Michelle Wie climbs to mediocrity, Tiger Woods says 'keep it down', and world golf attractions
Monday July 27, 2009 | 16:23:44 548 words, 30559 views
Michelle Wie is being “considered” as a possible U.S. Solheim Cup golfer but is it in the team’s best interest to have her on their side?
After a disappointing bid to gain points at the Evian Masters where she could only muster a tie for 23rd place, Wie appears to be slipping into LPGA mediocrity. It is true that Michelle currently has a decent rookie year under her belt with five top-ten finishes in twelve starts, but she isn’t a steady player. Wie is also behind in the total number of points needed for a top contender as this is her first official year on the Tour.
Since Michelle Wie did not play in the U.S. Women’s Open, she missed the opportunity to gain double points but since the British Open is at hand, Michelle has another opportunity to catch up to the tenth position held by Natalie Gulbis.
Beth Daniel will have to wait until she sees Wie’s performance at the British Open in order to determine whether to make Michelle the Captain’s pick although Wie is definitely on Daniel’s “radar screen". The problem with Wie is that Daniel wants “someone who’s playing really well going into the event.”
Even Wie is a bit concerned about her ability to place in the standings this week noting that she has to get her tee shots working and get her groove back.” But pray tell, at nineteen, where could her groove have possibly gone?
We cannot even compare her performance in last year’s Open as she accepted an invitation to play in the PGA Tour’s Reno-Tahoe Open after not even receiving a shrug for a wild-card spot from the Ladies’ Golf Union. In 2007, Michelle Wie summed up her British Open experience with an 80 and an M/C.
If I were Beth Daniel, I would consider Pat Hurst for the U.S. Solheim Cup team. Hurst is a professional team player with six wins in her 16-year career under her belt. You definitely need someone who the team respects as a ‘mate’ and I don’t think the ladies really like Michelle all that much.
Of course, even those people with a passing fancy for golf would certainly tune in if Michelle Wie was defending the Cup. What a wonderful sight it would be to see Wie and her teammates, faces painted with the American flag, raising the Solheim Cup in victory!
This week on golf for Beginners, we discuss Michelle Wie’s LPGA status. Tiger Woods’ golf tip also proves that a four-iron can get you closer to the pin than a flop-shot. We also let you in on a few great golf attractions from the longest course in the world to a short par-three at Turnberry that shouldn’t be missed!
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Comments, Pingbacks:
Comment from: Joe Cool [Visitor]
It is true that Bubbles is not liked very much by the other LPGA players. The dissing of the "Queen Bee" (Sorenstam) has never been forgiven by the players. She has been very inconsistent in 2009 and under pressure, we all know how she performs. At the Evian she bogeyed 9 par fours...double bogeyed 1 par four...and bogeyed 1 par three. As usual, she played it safe on all of the par fives and refused to go at them in two. However, the par fives is where she scored the best. By having so many bogeys on the par four holes, this tells me that she still has no idea where her tee shots are going. I think the broken wrist is really coming back to haunt her. When I think of how stupid she was to be jogging at Palo Alto in the early morning, an area she did not know, then trip over something that she said she did not know what it was, makes me want to cry. It is interesting how many times Bubbles has missed BY ONLY ONE STROKE so many events, starting with the Sony Open when she was only 13. Again, she missed getting Solheim Cup points by one stroke at the Evian. I think the Solheim Cup Captain is under a lot of pressure to have Bubbles as one of the Captain's Pick, however, her inconsistent performance in 2009 does not grant her the pick. Unfortunately, she has never solve the mystery of putting. I do not understand how she has such a high ranking in the putting department since she still can not make those five footers. She was a poor putter when she was 13 and still a poor putter at 19. Why are the Asians dominating the LPGA Tour?...it is the putting stupid!...all of them are great putters and are very consistent with their play. I do not see Bubbles making the top 20 in England. If she can not get her driver under control, I doubt that she will make the cut.
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2009-07-27 @ 21:07
Comment from: smudge [Visitor]
What broken wrist. I think the title of this blog sums it up. Mediocrity. My bet is she will never rise above this, other than to her banker. I predict a M/C at Lytham.
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2009-07-28 @ 11:02
Comment from: smudge [Visitor]
Oh and why I predict a M/C. I just played 7 rounds of golf in Scotland on the finest links (old course, carnoustie, prestwick, royal troon) and let me tell you, if you can't find the fairway, you can't find a par. Good luck Bubbles.
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2009-07-28 @ 11:03
Comment from: Joe Cool [Visitor]
Hey Smudge,
About the "broken wrist"...supposedly Bubbles broke her wrist in three places and "hid" the fact from her parents by pulling her sleeve down! This information is in the latest biography about Bubbles. I really find that hard to believe, since a break that bad, your wrist would be the size of your upper arm and the pain would be severe.
