Michelle Wie plunges below top fifty(?), Tiger Woods helps Annika Sorenstam at British Open and putting tips from Leadbetter, Toski and Reinmuth
Add comments
Click here to listen.
Never trash talk against Tiger Woods! And don’t ever believe that Woods forgets what he hears, as Rory Sabbatini found out the hard way during yesterday’s final round at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. As Tiger stated he “let his clubs do the talking” and easily defeated the rest of the field as Sabbatini ate his words that Woods was “as beatable as ever".
Annika Sorenstam did not let her tiger out of the tank at the Ricoh Women’s British Open even with the assistance of Woods’ yardage book in her back pocket. Instead, Lorena Ochoa made easy work of the rest of the ladies in the field, going wire-to-wire and proving she is the best female golfer in the world.
Michelle Wie wasn’t even a consideration during the event as she missed the cut. David Leadbetter believed that it was too soon for Wie to compete and felt that she may be compensating, “pushing the envelope a bit", instead of what he considers to be a four-step plan to a full recovery. Michelle Wie optimistically spoke of her terrific driving ability, noting that her putter and approach shots were off the mark. But, as we all know, you drive for show and putt for dough.
So where does Wie stand now? Has she fallen below the top-fifty on the Rolex Rankings? And, why are bloggers still buzzing about the mystique of Michelle instead of the achievements of Lorena Ochoa?
This week, we discuss strategies for long putting as offered up by David Leadbetter. In keeping with the British Open theme, we also discuss a video golf putting tip from Dean Reinmuth viewed on WorldGolf.com Tee Vision.
Finally we look at where the swing actually begins and how to make solid contact as viewed by Bob Toski.
Send your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@worldgolf.com.
Subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed: http://feeds.worldgolf.com/stacy_solomon or through iTunes. Nextel/Sprint cell customers type http://www.mymbn.com/podcast/ in your browser and click on “sports casts". Our station number is 1955.
You can also download previous Golf for Beginners episodes by clicking here.
“Shiny Tech” courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)”
This podcast is supported by St. Andrews Golf Tours and Florida Golf Travel.
This podcast is supported by New Roc Harley Davidson, your worldwide parts and accessories distributor. Great rides start here!
Check out this cool video on Barry’s new 2007 Harley Davidson Road King!
Comment feed for this post
I'm still wondering about how much of Michelles problem is that fairway between her ears or how much is that questionable management firm she has? (That includes her parents).
(I still don't think there is anything wrong with the kid, despite some of the more deranged comments from some of the posters to these blogs.)
Will any of that change come October when she turns 18 and can legally change things on her own? Maybe a different Michelle will appear once she has the reins in her own hands.
It has been mentioned many times in these blogs that she should lose Davey, he of the neck-hangared britches, since he hasn't helped her in anyway for a couple years. I wonder what kind of a contract he has that makes him so indispensable?
It would be interesting to see what Butch Harmon could do with Wie. If he's at all interested of course. He may just say it isn't worth the trouble too. Not sure I'd want anything to do with her folks either.
I have no doubt that Michelle will play well in the future. How far in the future is still up in the air, of course. I’m not big on making predictions. There are enough others out there that feel they know more than anyone else and are willing to prognosticate shamelessly.
It's just such a shame to see such a natural talent as she has, get lost because of mismanagement and poor handling.
Sheesh, hide this from Alex. God, he'll go postal here, rofl.
As for Lorena... She's doing just great, thanks.
All Lorena needs now is to go play the ADT and win. What a way to cap her year.
She may just end up making 3 mill this year, she’s well over the 2 mill mark now.
Who would like her tax bill this year?
Most of the folks on these blogs get orgasmic delight out of kicking the crap out of her. Get used to it, or tune into another station. This crowd of wankers know no bounds when it comes to kicking kids, dogs, cats and young female golfer who just happened to make more money than most of them will ever see in their entire lifetime.
Jealousy and greed are amazing attributes.
thread.
Yes, and don't forget to tell Harold thatall those gay women on the LPGA tour, you know, those that you have insulting referred to as "lezzies" and "dikes" are forever criticizing Bubbles.
They too are jealous of Bubbles and her successes, and their sexual tendency is a "character flaw." Tell him, putt-putt!
If you are, you can cure that guilt feeling with a simple apology and retraction.
Their rights were always enshrined by law. But you idiot legal beagles had to set them up as special and shove it right in our faces, didn't you?
What they do in private, is of no consequence to me. That is their right and priviledge, but when they keep shoving my face in it, I'll call them what I wish.
Now, you take your call for an apology and go tell the Gay community how bad I am. Sh*t disturbing seems to be your bag.
