Nov
09
Annika Sorenstam takes a publicity lesson from Michelle Wie
While Lorena Ochoa struggles to grab player of the year honors on the LPGA tour, Annika Sorenstam has decided she likes the PGA “silly season” better, foregoing the Mitchell Company Tournament of Champions for a matchup against the men. Sorenstam and Fred Couples, known as the “king” of the post-season, have paired up for this week’s Merrill Lynch Shootout.
Normally this wouldn’t catch my attention but it appears as if Annika is diversifying, stretching her legs after a terrific golf season and, perhaps, wondering if she can attract the same kind of media attention as PGA tour wannabee, uber-teen Michelle Wie.
This is the first time that a lady has been invited to the shootout, staged by Aussie Greg Norman. I guess women golfers DO attract attention! Ticket sales are the highest in five years and officials attribute some of that interest to Annika’s appearance. I guess “The Shark” feels differently about the silly season than he does about PGA tour-sanctioned events. Norman has made it clear in the past that he doesn’t believe that the sexes should meet on the fairways.
Even Fred Couples is excited by his good fortune and considers Annika to be the “female Tiger Woods". “She hits the ball like a machine. It doesn’t curve. It’s unbelievable. I have a lot of respect for her game.”
The difference between this event and Michelle Wie’s attempt at the Casio Open in a few weeks is that women are heartily welcomed during the off-season and during non-sanctioned events, whereas I’m not so sure the feelings are the same for Michelle Wie at the Casio and on the European Tour in general. I’m interested in knowing if the golfers playing against Wie would rather have another male playing in her stead.
Also, Michelle Wie was forced upon the PGA tour by her big money sponsors instead of being welcomed as was Sorenstam. Which person would you rather be?
Annika Sorenstam may have found the secret to gaining acceptance into men’s tournaments. Get into the off-season “swing". There will be plenty of golf afficionados who are hungry for a televison event and the men will even accept you into the fold!
Take note, Michelle!
25 comments
Comment from: Mohamed [Visitor] 
Lorena 'struggles' to POY honor? Are you joking? I think she is in the driver seat...
Wie and Annika, which one would I rather be? Neither.
If I am a woman golfer, I would rather be Wie, because of the 20M she is scheduled to earn this year.
Shark shoot out is a made for TV joke....
The only reason Norman is showing up these days is because he is promoting his new book. Otherwise, he has no time for anybody...
Wie and Annika, which one would I rather be? Neither.
If I am a woman golfer, I would rather be Wie, because of the 20M she is scheduled to earn this year.
Shark shoot out is a made for TV joke....
The only reason Norman is showing up these days is because he is promoting his new book. Otherwise, he has no time for anybody...
2006-11-09 @ 15:18
I sort of don't think Michelle will take note...because I'm pretty sure she doesn't really care if the men welcome her or not. Just my opinion.
2006-11-09 @ 16:03
Paula Creamer knocked out a 64 and Ochoa is only two strokes off the lead in
first round action. Three rounds to go so there is plenty of golf left to be
played.
My prediction is that Ochoa will gain confidence as Creamer loses hers this
weekend.
first round action. Three rounds to go so there is plenty of golf left to be
played.
My prediction is that Ochoa will gain confidence as Creamer loses hers this
weekend.
2006-11-10 @ 09:38
Comment from: Norman [Visitor]
whereas I'm not so sure the feelings are the same for Michelle Wie at the Casio and on the European Tour in general. I'm interested in knowing if the golfers playing against Wie would rather have another male playing in her stead.
*****************
To answer your question, the vast majority of golfers at the Omega event were very in favour of Michelle's participation, despite her disappointing performance.
There was even alot of discussion about how she should choose different events next time. Alot of players said that course was not suited to her at all and that there were many better courses on the European Tour that she could play.
It was interesting how many players said next time, she should do this, or next time she should do that. That suggests that they think there should be a next time.
There is a hard core of maybe 20 or so players who don't think she should be playing with the men, but most of those would think women shouldn't even be allowed to qualify and a percentage of them probably think that no woman should be allowed on any golf course under any circumstances.
*****************
To answer your question, the vast majority of golfers at the Omega event were very in favour of Michelle's participation, despite her disappointing performance.
There was even alot of discussion about how she should choose different events next time. Alot of players said that course was not suited to her at all and that there were many better courses on the European Tour that she could play.
It was interesting how many players said next time, she should do this, or next time she should do that. That suggests that they think there should be a next time.