Your trip to Scotland sounded fantastic. Bubbles will probably try the "Woods Factor" and hit irons off every tee. In France where the weather was "ideal" for scoring on a 6300 yard course, Bubbles could not get the job done. If there is any kind of bad weather in Scotland, Bubbles can forget about the Solheim Cup.
About the "broken wrist"...supposedly Bubbles broke her wrist in three places and "hid" the fact from her parents by pulling her sleeve down! This information is in the latest biography about Bubbles. I really find that hard to believe, since a break that bad, your wrist would be the size of your upper arm and the pain would be severe.
Your trip to Scotland sounded fantastic. Bubbles will probably try the "Woods Factor" and hit irons off every tee. In France where the weather was "ideal" for scoring on a 6300 yard course, Bubbles could not get the job done. If there is any kind of bad weather in Scotland, Bubbles can forget about the Solheim Cup.
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2009-07-28 @ 11:16
Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]
Wie has made every cut. Of the top 10 players on the Solheim Cup points list this is true for only Kerr and Lang. Every other player has at least 1 cut or WDC. 5 of the top 10 have at lest 3 cuts each.
Wie was T 23 at Evian. Pat Hurst by contrast was T40, her best result in her last 9 events, a stretch that included 4 missed cuts and a WDC. If picked Wie would actually be one of the steadiest players on the team--and she even gets along we;; woth Pressel.
Wie was T 23 at Evian. Pat Hurst by contrast was T40, her best result in her last 9 events, a stretch that included 4 missed cuts and a WDC. If picked Wie would actually be one of the steadiest players on the team--and she even gets along we;; woth Pressel.
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2009-07-28 @ 11:18
Comment from: Shanks [Visitor]
Mediocrity? Please. Despite playing a limited schedule earlier in the year, Wie is 18th on the 2009 money list. There are only 4 Americans ahead of her. She is in 16th place on the Solheim points list despite not getting ANY points in 2008. And pooh-poohing her 23rd place finish in the Evian? That's even sillier. Of the 15 players ahead of her on that Solheim list, 4 missed the cut and she finished ahead of 9 of the others. Of the Americans only Kerr, Creamer and Lang shot a better score.
This Solheim points method is as stupid as the US Ryder cup used to be. They had the good sense to fix it because how can you judge a missed cut as good as a 23rd place finish?
By any measure, Wie should be a captains' pick for the Solheim Cup team. During the Evian broadcast, US Captain Beth Daniel said it's not a popularity contest, that she wants the best players available. It would be a travesty if Wie were not on that team.
This Solheim points method is as stupid as the US Ryder cup used to be. They had the good sense to fix it because how can you judge a missed cut as good as a 23rd place finish?
By any measure, Wie should be a captains' pick for the Solheim Cup team. During the Evian broadcast, US Captain Beth Daniel said it's not a popularity contest, that she wants the best players available. It would be a travesty if Wie were not on that team.
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2009-07-28 @ 15:04
Comment from: Joe Cool [Visitor]
Shanks,
I just found out from an article that the Solheim points are based over a two year period. Wie wasn't a LPGA member last year, so, she could not accumulate any points. If Daniel picks Pat Hurst over Wie, goodbye TV ratings.
I just checked what the weather is going to be during the tournament and it is going to be windy and rain, rain and more rain. Good ole English weather!
I just found out from an article that the Solheim points are based over a two year period. Wie wasn't a LPGA member last year, so, she could not accumulate any points. If Daniel picks Pat Hurst over Wie, goodbye TV ratings.
I just checked what the weather is going to be during the tournament and it is going to be windy and rain, rain and more rain. Good ole English weather!
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2009-07-28 @ 18:32
Comment from: Joe Cool [Visitor]
Royal Lytham is a tough course. More than 200 bunkers guard the narrow fairways and it's rumored that unearthly beasts stalk the rough waiting to swallow every wayward ball, and even the odd wayward player.
Bubbles...on your mark...get set...GO!
Bubbles...on your mark...get set...GO!
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2009-07-28 @ 23:37
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
Shanks,
I agree that the words "mediocrity" and "mediocre" perfectly describe Bubbles' play so far this year.
No one is saying that her play has been poor or even substandard.
The best definition of mediocre is "ordinary", and that is what her game has been thus far in 2009.
Her high point was her second place finish in the SBS, although she certainly went to pieces at crunch time. She also did well in a couple of third place finishes. The rest of her golf produced middle-of the-pack results.
