Oct
11
Puppy dog versus pit bull. Will Michelle Wie challenge Annika Sorenstam at the Samsung?
Michele Wie would like nothing more than to be the golfer who dethrones Annika Sorenstam at the Samsung World Championship. Considered by some to be the LPGA’s “fifth major", this would be a crowning achievement for the young Hawaiian girl who has tried but failed all season to triumph on both LPGA and PGA tours.
Fifth major? Laura Davies makes that assertion on the Samsung website adding, “Just to get in means you’ve had a great year". The Michelob Ultra Open has also been declared a fifth major by some players for it’s high purse but seriously, how many can you have? I’m assuming that whenever added importance is issued to an event (in LPGA lingo that is), viewers may tend to flip to it and a network will give it some coverage. Not bad for all concerned!
Sorenstam is definitely the gal to beat at this limited field bout. I don’t care how many “Wie Warriors” claim that Michelle is the best golfer to ever pick up a set of clubs, you cannot contest the fact that Annika is the defending champion two years in a row and has won this tournament five times! Michelle may get the ratings but Annika is, by far, the more experienced and talented golfer to date.
Whose birthday wish will come true, Sorenstam’s or the Big Wiesy’s? Annika longs for supremacy, Michelle really wants a puppy.
If Sorenstam wins she adds yet another trophy to her collection. Each accolade is important, allowing the Swede the ability to snuggle up even closer to LPGA immortality.
A victory for Michelle would shake the naysayers in their boots and puff up the chests of the bigwigs at Sony, Nike and the other corporations who believe in both the teenager’s proficient golf skills and her ability to sell their products to a worldwide audience. Will she come through for the fans, her corporate sponsors and most importantly, for herself? Once she claims victory I’m sure the next question on everyone’s lips will be, “how many more times can Michelle Wie do it?” and “are we looking at the next Tiger Woods?".
It’s not out of the realm of reality that Michelle could surprise both viewer and herself with sovereignty at the Samsung but she will be challenged by a choice group of players on the LPGA tour so she better bring her “A” game.
Take, for example, Lorena Ochoa. Not only is Ochoa pumped up because she just won the Corona Morelia in her own backyard but she sits atop the ADT Money list with girls like Karrie Webb clawing at her throne. Both are four time winners this season and are hoping for Rolex Player of the Year honors. Wie is still learning how to settle in and not get rattled. So Michelle, no DQ’s, no hot flashes, no excuses this time.
Grab the chips and soda Worldgolf readers, and watch the Samsung World Championship which will be televised on both The Golf Channel and on NBC-TV. I’m sure there will be plenty of comments thrown in right here for good measure.
46 comments
Comment from: Oliver Sudden [Visitor] 
I was wondering how Wie got into the tournament ? Sponsor's exemption ? It must fry the players who did not get in like :
Jee Young Lee
Ai Miyazato
Morgan Pressel
Brittany Lang
Morgan Pressel.
Jee Young Lee
Ai Miyazato
Morgan Pressel
Brittany Lang
Morgan Pressel.
2006-10-11 @ 18:20
Comment from: Norman [Visitor]
Oliver,
Why would it annoy those players who failed to get in,
when Wie has earned more prize money in the 7 lpga events
she played in 2006, than they earned in their 20+ events.
The Samsung is billed as an event for the 20 best women players.
The organisers know that having Wie in the field is necessary for
them to claim that it has the 20 best players in the field for the
event.
Why would it annoy those players who failed to get in,
when Wie has earned more prize money in the 7 lpga events
she played in 2006, than they earned in their 20+ events.
The Samsung is billed as an event for the 20 best women players.
The organisers know that having Wie in the field is necessary for
them to claim that it has the 20 best players in the field for the
event.
2006-10-11 @ 18:42
Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]
Oliver
Michelle Wie was chosen by the tournament selection committee--but she
would have gotten in based on her LPGA winnings if the money list included
all players with winnings in LPGA events--and she made that much money in
just seven tournaments.
Michelle Wie was chosen by the tournament selection committee--but she
would have gotten in based on her LPGA winnings if the money list included
all players with winnings in LPGA events--and she made that much money in
just seven tournaments.
2006-10-11 @ 18:55
Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]
Here's a question for someone. If Michelle Wie wins the Samsung,
would she be eligible to play in the Mitchell Tournament of Champions
next month--or would she be unable to play because she has already
used up her 6 LPGA exemptions?
would she be eligible to play in the Mitchell Tournament of Champions
next month--or would she be unable to play because she has already
used up her 6 LPGA exemptions?