There is a hard core of maybe 20 or so players who don't think she should be playing with the men, but most of those would think women shouldn't even be allowed to qualify and a percentage of them probably think that no woman should be allowed on any golf course under any circumstances.
2006-11-10 @ 10:03
Comment from: bruce [Visitor]
Do you really think Anika would have been invited if it weren't for 'all media attention as PGA tour wannabee, uber-teen Michelle Wie.'
2006-11-10 @ 11:28
Comment from: Wanna Help [Visitor]
I am surprised by how no one yet wrote about the dissapointing performance of Morgan Pretzel, especially given the media hype....
If Wie's performance was dissapointing as many media types pointed out; Pretzel's was down right underwhelming. Not even her 'aunt' Dottie Pepper could find anything positive to say about her.
Best advise for Creamer? Wax the damned eye brows!!!!!
If Wie's performance was dissapointing as many media types pointed out; Pretzel's was down right underwhelming. Not even her 'aunt' Dottie Pepper could find anything positive to say about her.
Best advise for Creamer? Wax the damned eye brows!!!!!
2006-11-10 @ 13:27
Comment from: Pretzel fan [Visitor]
I am a humongous Pretzel fan (wink, wink). I expected Pretzel to obliterate
Creamer's weak posterior rookie win record, and totally dominate the LPGA,
winning at least 15 % of her events (5 or 6 wins), and easily winning the ROY.
Afterall, she was the real deal: one with the proven track record, the heart of
a champion, and knowing how to win/close the deal. I was aghast that MW
garnered so much publicity and endorsements, when the real deal Pretzel could
only get the leftovers despite the continous hyping/press events by her
good guardians/team. I am somewhat disappointed with Pretzel's lack of
wins and mediocre performances, but rest assured she will be back.
At least I know she can always grab the media attention--- If she can not perform
well, she can always come up with good zingers against MW or if all else fails,
she can really belch out a wailing, likes of which no mere mortals can duplicate.
Although I am disappinted with Pretzel and my abundant enthusiasm for her
has waned, I know she can grab the media attention anywhich way she can
and she is unequaled in her ability/willingness in this regard. Good day.
2006-11-11 @ 12:26
I think that Morgan is learning a thing or two from her "mentor" Annika Sorenstam. From what I understand, Annika is giving her Callaway buddy lessons in the real world.
Who knows? Maybe she'll also teach Pressel her winning secrets.
Who knows? Maybe she'll also teach Pressel her winning secrets.
2006-11-11 @ 17:26
Comment from: Pretzel fan [Visitor]
"From what I understand, Annika is giving her Calloway buddy lessons in the real world."
Hmm, I am curious... How did your understanding come about??
Is it, at all, based on any factual information?
Or did Anniika or Pretzel tell you in person?
Or did your understanding just come about in your head?
"Calloway buddy"
Don't you mean Calloway associate? Colleague?
Buddy? Annika must be desperate to become a buddy with an 18 year old.
So much to talk about and share experience with an 18 year old Pretzel.
The same with Pretzel. Maybe she couldn't find a buddy of similar age.
Maybe Annika is teaching her how not to wail in public.
2006-11-11 @ 21:25
Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]
Give Morgan Pressel a break. She is no longer the person who makes
nasty comments about Michelle Wie. I still would not want to see her
score her first LPGA win before Michelle gets her first, but other than that
I wish her luck.
Annika skipped the Tournament of Champions last year. I think she likes to
rest up before the ADT--but if not for her other plans. I would guess that she
might have played this year rather than virtually cede the POY to Ochoa
without a lest ditch fight. Of course, a more relaxing week might put her
in better stead for next week where she still could win the money title with
a million dollar victory.
nasty comments about Michelle Wie. I still would not want to see her
score her first LPGA win before Michelle gets her first, but other than that
I wish her luck.
Annika skipped the Tournament of Champions last year. I think she likes to
rest up before the ADT--but if not for her other plans. I would guess that she
might have played this year rather than virtually cede the POY to Ochoa
without a lest ditch fight. Of course, a more relaxing week might put her
in better stead for next week where she still could win the money title with
a million dollar victory.