And her low point was reached when she failed to qualify for the US Open by shooting a raft of bogeys on the back nine.
So I think that with still no victories, mediocrity is an apt word for Bubbles' play thus far in 2009.
Not great, not terrible. just mediocre.
Alex USMC 1969-73
I agree that the words "mediocrity" and "mediocre" perfectly describe Bubbles' play so far this year.
No one is saying that her play has been poor or even substandard.
The best definition of mediocre is "ordinary", and that is what her game has been thus far in 2009.
Her high point was her second place finish in the SBS, although she certainly went to pieces at crunch time. She also did well in a couple of third place finishes. The rest of her golf produced middle-of the-pack results.
And her low point was reached when she failed to qualify for the US Open by shooting a raft of bogeys on the back nine.
So I think that with still no victories, mediocrity is an apt word for Bubbles' play thus far in 2009.
Not great, not terrible. just mediocre.
Alex USMC 1969-73
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2009-07-29 @ 09:10
Comment from: Joe Cool [Visitor]
Hey Alex,
You wonder what goes through Bubbles head when she MUST perform to get good results. During the second 18 to qualify for the US Open, Bubbles bogeyed four of the last five holes to miss qualifying by one stroke. What exactly was her and her caddies mindset to finish like that. She either didn't have any idea what she had to shoot on the last five holes or perhaps she figured it really didn't matter since she would get an exemption to play. As long as she insists on playing golf six months a year and using "musical chair caddies" she will not win any golf tournaments. Frankly, with the projected weather at Lytham & St. Annes, I doubt that she will make the cut. If she doesn't make the cut, then, she can say goodbye to the Solheim Cup. Beth Daniels is in somewhat of a quandary with regards to Bubbles. Well, by this Friday we shall know the outcome. The saga continues!
You wonder what goes through Bubbles head when she MUST perform to get good results. During the second 18 to qualify for the US Open, Bubbles bogeyed four of the last five holes to miss qualifying by one stroke. What exactly was her and her caddies mindset to finish like that. She either didn't have any idea what she had to shoot on the last five holes or perhaps she figured it really didn't matter since she would get an exemption to play. As long as she insists on playing golf six months a year and using "musical chair caddies" she will not win any golf tournaments. Frankly, with the projected weather at Lytham & St. Annes, I doubt that she will make the cut. If she doesn't make the cut, then, she can say goodbye to the Solheim Cup. Beth Daniels is in somewhat of a quandary with regards to Bubbles. Well, by this Friday we shall know the outcome. The saga continues!
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2009-07-29 @ 15:58
Comment from: Ray [Visitor]
Now Wie's fantasy world has gone from broken wrists now to death threats. In one moment she talks about being down to two death threats a week and when a concern was shown (as it should have been when talking about any athlete being in danger) and pushed about getting actual death threats she said
"“Not directly to my face, but I’m sure there are that I haven’t heard yet,"
I don't know what to think about this situation. If she is lying about getting death threats to get sympathy, well that is just sad. If she is getting threats that is sad as well.
"“Not directly to my face, but I’m sure there are that I haven’t heard yet,"
I don't know what to think about this situation. If she is lying about getting death threats to get sympathy, well that is just sad. If she is getting threats that is sad as well.
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2009-07-30 @ 04:14
Comment from: Shanks [Visitor]
Alex, you know better than that. How can someone in the top 20 of a field of 150+ be called mediocre? Wie has three top 3 finishes already this year and no missed cuts. Knowing as I do that you follow golf closely, I can't believe that you REALLY think that peformance is even close to average. So let me put it in better perspective for you. Here are PGA Tour members in the top 20 on the money list but without a win so far this year: Jim Furyk, Jerry Kelly, Kevin Na, David Toms and Hunter Mahan. Would you call them mediocre this season too? Of course not.
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2009-07-30 @ 13:27
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Shanks,
I wouldn't characterize Bubbles' performances of late as mediocre, but I will lend some perspective.
I think what comes into play here is that a lot of people judge her performances relative to the expectations that were set for her. In other words, when you have a girl who was supposed to be an amazon golfer for the ages and show the boys a thing or two on the PGA tour, and then she simply becomes a solid performer on the LPGA, a lot of people will view her performances as abysmal.
In reality, she has recently been a very good LPGA player. And, of course, if her boosters had always billed her as merely having that kind of potential, there would be little argument. But then we wouldn't have been talking about her that much in the first place.
So, yes, she is a very good LPGA player right now. The problem is that she never delivered on the hype, and many people view her through that prism.
I wouldn't characterize Bubbles' performances of late as mediocre, but I will lend some perspective.