In the meantime, grow up and stop being such a jerk.
Oh, and there is no guilt. When they apologize to e for getting in my face with their proclivities, then I'll apologize in return. Not one second before.
Well, there you have it, my friend.
Your buddy and co-apologist for Bubbles has admitted to being a homophobe.
Now, I know that that probably doesn't reflect your feelings, but do you really want to align yourself with such a bigoted character. I think not.
Apologize to the wives and children of the men some American clown on the end of a machine gun, gunned down in cold blood. Shot them and one of your countrymen in the BACK while they were doing their job, a joint operation where those same four men were in forward look out positions.
None of those families will be compensated for the lack of command which led to their deaths.
And those stories are a matter of public information. Unless of course your news services have been busy with the censorship pen again.
There are more stories like that, you clod.
Semper Fi my ass you little punk, you aren’t fit to join your fellow Marines in latrine duty, let alone be free in public. You aren't even fit to sweep up behind your coke snorting president or that 5 time draft dodger you have as a VP.
Yeah, I’m bigoted against stupidity, ignorance, cowardice such as you display. Homophobic? No more than anyone else, but I don’t go around espousing encouragement for them just because a wacko little ambulance chaser like you calls me a homophobic. I also don’t go beating up on them like so many of your countrymen have done, nor do I drag them to death, like so many of your countrymen have done. Nor do I hang them on a barbed wire fence, like your countrymen have done.
I’m quit willing to leave them alone as long as they don’t push it on me in public displays.
Now tell Harold about your lack of self control that made you insult a country because you lost your temper. Tell him about how you called every man woman and child in Canada, gutless, cowards and worthless. It’s in these blog archives for anyone who cares to look. Tell him about your stupid little story about finding a Canadian Armed forces rifle on ebay. Never fired and only dropped once. Pretty charming coming from a gutless little wimp like you. Too bad I can't identify you, get a picture of you and nail it to every post, wall or tree so that if you were ever brave enough to come back to Canada, you cold get the greeting you deserve.
I'm sure our armed forces boys would love a crack at you.
I’ll tell you what I’d really like to do. I’d like to lock that border up tight so the scum like you cannot get across to our side of it. I’d like to turn off the gas and oil and let you freeze your asses off come winter. I’d like to damn up every river flowing south and pump the water all back north into the atlantic or the arctic. Let your old Mississisppi dry up like a popcorn fart.
Bigoted enough for you, you little scumbag? Just try me. Redneck American blowhards like you are not welcome here.
Now the rest of the more civilized members of your society can come here anytime they wish.
And if Chris wants to send those two kids with super soakers north to take on our army, just make sure you come along Chris. The kids could go home but you'd be digging trenches forever in the frozen north.
I have refrained from making comments like this until now but Alex keeps pushing. So now, you go tell the little scum what you think of him.
Again, you seem to be very selective in the comments that you read or the parts that seem to sink in.
Grossly uncalled for? Not so, Your little buddy Alex the unbrave and your other buddy Chris Baldwin upped the anty with their stories and comments.
putt4par is a little bit out of bounds, but that is to be expected from a person with Tourette's syndrome.
A person with that mental affliction is given to blurting out such nonsense.
He is the first that I've come across that takes his spells in writing.
The man doesn't know me or where I've been or what I've done or accomplished, but that won't stop him from running his mouth and making a fool of himself.
Let him stew in his own juices. Maybe he'll get over it and maybe he won't.
He wants to sound like a lean, mean, fighting machine, but he comes off as more of a maniac who can't control himself.
Go read this whole line fom one of Chris Baldwins blogs.
Alex really lost it. Now have been very patient with the lilly livered little coward but he can kiss my butt.
The little creep starts shit and then can't hold his temper at all. What he said and did was uncalled for.
It all started with lance R saying I should have been sent to IRaq, and I replied with iformation from a news article about mercanaries in Iraq. Allex completely lost it from that point on.
Talk about Tourette's, Alex has a abomnibale case of it.
Oh, as for running the mouth? Alex, yo've been practicing your lip sybc in the mirror again.
Now go get stuffed, you wee cowardly toad.
And the url is:
http://www.travelgolf.com/blogs/chris.baldwin/2007/
06/13/
at_least_michelle_wie_s_21_over_is_bette#c52323
be sure to get all that url in one line, 'k?
Relax, sheesh, a lot of what is said here is done so in jest, and you're taking it so seriously. Do you really think Alex has anything against Canadians? C'mon, let's not be ridiculous.
As far as the political commentary goes, I actually agree with you on homosexuals, but the comments about the friendly fire accidents are a bit off the wall. We've lost quite a few of our soldiers to it as well (Tillman, for one); these things happen in every war and are, regrettably, inevitable.