2006-11-12 @ 00:20
Comment from: Kathy [Visitor]
Morgan no longer makes nasty comments about Michelle because she's finally smart enough to figure they hurt her more than Michelle who in turn has only nice things to say about Morgan
But I'm sure she's still jealous of Michelle's $20 million and the media hype that surrounfs Michelle. Morgan is still Morgan. She'll never change. She'll learn to curb her tongue more as she gets older
But I'm sure she's still jealous of Michelle's $20 million and the media hype that surrounfs Michelle. Morgan is still Morgan. She'll never change. She'll learn to curb her tongue more as she gets older
2006-11-12 @ 00:39
Comment from: Pretzel fan [Visitor]
Hey, I have nothing against Pretzel and like I said I am a humongous Pretzel fan.
But I do have issues with the over the top Pretzel fans/bloggers who constantly
bash Wie, calling Wie a media whore/publicity stunt, when in fact Pretzel will
actively seek the media attention and outdo Wie time and again.
Jim C, give yourself a break.
I don't comment on your stupid blogs, making dumb predictions with Alex and
falling flat on your bottoms. Don't give me your stupid advice.
You are not qualified to do so.
2006-11-12 @ 07:17
First, Pretzel fan, the name is "Callaway".
Second, Annika Sorenstam has given advice to Morgan and I read that other top golfers such as Karrie Webb (who invited Morgan to play a practice round with her) right down to Juli Inkster (who is considered her "big sister" on tour) seem to get along swimmingly with her. By my estimates, it's just as nice to deem someone you share similar interests with as a "buddy". It's just plain nice.
Perhaps you have not yet read this "Callaway Magazine" article? There's more, just check the internet, but this is good for starters...
http://www.callawaygolf.com/cg/Other/Media%20Center/magazine.8.pdf
Also, please don't use the term "whore" and Michelle Wie's name in the same sentence. Remember, she's only seventeen, and from what I can see, she's a really nice girl.
Second, Annika Sorenstam has given advice to Morgan and I read that other top golfers such as Karrie Webb (who invited Morgan to play a practice round with her) right down to Juli Inkster (who is considered her "big sister" on tour) seem to get along swimmingly with her. By my estimates, it's just as nice to deem someone you share similar interests with as a "buddy". It's just plain nice.
Perhaps you have not yet read this "Callaway Magazine" article? There's more, just check the internet, but this is good for starters...
http://www.callawaygolf.com/cg/Other/Media%20Center/magazine.8.pdf
Also, please don't use the term "whore" and Michelle Wie's name in the same sentence. Remember, she's only seventeen, and from what I can see, she's a really nice girl.
2006-11-12 @ 12:46
Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]
Pretzel fan. For someone who doesm't comment on my blogs, you certainly
have a lot to say--and if you want people to believe you are one of her fans,
you might try spelling her name right.
Stacy In case you didn't notice, Pretzel fan was criticizing those who called
Michelle Wie a media whore/stunt.
have a lot to say--and if you want people to believe you are one of her fans,
you might try spelling her name right.
Stacy In case you didn't notice, Pretzel fan was criticizing those who called
Michelle Wie a media whore/stunt.
2006-11-12 @ 14:29
Comment from: Pretzel fan [Visitor]
Yawn,, Stacy , my dearest, is that the best that you can do?
Try comming up with something original on your own.
I have no interest in Callaway even though they send me their magazines.
The X-18 series of clubs are the only clubs worth anything in their product line.
No wonder the company is losing money like mad.
Pretzel and Calloway go hand in hand..
Jim C, I have no time for you.
No wonder they are losing money like mad.
2006-11-12 @ 17:23
Comment from: Norman [Visitor]
Stacy said:
I think that Morgan is learning a thing or two from her "mentor" Annika Sorenstam. From what I understand, Annika is giving her Callaway buddy lessons in the real world.
Who knows? Maybe she'll also teach Pressel her winning secrets.
***********************
Ya right, Annika will tell her fellow competitors how to win more, so that she wins less. Doubtful at best.
I think that Morgan is learning a thing or two from her "mentor" Annika Sorenstam. From what I understand, Annika is giving her Callaway buddy lessons in the real world.
Who knows? Maybe she'll also teach Pressel her winning secrets.
***********************
Ya right, Annika will tell her fellow competitors how to win more, so that she wins less. Doubtful at best.
2006-11-13 @ 10:38
Comment from: Norman [Visitor]
Stacy said:
Annika Sorenstam has given advice to Morgan and I read that other top golfers such as Karrie Webb (who invited Morgan to play a practice round with her) right down to Juli Inkster (who is considered her "big sister" on tour) seem to get along swimmingly with her. By my estimates, it's just as nice to deem someone you share similar interests with as a "buddy". It's just plain nice.