2006-10-11 @ 19:13
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
Oliver Sudden, It looks like the Wie Warriors, Norman and Jim C, have got their talking points down pat. Let's see what they say when Bubbles flops and finishes about twelfth.
2006-10-11 @ 19:16
Comment from: JR [Visitor]
Isn't anyone going to wish Michelle Wie a happy 17th birthday???????
2006-10-11 @ 19:40
Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]
Happy birthday Michelle. She's just seventeen, you know what I mean...
2006-10-11 @ 22:16
Comment from: Kathy [Visitor]
I'm watching with a zillion of my closest pals because MW is playing
Poor Morgan. It must just kill her that Michelle is playing and she's not.
I doubt she's come to grips with the fact that Michelle is simply a better golfer than
she is.
Poor Morgan. It must just kill her that Michelle is playing and she's not.
I doubt she's come to grips with the fact that Michelle is simply a better golfer than
she is.
2006-10-12 @ 00:26
Morgan was an alternate. Not bad for a teenager in her rookie year on tour.
I expect to see great things for Pressel in the years to come.
She has come to terms with the whole "Michelle" thing and is taking her game
more seriously than she ever has before. And with Annika Sorenstam as her
guide, I believe her goals will clarify even more.
I expect to see great things for Pressel in the years to come.
She has come to terms with the whole "Michelle" thing and is taking her game
more seriously than she ever has before. And with Annika Sorenstam as her
guide, I believe her goals will clarify even more.
2006-10-12 @ 08:31
Comment from: The future not so bright [Visitor]
I think Morgan is well past the whole "Michelle Wie" thing, especially considering that she has played her best golf of the year recently, finishing 3rd and 5th in consecutive finshes. My advice to both Morgan and Michelle would be to forget about any percieved rivalry and win something first.
So how many of Michelle's fans truly believed that she would still be winless at the age of 17? Be honest when she was contending in LPGA events at 13 and 14 who really thought she would still be struggling to win nearly 4 years later.
So how many of Michelle's fans truly believed that she would still be winless at the age of 17? Be honest when she was contending in LPGA events at 13 and 14 who really thought she would still be struggling to win nearly 4 years later.
2006-10-12 @ 10:38
Comment from: Norman [Visitor]
Stacy said:
Morgan was an alternate. Not bad for a teenager in her rookie year on tour.
I expect to see great things for Pressel in the years to come.
*********************
Stacy, that statement is perfectly reasonable, but shows how unreasonable many of your other statements have been.
You have very often critisised Michelle and yet you go on and on praising someone who has obviously played far less well.
Since Morgan was an alternate and that is good for her in her rookie year, that means that Michelle actually winning enough in just 7 events to have easy qualified if she were an lpga member is an outstanding achievement.
Morgan was an alternate. Not bad for a teenager in her rookie year on tour.
I expect to see great things for Pressel in the years to come.
*********************
Stacy, that statement is perfectly reasonable, but shows how unreasonable many of your other statements have been.
You have very often critisised Michelle and yet you go on and on praising someone who has obviously played far less well.
Since Morgan was an alternate and that is good for her in her rookie year, that means that Michelle actually winning enough in just 7 events to have easy qualified if she were an lpga member is an outstanding achievement.
2006-10-12 @ 11:52
Comment from: Norman [Visitor]
Comment by long name:
So how many of Michelle's fans truly believed that she would still be winless at the age of 17? Be honest when she was contending in LPGA events at 13 and 14 who really thought she would still be struggling to win nearly 4 years later.
_____________________
I said before the start of the season that I predicted Michelle would win in either the 2006 or 2007 seasons.
I am not surprised that she has not won yet. I am a bit surprised at just how well she has played the majors though and was very surprised at how well she played down the stretch in majors against great champions like Annika, 10 majors and Karrie, 7 majors.
Also, you are incorrect that she was contending for titles at 13, she had some high placings at 15, but even then, most were distance 2nds like 8 shots to Annika at Samsung and a similar margin to Creamer at the Evian.
In 2006, Wie has truly competed for titles and I would expect her to notch up at least a win in the 2007 season on the lpga tour.
So how many of Michelle's fans truly believed that she would still be winless at the age of 17? Be honest when she was contending in LPGA events at 13 and 14 who really thought she would still be struggling to win nearly 4 years later.
