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Michelle Wie is in Europe, but the LPGA doesn't want you to know that

Thursday July 26, 2007 | 09:16:47 558 words, 4771 views  

Not long ago, I wrote a short piece about how it seemed that, finally, the fuss around
Michelle Wie had died down
.

After two dreadful performances on the LPGA Tour – dead last at the McDonald’s LPGA Championship, then another withdrawal at the U.S. Women’s Open – and that controversial pull-out from the Ginn Tribute, it seemed – thankfully – that Wie decided to go into hiding and re-evaluate her game, her priorities and her future.

The entire golfing world – the media, the players, the LPGA – would benefit from a “time-out.” Personally, I believed – and still do – that Wie should drop out of sight for a good long while, focus on Stanford in the fall, then quietly rebuilt her game. Think of the “comeback” headlines when she re-appeared on the LPGA Tour in a year or two.

That was too much to wish for.

Wie is in France right now, playing in the Evian Masters – and she’s on the leaderboard, even-par halfway through her round.

The Evian Masters, which kicks-off the European leg of the LPGA Tour, is a significant event for Wie: It was here, last year, that she last broke par during a round of golf. You could say, without venturing very deep into hyperbole, that the wheels started to come off her game after this event last year.

But check this out, from the LPGA Tour: http://www.lpga.com/content_1.aspx?pid=11910&mid=1

It’s your usual PR stuff, previewing the Evian Masters. Notice anything? Wie’s name is no where to be found, even though this is the first pro event she’s entered in nearly a month, and the first since that awful stretch of golf in May and June. Justified of not, Wie is still the biggest name on the LPGA Tour (even though, yes, she’s not really on the Tour). She’s what the media are interested in. She’s what the fans are interested in. And last year’s Evian Masters was really the last bright spot for Wie. The LPGA Tour doesn’t even mention her name in its tournament preview?

What we’re seeing here is the Tour still smarting over the Wie storm of the last few months. Wie did many things to smack the Tour in the face – her childish spat with Annika Sorenstam not the least of them – and it looks like now the Tour wants some distance.

It will be interesting to see how this relationship heals, because there’s no denying that it is a vital one for the future of the LPGA Tour. You’re not going to see the LPGA Tour putting moratoriums on sponsor’s exemptions for Wie – that would be too much like shooting itself in the foot. But I think you’ll see a much more guarded Tour when it comes to giving her attention.

But just as the Tour needs to weigh its feelings about Wie, she needs to do the same about the Tour.

Wie turns 18 in October and will decide whether to join the LPGA Tour full time. Her uncertainty only makes the Tour’s balancing act with Wie all the more delicate.

“I’m not sure yet,” she told the press yesterday, when asked about her LPGA Tour future. “I haven’t fully decided what I really want to do yet.”

Permalink 38 comments

Comments, Pingbacks:

Comment from: Joe R [Visitor]
I think you must have lost your mind or do not know how to surf the site. They have pre tournament interviews with MW and you can click on scrolling stories that show MW as the main story. Just because one story does not suit you does not mean that they have overlooked MW. She gets more coverage than she has earned. She gets more respect than she gives others. Maybe she should learn a little from the way Tiger shows respect and even reverance for the great golfers who went before him. The entire Wie gang should learn respect for the game and the RUles of Golf.

MW is more a creation of the media than anything else. You are all lazy and want to write about her because it makes your job easy. Why not work a little and write about all the great stories of other girls/women on the LPGA Tour. Why not write about Brittany Lincicome who hits the ball longer and plays better than MW? This is just one of many great stories on the Tour but you lazy writers do not want to work for the stories. Do you even attend any of these Tournaments or just sit in front of a computer all the time?

If she is so unsure about the Tour then she should go to college and figure it out. She has no place playing with men and of course should join the Tour. The only reason she may not is so she can try and remain "Unique". This is the same reason she did not play in Junior events and learn to win. She will make the same mistake again. Instead she should join the Tour and let the results speak for themselves. If she is so good then she will win a lot and maybe set some new records. If so she will achieve the expectations. It is more likely that she will continue to mess about and have no home in golf. She will also fade away and become the Todd Marinovich of women;s golf
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-26 @ 12:09
Comment from: Brandon Tucker [Member] · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/brandon.tucker
I think saying that's what the "fans" are interested is different than what the "mainstream sports fans" are interested in. Real LPGA fans follow the Ocho and Annika with interest whether wie is there or not.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-26 @ 12:55
Comment from: gpro [Visitor]
The media was up in arms and ripped the LPGA for not changing the rules and letting MW play as a regular when she was not old enough by their rules. Now she may not when she join the tour when she becomes old enough? Rest assured the media won't dare to rip MW.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-26 @ 13:02
Comment from: Brandon [Member] · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/brandon.tucker
BTuck,

Are there "hard core" LPGA fans? It is the LPGA, after all.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-26 @ 13:47
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
"Comment from: Brandon Tucker [Member] · http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/brandon.tucker
I think saying that's what the "fans" are interested is different than what the "mainstream sports fans" are interested in. Real LPGA fans follow the Ocho and Annika with interest whether wie is there or not."

Brandon your point is well made as I consider myself a golf fan and an obsessed player who appreciates good play by anyone. Pat Hurst sitting on top of the leader board should be appreciated for her fine play, but she will be overlooked in favor of the young stars.