I think what comes into play here is that a lot of people judge her performances relative to the expectations that were set for her. In other words, when you have a girl who was supposed to be an amazon golfer for the ages and show the boys a thing or two on the PGA tour, and then she simply becomes a solid performer on the LPGA, a lot of people will view her performances as abysmal.
In reality, she has recently been a very good LPGA player. And, of course, if her boosters had always billed her as merely having that kind of potential, there would be little argument. But then we wouldn't have been talking about her that much in the first place.
So, yes, she is a very good LPGA player right now. The problem is that she never delivered on the hype, and many people view her through that prism.
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2009-07-30 @ 16:53
Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]
Among Americans Wie is 4th in scoring average, 6th in money and Solheim points earned in 2009, 7th in POY points and world rank--but would be 4th in rank if 25 or even 30 were the divisor. She is pretty clearly the 4th to 7th best American based on performance this year.
On a team of the top 12 Americans, Wie would be about average. She is not at the level of Kerr, Creamer, or Stanford this year, nor at Creamer's rookie level. But players a captain can pick would rarely make average on the team. They are almost always marginal at best. The 4th to 7th best player with the 11th or 12th pick in the draft looks like a great pick.
Daniels should pick Wie as the best player available, but in a normal year it would be no big deal if she didn't. But this year with the LPGA in such big trouble, it would be a shame not to pick the best player when her presence on the team could do so much to help market the LPGA.
On a team of the top 12 Americans, Wie would be about average. She is not at the level of Kerr, Creamer, or Stanford this year, nor at Creamer's rookie level. But players a captain can pick would rarely make average on the team. They are almost always marginal at best. The 4th to 7th best player with the 11th or 12th pick in the draft looks like a great pick.
Daniels should pick Wie as the best player available, but in a normal year it would be no big deal if she didn't. But this year with the LPGA in such big trouble, it would be a shame not to pick the best player when her presence on the team could do so much to help market the LPGA.
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2009-07-31 @ 06:17
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
Shanks,
Whatever. Adjectives are subjective, anyway. I'll call her play thus far in 2009 mediocre, you can call it outstanding, it is what it is.
I specified that Bubbles had three top finishes this year, but said that the rest of her finishes were mundane, so-so, or whatever you'd like to call them.
Actually, Bubbles was only in contention to win on the final day twice, in the SBS and the Sybase, and she wilted under the pressure both times. At the Farr, she shot her career best round on Sunday which still left her two strokes short, so she never actually contended there. In the two majors in which she competed, she was well out of the running after the second round.
To equate the play of Bubbles with that of Furyk, Toms, and Kelly at any stage is folly. Those fellows have a few score of PGA wins and two majors among them. Bubbles has no victories, period.
Also, you didn't make any comment on Bubbles failure to qualify for the US Women's Open. With her experience and reputation, it should have been a walk in the park for her. Instead, she collapsed once again.
It is ironic that Bubbles' proponents have lowered the bar to the extent that she can practically walk over it. No longer do they talk of multiple wins, multiple majors, or even one win. Now, making cuts on the LPGA tour, and an occasional high finish are to be celebrated.
Alex USMC 1969-73
Whatever. Adjectives are subjective, anyway. I'll call her play thus far in 2009 mediocre, you can call it outstanding, it is what it is.
I specified that Bubbles had three top finishes this year, but said that the rest of her finishes were mundane, so-so, or whatever you'd like to call them.
Actually, Bubbles was only in contention to win on the final day twice, in the SBS and the Sybase, and she wilted under the pressure both times. At the Farr, she shot her career best round on Sunday which still left her two strokes short, so she never actually contended there. In the two majors in which she competed, she was well out of the running after the second round.
To equate the play of Bubbles with that of Furyk, Toms, and Kelly at any stage is folly. Those fellows have a few score of PGA wins and two majors among them. Bubbles has no victories, period.
Also, you didn't make any comment on Bubbles failure to qualify for the US Women's Open. With her experience and reputation, it should have been a walk in the park for her. Instead, she collapsed once again.
It is ironic that Bubbles' proponents have lowered the bar to the extent that she can practically walk over it. No longer do they talk of multiple wins, multiple majors, or even one win. Now, making cuts on the LPGA tour, and an occasional high finish are to be celebrated.
Alex USMC 1969-73
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2009-07-31 @ 08:50
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
Judge Smails,
It is a fact that Bubbles' play this year has become ultra conservative. (Nothing wrong with being conservative):-)
She never tries for the green in two on even the shortest par fives.
She has only contended twice this year, and tanked badly both times.
In the past several events in which she has played, she has started out three or four shots out of the lead and then slipped behind more and more to finish nine or ten or even more from first.