_____________________
I said before the start of the season that I predicted Michelle would win in either the 2006 or 2007 seasons.
I am not surprised that she has not won yet. I am a bit surprised at just how well she has played the majors though and was very surprised at how well she played down the stretch in majors against great champions like Annika, 10 majors and Karrie, 7 majors.
Also, you are incorrect that she was contending for titles at 13, she had some high placings at 15, but even then, most were distance 2nds like 8 shots to Annika at Samsung and a similar margin to Creamer at the Evian.
In 2006, Wie has truly competed for titles and I would expect her to notch up at least a win in the 2007 season on the lpga tour.
2006-10-12 @ 11:56
Comment from: The future not so bright [Visitor]
"I am not surprised that she has not won yet. I am a bit surprised at just how well she has played the majors though and was very surprised at how well she played down the stretch in majors against great champions like Annika, 10 majors and Karrie, 7 majors."
That is some world class spin Norman. I too have been impressed by her level of play, especially in the majors. I am suprised given her high level of play at such a young age that she has not won yet. I do not follow her career as closely as many on this site, so I am sure that you are right when you say that she had high finishes, but was never really contending prior to the age of 15, but she has certainly shown that she has the physical tools and game to win at the women's level. I wonder why she has not, that's all, and I understand that Annika and Karrie are great players, but Michelle was billed as a transcendent figure--The LPGA was to be merely a blip on her radar screen, her game was too powerful and too dominanting for the women, it was the men she was going to conquer. At least this is what Nike, her father, Michelle and her legions of fans said. I am just wondering now after her winless first year as a pro and a birthday that brings her dangerously close to being just another of a large crop of winless teen sensations why she is once again being hailed as being a huge success.
That is some world class spin Norman. I too have been impressed by her level of play, especially in the majors. I am suprised given her high level of play at such a young age that she has not won yet. I do not follow her career as closely as many on this site, so I am sure that you are right when you say that she had high finishes, but was never really contending prior to the age of 15, but she has certainly shown that she has the physical tools and game to win at the women's level. I wonder why she has not, that's all, and I understand that Annika and Karrie are great players, but Michelle was billed as a transcendent figure--The LPGA was to be merely a blip on her radar screen, her game was too powerful and too dominanting for the women, it was the men she was going to conquer. At least this is what Nike, her father, Michelle and her legions of fans said. I am just wondering now after her winless first year as a pro and a birthday that brings her dangerously close to being just another of a large crop of winless teen sensations why she is once again being hailed as being a huge success.
2006-10-12 @ 13:45
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
The only tournament I really expected Michelle to win in 2006 was the Fields Open in Hawaii. With the amount of rounds she played there I expected her to go real low. Nobody in the field had more local course knowledge than her.
Has Michelle really put together a successful season? I guess it all depends on how one measures success for a teenage professional golfer who is not a fulltime member of any tour.
Finishing in the top five in six out of seven LPGA tournaments played so far this year including three out of four majors would be an outstanding year any LPGA tour member. So it must be quite special for a non-member.
A rookie on the LPGA tour who earned over 700K in their first season would have an outstanding year. To even imagine that a non-member who earned this much in only seven appearances did not have a successful year is quite ridiculous.
In men's events Michelle had a better year than last when she made the cut at a lower tier PGA sanctioned event in Korea and took medalist honors at US Open regional qualifying. After all she was the first woman (girl) ever to make it to US Open sectional qualifying.
This was a season of paybacks for Michelle. She skipped the SBS Open to play at the Fields Open at Ko Olina where she was given access to practice. She remained loyal to the sponsors of the Deere who had invited her as an amateur. The Hardy's had been very kind to Michelle and although Nemocolin was one of the most difficult courses on the PGA tour, Michelle hung in to the end. Alex and I were not surprised she finished in last place at the 84 Lumber.
There is no quit in this girl. When she WD at the Deere it was because she had no choice. Every tour player ends up withdrawing from a tournament for one reason or another. J Ro and John Daley are experts at the WD on their respective tours.
I would say Michelle had an outstanding first professional season for someone of any age or gender. Now let's watch the Samsung and see how she stacks up playing the best women golfers in the world in her season ending event.
It doesn't get any better than this for a seventeen year old girl.
Has Michelle really put together a successful season? I guess it all depends on how one measures success for a teenage professional golfer who is not a fulltime member of any tour.
