No "gimmees" for Michelle Wie at 2008 U.S. Women's Open and how to tee it up for an iron

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Michelle Wie has spent countless hours preparing for the 2008 U.S. Women’s Open with coach David Leadbetter in the hopes of reversing the downward spiral which has been her albatross since last year. Although Wie recently commented that she felt herself “re-emerging as a new player, a new person,” she also reluctantly mentioned what has gone before, asserting, “I’m not ever going to think about before I broke my wrist. That was then and this is now.”

Perhaps Wie has been going through a metamorphosis of sorts since her dismissal from the columns of many a golf writer who believed her to be washed up by her eighteenth birthday.

Her recent victory of sorts, a sixth place finish at the Ladies German Open as well as a genuine qualification into a major event instead the ritual “gimmees” offered to her by sponsors, has put Wie back on track. Now that appearance offers are no longer easily forthcoming (2008 Sony Open, 2008 Ginn Tribute hosted by Annika Sorenstam), Michelle seems to be developing a sense of humble graciousness, coming to the realization that it takes talent, not youth or the appearance of ability, in order to gain recognition in her chosen field.

“It’s been a long time since I had to qualify for something, and it made me want it even more,” a seemingly more grown-up Wie stated. “I think going through that qualifying humbled me a lot as a player, as a person. Sometimes, you have to go back to your roots to become a better player and a better person.”

This week’s Golf for Beginners podcast discusses Michelle Wie’s potential to pick up where she left off, before the wrist injury. Can she let go of her past and focus on the future? We’ll know more after the 2008 U.S. Women’s Open!

We also offer golf tips on hitting an iron flush off the tee.

Send your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@worldgolf.com.

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Photo Credit: Houston’s Clear Thinkers