At the present Open going on at St. Annes, she is in that same rut, four off the lead after round one, and eight from first after round two.
Call it what you will, mundane, commonplace, prosaic, or mediocre,or, as Shanks might put it, outstanding, it is not championship caliber golf.
It seems to satisfy her devoted fans, though.
The only question left is how much further can they lower the bar?
It is a fact that Bubbles' play this year has become ultra conservative. (Nothing wrong with being conservative):-)
She never tries for the green in two on even the shortest par fives.
She has only contended twice this year, and tanked badly both times.
In the past several events in which she has played, she has started out three or four shots out of the lead and then slipped behind more and more to finish nine or ten or even more from first.
At the present Open going on at St. Annes, she is in that same rut, four off the lead after round one, and eight from first after round two.
Call it what you will, mundane, commonplace, prosaic, or mediocre,or, as Shanks might put it, outstanding, it is not championship caliber golf.
It seems to satisfy her devoted fans, though.
The only question left is how much further can they lower the bar?
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2009-07-31 @ 09:59
Comment from: Shanks [Visitor]
Top 20 is mediocre, huh? We'll just have to disagree. then. And, even tho both you and I KNOW you already know this, every one of those PGA Tour pros I mentioned has "wilted under the pressure" this year.
C'mon Alex, I'm not some teenager to be confused with convoluted logic.
C'mon Alex, I'm not some teenager to be confused with convoluted logic.
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2009-07-31 @ 11:34
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Alex,
What I will say is that her play down the stretch isn't mediocre — it's abysmal.
What you say about lowering the bar is true, and that sort of buttresses my point. A lot of people are judging Bubbles based on the bar that had so long been set for her. The problem is, that bar was never realistic to begin with. It was based on feminism-inspired, through-the-looking-glass fantasies, fed by a fawning media and the mercenary Bubbles' clan.
You might say that she is the Barack Obama of golf, a media creation who is all hype, all ego and mouth. Ignore that man behind the curtain!
Oh, wait, strike that. Virtually none of the adjectives we've used — good, mediocre, prosaic, etc. — describe Obama. The one that fits him is abysmal. And I hope he chokes when it counts (when pushing his social*st agenda) just like the Bubbles.
What I will say is that her play down the stretch isn't mediocre — it's abysmal.
What you say about lowering the bar is true, and that sort of buttresses my point. A lot of people are judging Bubbles based on the bar that had so long been set for her. The problem is, that bar was never realistic to begin with. It was based on feminism-inspired, through-the-looking-glass fantasies, fed by a fawning media and the mercenary Bubbles' clan.
You might say that she is the Barack Obama of golf, a media creation who is all hype, all ego and mouth. Ignore that man behind the curtain!
Oh, wait, strike that. Virtually none of the adjectives we've used — good, mediocre, prosaic, etc. — describe Obama. The one that fits him is abysmal. And I hope he chokes when it counts (when pushing his social*st agenda) just like the Bubbles.
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2009-07-31 @ 12:26
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Hey, site administrator, why does this silly program not allow you to post if you use the word "social*st"? I know it should be viewed as a dirty word, but really, come on now.
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2009-07-31 @ 12:31
Comment from: Joe Cool [Visitor]
During the first two rounds at the Ricoh, Bubbles has 8 bogeys and 1 double bogey to be at +5. She is tied for 25th and is 8 shots back. This seems to be the pattern with her this year with the exception of a few tournaments. I still do not understand why she doesn't use her power off the tee and continues to hit fairway woods. Today, she played it safe on No.18 and hit her 3 wood into a fairway bunker and double bogeyed the hole. If she can reach the bunker with her 3 wood, then, why didn't she hit her driver over the bunker. Evidently, she still does not have much confidence with her driver. It seems that two of Bubbles competition for the Solheim Cup miss the halve way cut...being Pat Hurst and Gulbis. It looks like a +9 is going to make the cut for the weekend. You know where you would be if you shot a +9 on the PGA Tour, on the next plane out of town. Again, Bubbles putting put her in the hole and since she is 8 shots back, I figure she will probably finish tied for 24th, a position that she is very familiar with this year. Alex comment that most people put BUbbles on a pedestal and expected her to dominate the tour, however,so far she has not been able to live up to the hype that was created for her. It really is amazing how she continues to shoot herself in the foot time and again. It seems that when she is in a strong field position, something tells her to HOLD IT GIRL, WhAT ARE YOU DOING??
I can not see her breaking par the next two rounds. Since she has ALWAYS been a poor putter, I do not see an improvement in that department. The putting statistics say otherwise for 2009, however, I can only judge her performance this year.