Finishing in the top five in six out of seven LPGA tournaments played so far this year including three out of four majors would be an outstanding year any LPGA tour member. So it must be quite special for a non-member.
A rookie on the LPGA tour who earned over 700K in their first season would have an outstanding year. To even imagine that a non-member who earned this much in only seven appearances did not have a successful year is quite ridiculous.
In men's events Michelle had a better year than last when she made the cut at a lower tier PGA sanctioned event in Korea and took medalist honors at US Open regional qualifying. After all she was the first woman (girl) ever to make it to US Open sectional qualifying.
This was a season of paybacks for Michelle. She skipped the SBS Open to play at the Fields Open at Ko Olina where she was given access to practice. She remained loyal to the sponsors of the Deere who had invited her as an amateur. The Hardy's had been very kind to Michelle and although Nemocolin was one of the most difficult courses on the PGA tour, Michelle hung in to the end. Alex and I were not surprised she finished in last place at the 84 Lumber.
There is no quit in this girl. When she WD at the Deere it was because she had no choice. Every tour player ends up withdrawing from a tournament for one reason or another. J Ro and John Daley are experts at the WD on their respective tours.
I would say Michelle had an outstanding first professional season for someone of any age or gender. Now let's watch the Samsung and see how she stacks up playing the best women golfers in the world in her season ending event.
It doesn't get any better than this for a seventeen year old girl.
2006-10-12 @ 14:57
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
Hey future, You thought Norman had some world-class spin? What do you think of that superfluity of spin by my old pal, One-Putt?
2006-10-12 @ 15:41
Comment from: Seve [Visitor]
Turning into a laughingstock, having millions question your ability to win, finishing dead last in your last two tournaments and offering up more pathetic excuses then the inmates on Death Row is the best it gets for a seventeen year-old girl?
2006-10-12 @ 16:01
Norman, I guess I criticize Michelle because I expect more from her, just as her sponsors do. Her fans seem to be content with the fact that her golf game is terrific, aside from the fact that she comes close but never closes the deal.
As I have said before, no one remembers who came in 2nd
...except for Michelle Wie fans ;-) .
Believe me, I happen to be rooting for her as well but I write a blog and conjecture "what-ifs" and then leave it to the commenters to evaluate my blog.
As I have said before, no one remembers who came in 2nd
...except for Michelle Wie fans ;-) .
Believe me, I happen to be rooting for her as well but I write a blog and conjecture "what-ifs" and then leave it to the commenters to evaluate my blog.
2006-10-12 @ 18:13
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
It should be a lot of laughs as the Wie-zeals try their mightiest to spin Bubbles' latest flop into something positive. Here's one they might try:"She just turned seventeen and she finished ahead of five players." Hey Norman, what ever became of Bubbles vaunted 300 yard drives? 244 average! It is to laugh! I said she wouldn't make the first ten and Bubbles has me right on target. Wie Warriors, Bubbles needs you now. May the spinning begin!
2006-10-12 @ 20:24
Comment from: Ronnie [Visitor]
Paula Creamer is fab.
All those overhyped players like Gulbis, Wie and Linncicome are well down the leaderboard.
Paula Creamer is a winner.
All those overhyped players like Gulbis, Wie and Linncicome are well down the leaderboard.
Paula Creamer is a winner.
2006-10-12 @ 20:45
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Alex, you are still singing the same tune that you have been regaling us
with for the last 8 or 9 months. Change the record. At this point, you are just
showing how very juvenile you really are. Grow up man.
with for the last 8 or 9 months. Change the record. At this point, you are just
showing how very juvenile you really are. Grow up man.
2006-10-12 @ 22:20
Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]
Stacy.
You may be rooting for Michelle, but it would seem that some of
Wie's critcs such as Alex are rooting for her to do as poorly as possible,
and celebrate when things go wrong. I believe that people like Alex only
serve to strengthen the support Michelle has from her fans.
You say no one remembers who comes in 2nd---except for Michelle
Wie fans. You then add that you happen to be rooting for her as well.
Does this make you one of her fans, or a non-fan who roots for her without
being one of her fans?
There are a lot of people giving Michelle Wie advice who do not seem
tp be her supporters. The advice I have for Michelle does not seem to far
removed from her Samsung pre tournament comments.