***********************************
Juli, Morgan's big sister?????
Their parents sure waiting along time between children, didn't they?
More like a mother figure really.
On your substantive point, if they were really mentoring Pressel, it hasn't exactly paid dividends.
Annika Sorenstam has given advice to Morgan and I read that other top golfers such as Karrie Webb (who invited Morgan to play a practice round with her) right down to Juli Inkster (who is considered her "big sister" on tour) seem to get along swimmingly with her. By my estimates, it's just as nice to deem someone you share similar interests with as a "buddy". It's just plain nice.
***********************************
Juli, Morgan's big sister?????
Their parents sure waiting along time between children, didn't they?
More like a mother figure really.
On your substantive point, if they were really mentoring Pressel, it hasn't exactly paid dividends.
2006-11-13 @ 10:43
Come on Norman, you know I meant it figuratively ;
As far as mentoring young Pressel, you can only lead a horse to water,
as the saying goes...
As far as mentoring young Pressel, you can only lead a horse to water,
as the saying goes...
2006-11-13 @ 11:36
Comment from: Wanna Help [Visitor]
Last time I checked, I recall Inkster was buddy with Wie, not Pretzel.
I saw Pretzel on teaching lesson with the pro on TGC. She came across as a very determined and nice young lady. Or maybe because her instructor Martin Hall was more annoying than most other instructors on TV, and in comparison, Pretzel camne across like a girl scout.
BTW, how come no one complained about Annika skipping the tournament of championship and played at the made-for-TV event instead?
Pretzel will do fine as a professional and will make a great living as a pro. However, I think she is in the era full of Britney Lang, Gulbis, Creamers, Kerr, not to mention all those Kims and Parks from Korea.
I saw Pretzel on teaching lesson with the pro on TGC. She came across as a very determined and nice young lady. Or maybe because her instructor Martin Hall was more annoying than most other instructors on TV, and in comparison, Pretzel camne across like a girl scout.
BTW, how come no one complained about Annika skipping the tournament of championship and played at the made-for-TV event instead?
Pretzel will do fine as a professional and will make a great living as a pro. However, I think she is in the era full of Britney Lang, Gulbis, Creamers, Kerr, not to mention all those Kims and Parks from Korea.
2006-11-13 @ 16:42
Comment from: Mellower Pretzel fan [Visitor]
Pretezel is and can be a fine golfer, but nothing too special about her game.
Pretzel probably believed that she was just as good as Wie and
just as deserving. Her great amateur performance at the US Women's Open
probably got to her head, thinking that her performance there was the norm
and not the exception. She has her work cut out for her.
She has just too many handicaps/obstacles: lack of length, variety in her
iron shots, physical limitations...
With hard work and determination, she can have a solid LPGA carreer,
but I just don't see her as a Hall of the Fame material.
I could be wrong.
Wie, on the other hand, has an obscene amount of natural talents.
It is just not fair.
You could not build a better golfing machine, even if you tried.
The height, the flexibility, the natural rhythm (though Leadbetter is doing
a good job curtailing it), etc.
Well. we'll see.
2006-11-13 @ 19:48
Comment from: I Love Pretzel [Visitor]
Funny no one criticized Annika for skipping the Tournament of Champions to play at the Shark Shootout.
No one seemed to have jumped on her for not 'giving her best' to win POY.
Or maybe just like Tiger Woods, she does not care about these awards.
No one seemed to have jumped on her for not 'giving her best' to win POY.
Or maybe just like Tiger Woods, she does not care about these awards.
2006-11-14 @ 08:42
Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]
I do not currently have a blog--but thanks for the idea.
2006-11-16 @ 18:00
Comment from: Mike G in Texas [Visitor]
You can tell who the real golf fans are, they are the ones who make some sort of positive comment. Those who continually criticize Morgan, Michelle, Annika, Natalie and others are not fans, just amateur detractors.
Mother's advice still works, "If you can't say something positive, you are better off saying nothing at all."
Kudos to all of you who leave positive comments.
Mother's advice still works, "If you can't say something positive, you are better off saying nothing at all."
Kudos to all of you who leave positive comments.
2006-11-25 @ 10:20
Comment from: Harry Oh [Visitor]
Old tante Annika is sure picking up on Michelle's youthful ways.
2008-08-18 @ 15:52
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