I can not see her breaking par the next two rounds. Since she has ALWAYS been a poor putter, I do not see an improvement in that department. The putting statistics say otherwise for 2009, however, I can only judge her performance this year.
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2009-07-31 @ 16:44
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
Shanks,
I see that you still havven't commented on Bubbles' implosion at the US Women's Open qualifier. Could it be that there is no way to address her flop there without admitting that she just doesn't have it at crunch time?
At an event like the Solheim Cup, having someone like Bubbles on the team, a player with a well known tendency to unravel when the pressure is on would be a decided disadvantage.
As for your reference to "convoluted logic" (wouldn't it cease to be logic if it were convoluted?), your equating a group of PGA touring pros with many wins, including majors, with a winless,over-rated LPGA member is the heighth, or maybe the depth, of convolution.
I see that you still havven't commented on Bubbles' implosion at the US Women's Open qualifier. Could it be that there is no way to address her flop there without admitting that she just doesn't have it at crunch time?
At an event like the Solheim Cup, having someone like Bubbles on the team, a player with a well known tendency to unravel when the pressure is on would be a decided disadvantage.
As for your reference to "convoluted logic" (wouldn't it cease to be logic if it were convoluted?), your equating a group of PGA touring pros with many wins, including majors, with a winless,over-rated LPGA member is the heighth, or maybe the depth, of convolution.
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2009-08-01 @ 10:49
Comment from: JimC [Visitor]
36 holes at another venue on Monday after finishing a Major is not a fair test. Wie was exhausted at the end.
In any case, a captain has to manage her team like a player has to manage the course. Wie is better than Inkster, but Inkster is better under pressure. So on Sunday I would send Wie off early and Inkster late.
In any case, a captain has to manage her team like a player has to manage the course. Wie is better than Inkster, but Inkster is better under pressure. So on Sunday I would send Wie off early and Inkster late.
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2009-08-01 @ 13:27
Comment from: Joe Cool [Visitor]
JimC,
Many people screwed up with the US Open qualifier. Bubbles had played 90 holes prior to a very early tee time at the US Open qualifier. As I had mentioned before, it really was "payback time" from the USGA against Bubbles from a prior exemption which for whatever reason, seemed to "embarrass" the USGA. Many of the "girls" from the LPGA were very jealous of the fact that Bubbles had gotten an exemption and they were pissed.
At the Ricoh Bubbles just can not get it together on the links course. I think she is trying to copy Tiger by hitting fairway woods and irons off the tees in order not to get in the fairway bunkers. This strategy is okay IF you stay out of the bunkers. She is only averaging 224 yards off the tee and once again she refuses to play to her strength. Who can be blamed for this mindset...Bubbles, her parents or her caddy? Presently, she is 11 strokes back and I can not see her breaking par on Sunday. It is rather interesting when I have seen so many times in the past where she will birdie a hole and then follow it with a bogey. This has happened many times and I am sure it will continue. Her mental game has not yet developed and I doubt if it ever will in the future. She has never been able to solve her putting problems and I think this will prevent her from ever becoming a champion in the future.
Many people screwed up with the US Open qualifier. Bubbles had played 90 holes prior to a very early tee time at the US Open qualifier. As I had mentioned before, it really was "payback time" from the USGA against Bubbles from a prior exemption which for whatever reason, seemed to "embarrass" the USGA. Many of the "girls" from the LPGA were very jealous of the fact that Bubbles had gotten an exemption and they were pissed.
At the Ricoh Bubbles just can not get it together on the links course. I think she is trying to copy Tiger by hitting fairway woods and irons off the tees in order not to get in the fairway bunkers. This strategy is okay IF you stay out of the bunkers. She is only averaging 224 yards off the tee and once again she refuses to play to her strength. Who can be blamed for this mindset...Bubbles, her parents or her caddy? Presently, she is 11 strokes back and I can not see her breaking par on Sunday. It is rather interesting when I have seen so many times in the past where she will birdie a hole and then follow it with a bogey. This has happened many times and I am sure it will continue. Her mental game has not yet developed and I doubt if it ever will in the future. She has never been able to solve her putting problems and I think this will prevent her from ever becoming a champion in the future.
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2009-08-01 @ 14:13
Comment from: Lance R [Visitor]
So Bubbles does it again,
She has a good fourth round (69) after being out of contention after 3 rounds. I think it is pretty safe to assume that if Bu88les where in contention after 3, she would have shot a 77 today. While I agree that her game is inconsistent overall, certain aspects of it are very consistent which have precluded her of any wins thus far in her career.
As for having her on the Soleheim team, I this we could be assured that Bu88les would help our team with at least a second place finish!!! Oh wait...there are only two teams.