Don't try to do too much next year. Tentatively play just the SONY
and the Joen Deere on the PGA and skip the Omega. Play both SBS and
Fields, but skip the HSBC Match Play if it is the week before the John Deere
with double rounds on Saturday and Sunday if a player gets that far. Forget
Sectional Qualifying for the US Open if it means 36 holes on the Monday
before the LPGA Championship. But if it fits into her calendar better, go
ahead and try to qualify for the (British) Open Championship--and maybe
throw in a few more Asian men's events.
You may be rooting for Michelle, but it would seem that some of
Wie's critcs such as Alex are rooting for her to do as poorly as possible,
and celebrate when things go wrong. I believe that people like Alex only
serve to strengthen the support Michelle has from her fans.
You say no one remembers who comes in 2nd---except for Michelle
Wie fans. You then add that you happen to be rooting for her as well.
Does this make you one of her fans, or a non-fan who roots for her without
being one of her fans?
There are a lot of people giving Michelle Wie advice who do not seem
tp be her supporters. The advice I have for Michelle does not seem to far
removed from her Samsung pre tournament comments.
Don't try to do too much next year. Tentatively play just the SONY
and the Joen Deere on the PGA and skip the Omega. Play both SBS and
Fields, but skip the HSBC Match Play if it is the week before the John Deere
with double rounds on Saturday and Sunday if a player gets that far. Forget
Sectional Qualifying for the US Open if it means 36 holes on the Monday
before the LPGA Championship. But if it fits into her calendar better, go
ahead and try to qualify for the (British) Open Championship--and maybe
throw in a few more Asian men's events.
2006-10-12 @ 22:42
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
putt4par, Well, if Bubbles doesn't come from behind with a miraculous finish and win the Samsung, it won't be the fault of her golf game. This morning's Tribune has her quoted as as saying in her post-round interview "My game is feeling really good. It's really close right now." Maybe she meant close to the bottom of the standings, a place that is becoming quite familiar to her. You Wie Warriors can find some solace in the fact that Bubbles had two birdies and an eagle yesterday in her bogey-free round. Also, she had some atrocious luck. Why, if she had birdied those two holes as she should have rather than carding a double and a quad, she'd be in the lead right now. Jim C, there is no need to feel sorry for Bubbles; she has the rest of the field exactly where she wants them. It'll be all Bubbles for the rest of the tournament.
2006-10-13 @ 06:54
Comment from: Seve [Visitor]
The prospect of another year of, "My game is feeling really good. It's really close right now" makes me laugh. This may be true, but at some point you need to either improve your game and take the next step or resign yourself to being somebody who is just going to be close all the time.
A round that includes a double and quad on the card is close to what exactly? I would consider it close to being a disaster.
A round that includes a double and quad on the card is close to what exactly? I would consider it close to being a disaster.
2006-10-13 @ 09:34
The double on her card was bad but she did follow it up with an eagle
(sort of an erasure).
She must have a short memory because she rebounded with a birdie on 17.
Wie is going to have to come back strong on day two because it looks as if
Ochoa is chasing down Sorenstam. Neither gives an inch.
(sort of an erasure).
She must have a short memory because she rebounded with a birdie on 17.
Wie is going to have to come back strong on day two because it looks as if
Ochoa is chasing down Sorenstam. Neither gives an inch.
2006-10-13 @ 09:45
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Well, I must admit, those Wiemen might have been right after all: Bubbles is a groundbreaker. Now she is poised to break new ground again: finishing last in a women's event!
It's new ground for the greatest thing since sliced bread, anyway.
It's new ground for the greatest thing since sliced bread, anyway.
2006-10-13 @ 13:58
Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]
Judge Smalls. What ever gave you the idea that finishing last in a women's
event is something Michelle Wie has never done up until now? Wie finished
69th in a field of 69 at the CJ Nine Bridges Classic in South Korea in
October/November 2003. She then put up one of her greatest performances
ever in the SONY in January 2004. She has been down before. Don't count
her out just yet.
event is something Michelle Wie has never done up until now? Wie finished
69th in a field of 69 at the CJ Nine Bridges Classic in South Korea in
October/November 2003. She then put up one of her greatest performances
ever in the SONY in January 2004. She has been down before. Don't count
her out just yet.
2006-10-13 @ 20:40
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Jim C,
I thank you most kindly for apprising me of an aspect of Bubbles' impressive resume of which I was unaware. And I'm sure that her finish in the CJ Nine Bridges Classic instilled her with the confidence to repeat such a performance.