I am serious in my criticism of the Bubbles, but such commentary really shouldn't evoke such ire. Golf is, after all, frivolity.
So, while you might not have issued the first wave insults against President Bush, you were definitely the catalyst that prompted the harsh response. But then, you just keep it going and won't give it a rest. So, once again, don't make this political. If you want to keep calling Alex names, go ahead, just leave President Bush and the US out of it.
Art, I've ignored you everytime you stick your nose in this squabble with Alex and yet you insist on calling me names. . I'll ignore you again for now. Now Back off please.
JR. The whole thing with Alex is he starts shit and then proclaims innocence. I asked him to retract that
nonsense over a month ago. I refrained from retaliating in kind. If Alex wants to keep it up, that's up to him.
He can back off anytime. I'll leave it alone if he will.
Let's see what his next reply is.
FloridaMike--It is nice to see that there are still honorable men out there. I respect you're willingness to honor you're word and make good on our bet. Let's, however call it a push(I'll give a reprieve for her injury). I made that bet at a time when I was actively rooting against her, something I am not all that proud of. I have taken no pleasure in her current downward spiral and hope that she regains the form that had her more often than not in contention. I might actually root for her to win one of these days if she would tighten up her manners and show a bit more humility. Take it easy, maybe I'll catch you in Florida one of these days.
As you surely must know, I am not an advocate for homosexuals.
I brought them into the picture to demonstrate Putt-putt's incongruity and hypocrisy when he attempts to chastize others as bigoted for not adoring Bubbles. His political correctness seems to have deserted him.
One thing that his latest diatribe has accomplished is P4p's vociferous admission that he is virulently anti-US.
He is proud to say that he hates President Bush, VP Cheney, and all "Red Neck Americans."
He has nothing but contempt for our Armed Forces. In fact, he thinks they are a bunch of cowboys who can't follow orders, and who willfully and callously murdered defenseless Canadians.
He'd like to close the border with the USA, refuse to sell us gas and oil, and thereby ruin the economies of both countries.
These are his actual words, and he wasn't joking.
One humorous sidelight to his rant was the fact that after spouting all this hate-filled rhetoric, he saw fit to say that another poster had "completely lost it."
Now that's funny.
You are showing plenty of civility in this very heated debate, many kudos to you...
I still like Michelle. I have watched her from galleries and on TV and in spite of some of the comments on these blogs, I have never seen her whine or act like a brat.
I was really dismayed at watching another young brat throw tantrums, cry and carry on at one of the same venues that MW was at. But it was MW that was trashed and oddly enough, not one word was published about that other brat.
You can probably guess who it was.
Now I know that the hype was and is high surrounding Michelle Wie and the media loves to whip her and her entourage, but without the media’s complicity, there would be no hype.
( After watching the spectacle with Michelle, I was sick watching the hype around Alexa Thompson. Please, don’t hype that poor kid like that. She is a fascinating talent to be sure but let her grow up without the bs that surrounds Michelle. We don’t need anymore Michelles or Tadds)
The media/press started it and now are really pissed that the Nike/Sony management team have taken advantage of it. I’m like you in that I question what her mangers are doing. I questioned their decision to go with another team rather than the team that 90% of the professional golfers are signed with. One would think that having most of the pro golfers in their stable, that IMG would have a good handle on golfers, so the Wies decision to go elsewhere was a surprise.
Whether or not Michelle should take time off from playing in tournaments or not is questionable.
I do know that when we were learning to ride horses and learning to use horses as tools with our stock that if we fell off, my dad insisted we get back on and keep going unless we were injured. As a result, there isn’t a horse around that I couldn’t or wouldn’t ride. We knew no fear. We had been taught to not fear those things that brought us pleasure, like riding. We were taught to not fear those things that we used daily to earn a livelihood. There isn’t a piece of equipment anywhere that scares me. We were never allowed to develop a fear
So, with that in mind, how do you tell a kid to quit playing, reinforce her fears, have her continually question herself and maybe she’ll never play again. Many of the posters here seem to want that.
That would be a crime. She has way too much talent to bury it.
Trashing her to make yourself feel better is no answer either. Many of the posters here seem to trash her from emotion, not from any valid position. They seem to be angry at her because she hasn’t lived up to their expectations. I have no expectations of her. I just enjoy watching her and the other women/girls/ladies play a game that I love.
So what is the answer? And what will she do?
One thing I hope won’t happen, I hope she doesn’t quit.
If that makes me a Wiebot as some are quick to label, too bad.
What was the proposition and the amount of the bet that you had with Florida Mike?