She has a good fourth round (69) after being out of contention after 3 rounds. I think it is pretty safe to assume that if Bu88les where in contention after 3, she would have shot a 77 today. While I agree that her game is inconsistent overall, certain aspects of it are very consistent which have precluded her of any wins thus far in her career.
As for having her on the Soleheim team, I this we could be assured that Bu88les would help our team with at least a second place finish!!! Oh wait...there are only two teams.
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2009-08-02 @ 14:03
Comment from: Shanks [Visitor]
Alex,
You keep referring to a single day's performance. Let's select one day from that group of men I'm comparing to? Oh, let's say we start with Jim Furyk's Sunday collapse at the British Open 2 weeks ago. Is that enough for you, or should I go on?
Myself, I'm judging Wie's 2009 performance only, without the resentful attitude about the media over-hype of her earlier career. She is now in 17th place on the 2009 money list after her 11th place finish in the British Open. Of course, she's now been selected to the Solheim cup team based SOLELY on her 2009 performance. I'm sorry, but any reasonable person would not call this "mediocre".
You keep referring to a single day's performance. Let's select one day from that group of men I'm comparing to? Oh, let's say we start with Jim Furyk's Sunday collapse at the British Open 2 weeks ago. Is that enough for you, or should I go on?
Myself, I'm judging Wie's 2009 performance only, without the resentful attitude about the media over-hype of her earlier career. She is now in 17th place on the 2009 money list after her 11th place finish in the British Open. Of course, she's now been selected to the Solheim cup team based SOLELY on her 2009 performance. I'm sorry, but any reasonable person would not call this "mediocre".
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2009-08-03 @ 09:10
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
Shanks,
If you'll re-read my posts, you'll find that I never said or implied that Bubbles' play in 2009 was poor, lousy, substandard or any other pejorative adjective. I did say that in my estimation, her game was mediocre. Since you object so strenuously to that term, perhaps you can substitute something slightly different: better than average, middle-of-the-pack, fair to middling, or any other expression that will accurately describe her play. Whatever makes you happy. Incidentally, what word or words would you use to describe her season thus far?
My assessment of her game thus far is based on these criteria: Bubbles only was in contention to win on two occasions this year, and she flopped badly both times. On the plus side, she did make the cut in every tournament in which she was entered. She has again failed to win a tournament on the LPGA tour, at least thus far in 2009. Her record in the three majors in which she competed was lackluster, her T11th recently being by far her best showing in a major this year. And finally, her failure to qualify for the US Women's Open against a field where she should have been the medalist is the most pertinent item in my appraisal of her play in 2009. As for her selection to the Solheim Cup team, she didn't make it on her point total, she was "selected". Actually, she got that spot by default, since the others played so poorly and indifferently.
Your equating of winless Bubbles with Jim Furyk for any reason and at any level is absurd. Jim has won 13 PGA events, including the US Open. He has been playing golf longer than Bubbles has been alive. Every golfer has a bad round occasionally, even in a major. Remember, Jim wasn't competing against a group of low-tier female pros and rank amateurs at the Open. Many in the field where Bubbles failed to qualify were exactly that, amateurs and marginal pros.
Shanks, Please don't try that "straw man" argument. It doesn't become you.
If you'll re-read my posts, you'll find that I never said or implied that Bubbles' play in 2009 was poor, lousy, substandard or any other pejorative adjective. I did say that in my estimation, her game was mediocre. Since you object so strenuously to that term, perhaps you can substitute something slightly different: better than average, middle-of-the-pack, fair to middling, or any other expression that will accurately describe her play. Whatever makes you happy. Incidentally, what word or words would you use to describe her season thus far?
My assessment of her game thus far is based on these criteria: Bubbles only was in contention to win on two occasions this year, and she flopped badly both times. On the plus side, she did make the cut in every tournament in which she was entered. She has again failed to win a tournament on the LPGA tour, at least thus far in 2009. Her record in the three majors in which she competed was lackluster, her T11th recently being by far her best showing in a major this year. And finally, her failure to qualify for the US Women's Open against a field where she should have been the medalist is the most pertinent item in my appraisal of her play in 2009. As for her selection to the Solheim Cup team, she didn't make it on her point total, she was "selected". Actually, she got that spot by default, since the others played so poorly and indifferently.
Your equating of winless Bubbles with Jim Furyk for any reason and at any level is absurd. Jim has won 13 PGA events, including the US Open. He has been playing golf longer than Bubbles has been alive. Every golfer has a bad round occasionally, even in a major. Remember, Jim wasn't competing against a group of low-tier female pros and rank amateurs at the Open. Many in the field where Bubbles failed to qualify were exactly that, amateurs and marginal pros.