I thank you most kindly for apprising me of an aspect of Bubbles' impressive resume of which I was unaware. And I'm sure that her finish in the CJ Nine Bridges Classic instilled her with the confidence to repeat such a performance.
2006-10-14 @ 06:56
Comment from: JR [Visitor]
But Jim.... isn't MW supposed to be "dominating" the LPGA???? I mean, surely
if MW can occasionally "almost" make a cut on the PGA tour, shouldn't she just
out play everyone on the LPGA?????? How could this happen?? She is the
longest hitter on the LPGA, right? Nope, that would go to Gustafson and
Lincicome. Oh well, I am sure there is SOME reason why everyone thinks that
MW is better than Tiger... Maybe her wins is impressive? Nope, no pro wins.
Putting? Nope, not that either. Hmmm.... I can't think of anything but I am sure
that a MW fan will bring it to our attention.
if MW can occasionally "almost" make a cut on the PGA tour, shouldn't she just
out play everyone on the LPGA?????? How could this happen?? She is the
longest hitter on the LPGA, right? Nope, that would go to Gustafson and
Lincicome. Oh well, I am sure there is SOME reason why everyone thinks that
MW is better than Tiger... Maybe her wins is impressive? Nope, no pro wins.
Putting? Nope, not that either. Hmmm.... I can't think of anything but I am sure
that a MW fan will bring it to our attention.
2006-10-14 @ 18:50
Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]
Wie could not be the longest hitter on the LPGA becauise she is not a member.
This week is probably Wie's worst performance of the year.
I suspect that Wie pressed too hard driving in her last two events over
long men's courses--and it may have messed up that aspect of her game.
She should get her game back in shape for 2007. I wonder if she will dump
her forged iron clubs, and use more forgiving clubs that would give her a
bit less length but put less pressure on her in the accuracy department.
This week is probably Wie's worst performance of the year.
I suspect that Wie pressed too hard driving in her last two events over
long men's courses--and it may have messed up that aspect of her game.
She should get her game back in shape for 2007. I wonder if she will dump
her forged iron clubs, and use more forgiving clubs that would give her a
bit less length but put less pressure on her in the accuracy department.
2006-10-14 @ 19:55
Comment from: JR [Visitor]
Jim C... your last comment was a blatant attempt to sidestep the issue. MW
was always hyped about being SOOOO long off the tee that she could compete
with the men (distance wise) and put all of the women on the LPGA to shame.
And that since the LPGA courses were so short, MW could just show up and
beat everyone. Well, MW's length off the tee does not appear to be longer than either Gustafson or Lincicome... plus her accuracy is way off the mark ("pun intended").
I think the best thing for MW golf wise would be to petition the LPGA and become
a member, then she could play a full LPGA schedule.... it would be a good learning
experience....
was always hyped about being SOOOO long off the tee that she could compete
with the men (distance wise) and put all of the women on the LPGA to shame.
And that since the LPGA courses were so short, MW could just show up and
beat everyone. Well, MW's length off the tee does not appear to be longer than either Gustafson or Lincicome... plus her accuracy is way off the mark ("pun intended").
I think the best thing for MW golf wise would be to petition the LPGA and become
a member, then she could play a full LPGA schedule.... it would be a good learning
experience....
2006-10-14 @ 21:21
Comment from: Oliver Sudden [Visitor]
Wie's game appears to be going downhill, and I'm not surprised. I believe the Wie's have done irreparable harm to Michelle by entering her in events which she had no chance to succeed. Finishing dead last in consecutive men's events had to have a very negative effect on her confidence, especially since she was believing the hype and talking crazy.
2006-10-14 @ 22:49
Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]
Let us see. Lincicome lead Gustafon by 4.2 yds in drving distance coming
into the Samsung--but after 3 rounds Gustafson is outdrving Lincicome by
25 yds per drive. Why? Guftason is having a good tournament and is
probably using her driver a lot, while Lincicome is struggling and is
probably using the driver little if at all. Wie is also struggling and is even
shorter than Lincome, although she leads Lincicome on the scoreboard. Wie
can afford to be short off the tee because she can be long with her second
shot--but even her short drives are missing the mark too often.