Of course, you're correct in that hate-filled ranting never accomplished a thing. That's why you'll never read any profanity or vulgarity in any of my posts. May I be the first cooler head to prevail.
At times you read things on these blogs that are really scurrilous. For instance, many posters have referred to Rory Sabbatini as a "punk" for his remarks about Tiger's susceptibility to being beaten. Do these folks know the origin and connotation of the word "punk?" I hope not!
As for the ill-fated career of Michelle Wie, it is my opinion that, sad to say, she is done as a viable force in professional golf. She will not be the first to go from a hot prospect, which she was in 2006, to a hasbeen without ever achieving success by at least winning a few tournaments.
And regardless of what anyone says or thinks, I would have really liked to see the erstwhile Bubbles win one, if for no other reason than to read on these blogs the effusive praise being heaped on Bubbles by her adoring fans. Sadly, we skeptics won't have that pleasure.
Alex USMC 1967-71
Thats ok Alex, I'll forgive you for your exaggeratios about my post above.
Be at peaqce brother.
A simple matter of adding the missing N.
It means exactly the opposite.
Alex USMC 1967-71
Why you feel the need to incite fights is beyond me.
Be that as it may, it is so sad to see what you are doing and what you have become.
Take care old friend.
Peace be with you.
As for not seeing any of the examples of Wie's whining or tantrums. (A few of her press conferences have come close though) But I think we have all read the numerous reports of fellow players and even guests (at Pro Ams) complaining of such behavior on her part - as well as gross breaches of golf etiquette.
As I have stated before, I tried to excuse this for a long time, assuming it was naive mistakes on her part. But as the articles piled up, this became harder and harder ... and after the WD to prevent an 88, I quit trying.
She may well become the #1 women's golfer one day. But that doesn't excuse her attitude, nor does she presently deserve the hype.
I guess I got caught up in what I was saying in the parenthesis ... LOL
I agree that this isn't the place for politics but Alex changed those paremeters months ago by making derogatory and insulting remarks about my country and its people.
Accept the blame for once, Alex. Don't be a complete weasle all your life.
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
Judge,
As you surely must know, I am not an advocate for homosexuals. No, you are an advocate for disharmony wherever you can create it.
I brought them into the picture to demonstrate Putt-putt's incongruity and hypocrisy when he attempts to chastize others as bigoted for not adoring Bubbles. His political correctness seems to have deserted him.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You brought it into the blog to do what you do best, incite negative reactions. But as to your bigotry, with the post I am dissecting for you, it can certainly be shown that you are a bigoted red neck, never mind whether you are American or just a little byblow of an ex european peasant
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One thing that his latest diatribe has accomplished is P4p's vociferous admission that he is virulently anti-US.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No sir, those are your words not mine.Id love to have you take that to a judge and watch you get smacked down for grandstanding.
What I disliked was the callous way the the armed forces made those deaths meaningless by giving the guilty pilots 30 days in jail and a discharge. Not even a word of sympathy for the grieving families.
-----------------------------------------
He is proud to say that he hates President Bush, VP Cheney, and all "Red Neck Americans."
Again, you use inflammatory rhetoric to cover up your irrisposible misquotes. Nowhwere in that post did I say anything about hating Bush or Cheney, what I said was that you aren’t and never will be fit to sweep up after them. And that’s what pissed you off.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He has nothing but contempt for our Armed Forces. In fact, he thinks they are a bunch of cowboys who can't follow orders, and who willfully and callously murdered defenseless Canadians.
Wrong again, Two men in a plane do not constitute the whole American armed forces. Thank god one witless little jerk named Alex does not represent all Marines either.
And yes, those two jet jockies ( both Majors,no less) did willfully disregard orders to stand down. Matter of record sir.
The comment made at the time by some of your brethren in arms was that the Canadians shouldn’t have been there. Funny part about that is they were following orders by the American commander of the area. Can you imagine that? Following orders given by an American.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He'd like to close the border with the USA, refuse to sell us gas and oil, and thereby ruin the economies of both countries.
I’d like to close the border to vermin like you. As I said in my post, all others are welcome. But of course you ignored that.
I have no need to wreck the economy of your country. Your banks, lending institutions and oil conglomerates are doing that for you, not to mention what your little grassfire in Iraq is doing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These are his actual words, and he wasn't joking.
Oh but I was joking….. as much as you were when you said my country and it’s inhabitants were all cowards, gutless and worthless. You also implied that I should be grateful to you for defending us… Riiiight. You were joking and so was I.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
One humorous sidelight to his rant was the fact that after spouting all this hate-filled rhetoric, he saw fit to say that another poster had "completely lost it."