Shanks, Please don't try that "straw man" argument. It doesn't become you.
Permalink
2009-08-03 @ 10:53
Comment from: Shanks [Visitor]
Alex,
Not sure what standards you use to guage anyone's play. But in virtually the entire world's view, a professional golfer in the top 20 is considered one of the best in the world, not "mediocre".
Just as I would not say that Furyk, Kelly, Toms and Mahan are mediocre in 2009, I will not say the same of Wie. You are the one grading style points, media (or personal) expectations and prior year performance. I will say that all of them are having a very good year so far, Wie included. Could it be better? Sure. But it doesn't mean it's average.
Not sure what standards you use to guage anyone's play. But in virtually the entire world's view, a professional golfer in the top 20 is considered one of the best in the world, not "mediocre".
Just as I would not say that Furyk, Kelly, Toms and Mahan are mediocre in 2009, I will not say the same of Wie. You are the one grading style points, media (or personal) expectations and prior year performance. I will say that all of them are having a very good year so far, Wie included. Could it be better? Sure. But it doesn't mean it's average.
Permalink
2009-08-03 @ 13:12
Comment from: Joe Cool [Visitor]
Bubbles will be fine in the Solheim Cup as long as she doesn't have to make four foot putts!
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2009-08-04 @ 12:44
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
Shanks,
If you're still not sure what criteria I use to evaluate the play of a golfer, I respectfully suggest that you read the second paragraph of my previous post.
There, my criteria are spelled out in plain terms.
Yours, to the contrary, consist of relying on the opinion of "the majority of people" who think that Bubbles is in the top twenty of something.
Alex USMC 1969-73
If you're still not sure what criteria I use to evaluate the play of a golfer, I respectfully suggest that you read the second paragraph of my previous post.
There, my criteria are spelled out in plain terms.
Yours, to the contrary, consist of relying on the opinion of "the majority of people" who think that Bubbles is in the top twenty of something.
Alex USMC 1969-73
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2009-08-04 @ 17:32
Comment from: Joe Cool [Visitor]
Evidently B.J., Bubbles Father is responsible for Bubbles playing the par fives ultra-conservative. During the Ricoh she was only -1 for the par five holes. Right, BJ, have Bubbles hit five wood, five iron and then pitching wedge on the par five holes and you will be 65 before Bubbles wins anything.
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2009-08-04 @ 18:45
Comment from: Shanks [Visitor]
Alex,
By your criteria, everyone who has not won a tournament is in 2009 is having a mediocre year. I have provided several examples to disprove your statement. I suppose you would say that in addition to Furyk, Kelly, Toms & Mahan, also having a mediocre year is Creamer and Petterson. All I can say is those are some tough standards you have there.
By your criteria, everyone who has not won a tournament is in 2009 is having a mediocre year. I have provided several examples to disprove your statement. I suppose you would say that in addition to Furyk, Kelly, Toms & Mahan, also having a mediocre year is Creamer and Petterson. All I can say is those are some tough standards you have there.
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2009-08-05 @ 15:06
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
Shanks,
Once again, you revert to the "straw man" fallacy and the non sequitur.
Bubbles and the quality of her play are being discussed here, but you prefer to discuss that of Furyk, Toms, Kelly, and Mahan. Incidentally, those guys are all winners several times on the PGA tour.
Now, you've invoked the names of Paula and Suzann, both big LPGA winners, with that of yet-to-win Bubbles. Ridiculous.
Once again, you revert to the "straw man" fallacy and the non sequitur.
Bubbles and the quality of her play are being discussed here, but you prefer to discuss that of Furyk, Toms, Kelly, and Mahan. Incidentally, those guys are all winners several times on the PGA tour.
Now, you've invoked the names of Paula and Suzann, both big LPGA winners, with that of yet-to-win Bubbles. Ridiculous.
Permalink
2009-08-06 @ 11:02
Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]
Alex and Shanks
What would you say about Wie and Kristy McPherson? They seem pretty evenly matched to me.
What would you say about Wie and Kristy McPherson? They seem pretty evenly matched to me.
Permalink
2009-08-06 @ 13:25
Comment from: jl [Visitor]
Great calls by all the Michelle Wie naysayers. She just went 3-0-1 and secured 3.5 points for the Americans. I hope this event gives her the confidence she needs to make her own way in the world and break through with her first LPGA win.
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2009-08-23 @ 17:09
Comment from: coolio [Visitor]
"and break through with her first LPGA win"
If you say so, wietard.
Bu88les "broke through" alright!
LOL
If you say so, wietard.
Bu88les "broke through" alright!
LOL
Permalink
2009-08-31 @ 17:25 Leave a comment:
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