Wie's game does appear to have gone downhill recently--but there seems
no recent to conclude that her best golf is behind her and that it will be
nothing but downhill from now on. I doubt that finishing last had much
effect on her--but I think it was a strain to push her driving to the limit in
those two events and that strain knocked one aspect of her game out of
whack. Don't expect it to stay that way.
into the Samsung--but after 3 rounds Gustafson is outdrving Lincicome by
25 yds per drive. Why? Guftason is having a good tournament and is
probably using her driver a lot, while Lincicome is struggling and is
probably using the driver little if at all. Wie is also struggling and is even
shorter than Lincome, although she leads Lincicome on the scoreboard. Wie
can afford to be short off the tee because she can be long with her second
shot--but even her short drives are missing the mark too often.
Wie's game does appear to have gone downhill recently--but there seems
no recent to conclude that her best golf is behind her and that it will be
nothing but downhill from now on. I doubt that finishing last had much
effect on her--but I think it was a strain to push her driving to the limit in
those two events and that strain knocked one aspect of her game out of
whack. Don't expect it to stay that way.
2006-10-15 @ 00:20
Television commentators stated that Paula Creamer outdrove Michelle Wie. I never thought that Creamer had that long of a long drive.
I thought Creamer relied on her short game and that was why she hasn't been doing well this season.
I thought Creamer relied on her short game and that was why she hasn't been doing well this season.
2006-10-15 @ 11:52
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Stacy,
It depends on what they mean by "Creamer outdrove Wie." Most anyone can outdrive most anyone else on one hole, as it's very easy to catch a drive incorrectly and lose forty yards. Even one tournament won't necessarily be indicative of one's true distance.
Of course, having said this, people such as myself have long emphasized the fact that Bubbles doesn't possess the Amazon-like distance the pinheads in the media would have you believe. She's long for a gal, but that's about it.
It depends on what they mean by "Creamer outdrove Wie." Most anyone can outdrive most anyone else on one hole, as it's very easy to catch a drive incorrectly and lose forty yards. Even one tournament won't necessarily be indicative of one's true distance.
Of course, having said this, people such as myself have long emphasized the fact that Bubbles doesn't possess the Amazon-like distance the pinheads in the media would have you believe. She's long for a gal, but that's about it.
2006-10-15 @ 13:33
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
Judge Smails, Well, Bubbles didn't get a top five as Jim C confidently predicted or even a top ten which he and Norman just knew was in the books. She didn't even finish 12th as I predicted. But Bubbles did get a top twenty, which the Wie-wee's should be able to spin into something positive. And she did score better than three others. And her parents still love her and she easily won the "long, dangling earrings" competition. What about her 234 yard driving average? WOW!
2006-10-15 @ 18:20
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Yes, Alex, it's too bad you couldn't bet ol' Jim on this one. After all, he was absolutely positive that she would finish in the top ten. Of course, though, I must admit that even I didn't think that Bubbles would finish below tenth place. And 234 yards . . . hmm, that's about as far as my mid-handicapper brother-in-law hits a drive when he mishits it.
Jim C,
Now that Bubbles' 2006 season has drawn to a close, if you're honest you'll have to admit that it's been a big disappointment to you. Remember, you Wiemen truly believed that this would be a break-out year for Bubbles. In fact, I believe your predictions were that she would make a cut in a PGA event and would win a women's major. Needless to say, this lies at great variance with what actually transpired: back-to-back last place finishes in men's events and a near last place finish in a women's one as the cherry on top of her season.
Also, don't you think it's time to cede that Alex and others just might have been correct in their assertion that the bruising Bubbles took in men's events might have shaken her confidence? Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that she won't return to form -- meaning, choking away tournaments down the stretch -- but don't you think that such a meltdown in a women's event after two heartbreaking disappointments against the men just may be something more than a coincidence?
Lastly, after witnessing her last few debacles, what are your predictions for her for next year?
Jim C,
Now that Bubbles' 2006 season has drawn to a close, if you're honest you'll have to admit that it's been a big disappointment to you. Remember, you Wiemen truly believed that this would be a break-out year for Bubbles. In fact, I believe your predictions were that she would make a cut in a PGA event and would win a women's major. Needless to say, this lies at great variance with what actually transpired: back-to-back last place finishes in men's events and a near last place finish in a women's one as the cherry on top of her season.
Also, don't you think it's time to cede that Alex and others just might have been correct in their assertion that the bruising Bubbles took in men's events might have shaken her confidence? Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that she won't return to form -- meaning, choking away tournaments down the stretch -- but don't you think that such a meltdown in a women's event after two heartbreaking disappointments against the men just may be something more than a coincidence?