+++++++++++++++++++++++
This one really cracked me up. My comment about you neatly summed up, thanks Alex.
Now that's funny.
Have great day Alex
YOU are the one that just doesn't understand .
I WANT to put the petty bickering aside.
I repeat, put the bickering aside permanently.
Get it?
The rest of the posters don't want to read such nonsense. Neither do I.
The blog has as its topic the fact that Bubbles has dropped out of the top fifty in the Rolex rankings.
My feeling is that she shouldn't be in the top 100.
How about you? What's your take?
Alex USMC 1967-71
As to where Michelle should be in the rolex?
Considering the state of her game ove the last year, I'm surprised that she has managed to stay at below 50 let alone 100.
Nope, Much as i'd like to say otherwise, and I am not knocking the kid, her game will have to improve by leaps and bounds for me to see her bcak at any meaningful rank. Maybe the Duramed tour would be good for er but she shouldn't quit. If she does, she'll never compete meaningfully again.
The other thing is that right now, her confidence is shot.
Nerves take a toll even on the young.
Now, the CN Canadian open is on a fairly forgiving course. Not easy, but forgiving. Of course I don't know what they have done to the course in the last 8 years, I haven't been near it. Not being a member and no longer knowing folks in the area, I haven't been around it.
So, that having been said, it'll be interesting to see how she makes out.
I'm thinking that this is a course that Paula will like.
But.... Annika... hmm, she may get a title here, lol
Michelle Wie came to the acme of her career at the 2006 Evian. Four rounds under par fifteen under, T2nd. She was good AND consistent.
Since then, despite an occasional decent round, she has declined precipitously. The exact reason for this plunge remains a mystery.
Her best course of action could be to apply to get back her amateur status, go on to college and compete for Stanford, and join the LPGA tour at her leisure after graduation.
I doubt if anything faintly resembling that will ever happen, but for a girl with her talent, it would be the best for her physically and psychologically.
Regardless of what others may say, I'd like to see her come back and someday become a proficient golfer on the LPGA tour. And I'd like to see her win one. Imagine the entertainment on these blogs if that happened.
I'm betting on another crowd crying fowl and then we'll hav asterisks galore beside her name and Stanfords college standings forever.
Is that likely to happen? And would Stanford be happy with that? Just wondering.
At virtually all colleges in the US, golf is considered a minor sport at best.
In fact, although golf has NCAA accreditation,
it gets very little funding by the universities.
At many schools, it is classified as a "club" sport. Collegiate boxing is one example of a club sport.
I have heard of golfers getting retuned to amateur status, but that is probably a rare happening. Maybe one of the members of these blogs can shed light on the subject.
Please...that is PUNK FOR PAR and not putt for par. This person has a serious problem wth society!!! He is probably "pro Taliban.
If Michelle Wie ever got back her amateur status and competed for Stanford, you can bet that those "chicken-hearted" Bears would cry "fowl."
If they refused to play against a former pro, they would be called a bunch of "turkeys" for "ducking" the Cardinals from Palo Alto.
Sorry guys. I just couldn't help myself.
Rule 9. Reinstatement
While i'd love to post the whole thing, I'd probably be in copyright infringement, I think.
Not going to chance that.
In essence, she'd have to wait about 3 years ( give or take, according to the USGA commitee's pleasure) before the reinstatement would take effect.She also couldn't have applied to to the LPGA for membership and then there is the whole other part about accepting sponsorship money.
No, I don't think she'll go that route ate all.
I think Wie will get away from pro golf in North America as soon as all her endorsements runs out. The only time she will play golf would be some sort of exhibitions in the Far East.
I have yet to see any sign to show me that she's turned over a new leaf.
I realize that you are merely speculating, but "golf exhibitions in the Far East?"
I wasn't aware that any such exhibitions existed.
Would enough people in Japan, China, Korea, and the rest of the Orient pay to see a non-competing golfer put on an exhibition? Especially considering that those countries have plenty of their own home-grown young golfers of both sexes who are aspiring, competing, and succeeding on tours worldwide.
One-Putt thinks it would be a good idea for Bubbles to try to get on the Ladies' European Tour. Maybe.
How she would be able to follow either path while being a student at Stanford has not yet been explained.
The Far East don't care about players' ability; they care about the fame associated with each player.
I think even the far east patrons of the game of golf would cry "enough" with the same justification that has the golf fans here upset.
And As Alex said, how would she swing that with Stanford etc?
Not arguing that you might not be right, just not sure how long or if it could really happen.
Besides, Unless something drastic happens here to stop MW, I can't see her quitting. At least not before she either improves or gets thrown out.