter as being some sort of commodity that he has marketed quite successfully. This sort of vicarious action by a parent is usually the province of the many "stage mothers" hovering around girl's figure skating and gymnastics competitions. BJ Wie has encroached on this predominantly feminine domain as no other before him. I'm surprised that the NOW crowd hasn't been all over him.
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2006-09-10 @ 09:03
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Steph,
I agree with you 100%. Furthermore, there is another PC double standard here, one which I have mentioned many a time. If a sixteen-year-old boy shot his mouth off the way Bubbles has, he'd be castigated for being a cocky, arrogant brat. But it's okay when Bubbles does it?
I agree with you 100%. Furthermore, there is another PC double standard here, one which I have mentioned many a time. If a sixteen-year-old boy shot his mouth off the way Bubbles has, he'd be castigated for being a cocky, arrogant brat. But it's okay when Bubbles does it?
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2006-09-10 @ 19:59
Comment from: Wie-ger [Visitor]
She is rich, we are not. Regardless of whether you agree or not with the choices she and her handlers make, even if they are the wrong choices, the outcomes seem to have worked out.
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2006-09-14 @ 09:29
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Wie-ger,
Ah, said like a true shallow materialist. Hey, Kim Jong Il has lots of money AND power, so I guess the "outcomes have worked out" in his case, too.
Ah, said like a true shallow materialist. Hey, Kim Jong Il has lots of money AND power, so I guess the "outcomes have worked out" in his case, too.
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2006-09-23 @ 13:23 Leave a comment:
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