Lastly, after witnessing her last few debacles, what are your predictions for her for next year?
2006-10-15 @ 19:04
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Oh, I forgot to be fair and balanced. She's only seventeen.
Hey, am I the first one to say that?
Hey, am I the first one to say that?
2006-10-15 @ 19:13
Comment from: joe cool [Visitor]
Michelle just got beaten by Ochoa by 21 strokes and said at her interview..."I feel like I played very well"...good grief, is the girl delusional or what!!
2006-10-15 @ 19:39
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
Judge Smails and Joe Cool, It would seem that Bubbles has come to equate mediocrity and even abject failure with success. Her performances of late have been dismal at best, but you'd never know it by her TV interviews. Yesterday she waxed ecstatic about her senior year in highschool, now six weeks old of which she has missed three. She talked about early entry to college. I expected that she might carry on about her future career as an awesome motivational speaker. Her apologists are probably still licking their wounds, but I'm sure they will be back soon, spinning away. Erstwhile Wie Warrior Ghet Rheel has already started to rationalize on another thread. This should be entertaining.
2006-10-16 @ 08:18
Comment from: Frasier [Visitor]
As others have pointed out; she's had a fairly good season. She has dominated, but so what? Where's the critism of every other player who hasn't? I don't see it. So what is everyone's problem with Wie? Can someone answer this question without the normal venom that is provided when someone is "defending" Wie. (i. e. Not saying she is the worst player of the Century).
2006-10-17 @ 16:52
Comment from: Frasier [Visitor]
"Her apologists"
I love that. "Apologist". It's like she's a war criminal or something.
I love that. "Apologist". It's like she's a war criminal or something.
2006-10-17 @ 16:54
Comment from: Frasier [Visitor]
"She has dominated, but so what?"
Oo-er. I'm so much of a "Wie Warrior" that I said she's dominated. I meant "hasn't", if you didn't guess. Sorry about that.
Oo-er. I'm so much of a "Wie Warrior" that I said she's dominated. I meant "hasn't", if you didn't guess. Sorry about that.
2006-10-17 @ 18:43
Comment from: bradd [Visitor]
I have to admit, I'm dissapointed in Michelle Wie's season this year. I am a hardcore fan, but I really expected her to win this year, and she dissapointed me. I expected her to contend in every single event she entered and win at least 1-2 times. I'm beginning to lose faith in the wonderous Michelle Wie.
2006-10-17 @ 19:55
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
bradd, You have my most sincere congratulations. You are the first and thus far the only Wie fan to admit disappoinment in Miss Wie's season. I think that you folks expected too much, that you put too much faith in the hype. She still may be a force on the LPGA tour, but my advice to her hardcore devotees is to forget any hopes of her competing successfully against the guys on the PGA tour. Again, congratulations on your frank admission.
2006-10-17 @ 21:23
Comment from: Mohamed [Visitor]
So all Wie detractors can rejoice, she got burnt out and suck @ss by the end
of the season.
Because of the hysteria, I can picture the slogan in every school gym:
'Most of you will not make it to the Olympics or professional league'
'Remember, there's only one winner in every competition, most of you will end by being the losers'
'Do not aim high, aim for what you can achieve'
'Listen to the adults, they all have been there. They faild more than they succedded'
of the season.
Because of the hysteria, I can picture the slogan in every school gym:
'Most of you will not make it to the Olympics or professional league'
'Remember, there's only one winner in every competition, most of you will end by being the losers'
'Do not aim high, aim for what you can achieve'
'Listen to the adults, they all have been there. They faild more than they succedded'
2006-10-24 @ 11:39
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Mohamed,
"'Most of you will not make it to the Olympics or professional league'
'Remember, there's only one winner in every competition, most of you will end by being the losers'
'Do not aim high, aim for what you can achieve'
'Listen to the adults, they all have been there. They faild more than they succedded'"
If the message will be written as you presented it, it no doubt will be in a public school in a liberal district.
"'Most of you will not make it to the Olympics or professional league'
'Remember, there's only one winner in every competition, most of you will end by being the losers'
'Do not aim high, aim for what you can achieve'
'Listen to the adults, they all have been there. They faild more than they succedded'"
If the message will be written as you presented it, it no doubt will be in a public school in a liberal district.
2006-10-27 @ 11:12
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