Laura Davies was having a mediocre round until the last two holes when she came up with an birdie-eagle finish. At 42 years of age a real golf fan will appreciate the effort and overlook her age or looks. We won't hear much about her round in the press.





PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-26 @ 14:46
Comment from: BV [Visitor]
Good point about Laura Davies, IMHO. She's had a few 'issues' in her career (a la Daly) and it sure is nice to see her out there and doing well!!!

I live in St Pete FL, and most all the golfers here (men and women) are always pulling for Brittany to show off her skills! ;) I think she may well become a "legend"!

As for Miss Wie...who really cares what she does anymore???
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-26 @ 15:13
Comment from: Johnny N. [Visitor]
"not write about Brittany Lincicome who hits the ball longer and plays better than MW? "
____________

Thank you so much. That was a good laugh. Brittany Lincicome isn't even one of the better American players. If you mean that Brittany was playing better than Michelle in early 2007, then of course she was, nearly every lpga player was, but she is not a better player. In fact Brittany isn't even close to Michelle Wie at golf.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-26 @ 16:22
Comment from: JR [Visitor]
Johnny N... well, Lincicome has won twice on the LPGA tour, MW nothing, Lincicome hits the ball just as far if not further than MW ifyou want to use that as a comparison statistic.. I just don't get how you can state the MW is so much better than Lincicome. The facts just do not support that theory. Oh I get it.. it must be a liberal thing!
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-26 @ 20:02
Comment from: Joe Cool [Visitor]
Michelle will not join the LPGA in October because MONEY is the main objective of the "WIE CAMP. They feel that MW will continue to be invited to the various tournaments around the world and collect those lucrative appearance fees. It seems that no one in the WIE CAMP is willing to face reality and see Michelle's career as "business as usual." I found it interesting today that on the 18th hole where most of the LPGA players were hitting driver and
mid iron to the par five, Michelle hit a fairway wood and laid up with her second shot. It seems that over the past four years she has played the par fives very conservative rather than be aggressive. Since Michelle dissed the "QUEEN BEE" of the LPGA and has no intentions of apologizing, the WIE CAMP better get used to seeing very limited TV coverage of their little darling playing golf. I think today we saw two putts and two swings during the two hour broadcast time.

PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-26 @ 21:26
Comment from: John D [Visitor]
You need to go to WWW CHOKE.

WhenWillWie CHOKE?
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-27 @ 05:30
Comment from: Joe R [Visitor]
Johnny N

"In fact Brittany isn't even close to Michelle Wie at golf." You must really be delusional to make that statement.

While one match does not a career make, when Brittany won the HSBC Women's World Match Play tournament in 2006 she beat your darling Michelle 4&3 along the way. If you lose 4&3 you have been soundly beaten. She also beat Lorena Ochoa and Julie Inkster to win the tournament.

Michele may have more potential but Brittany is a great story of hard work and perserverance. No one has given her anything she has earned her place at the top levels of women's golf. At this point in their careers clearly Brittany, as many others, is a better golfer than Michelle Wie.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-27 @ 08:39
Comment from: Johnny N. [Visitor]
Joe R: "While one match does not a career make, when Brittany won the HSBC Women's World Match Play tournament in 2006 she beat your darling Michelle 4&3 along the way."
_______
Of course one match doesn't matter.
Annika, Lorena and Karrie all went out early in the 2007 matchplay, any player can beat any player in that field over one round.
Too much emphasis was put on that one match.
Birdie Kim beat Morgan Pressel as well. However Morgan is the better player.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-27 @ 11:58
Comment from: Johnny N. [Visitor]
JR: "Johnny N... well, Lincicome has won twice on the LPGA tour, MW nothing"
__________
Brittany has been a full member of the lpga tour since the start of the 2005 season played 20+ events per season, that's plenty of opportunity to win events.
In 2006 she had 5 top 10s in her 23 events, to 6 top 5s for Michelle in 8 events.

Wie is the better player in my opinion.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-27 @ 12:03
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Johnny N, why beat yourself up talking to these guys.

MW could win the next twenty tournaments and these blowloads would still be bitching about something.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-27 @ 12:37
Comment from: UpTight [Visitor]
P4P,

Let's start with ONE win!!!!
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-28 @ 07:47
Comment from: Joe Cool [Visitor]
GOLF PHENOM SHOOTS 5 BOGIES AND 4 DOUBLE BOGIES FOR A STERLING ROUND OF 84 AT THE EVIAN MASTERS!! IT LOOKS LIKE THE DREADED "88" WILL BE LURKING AT ST. ANDREWS. GOODBY MICHELLE, ENJOY STANFORD.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-28 @ 10:33
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
And the dreaded 88 doesn't exist at the British Womens open, so what's your point, Joe?

Just can't wait to see her fail, can you? Why is it so important to all of you that she fail?

Why must she win? Why is it so important to you? Do you have money invested in her future? Or have you got big bets on her failing? Tell us what really matters, Joe.

About all those caps Joe. A bit childish aren't they?
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-28 @ 11:03
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Hey Joe, if you want to see a wagon that really lost it's wheels, you might want to take a peek at Brittany Lincicome did. +10? 2 less than your hated Michelle Wie?
I hate to see that happen to anyone but it does happen.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-28 @ 11:10
Comment from: Joe Cool [Visitor]
punk4par
Get a life big guy!! I have followed MW for the last four years and I certainly do not want her to fall. Right now she is a train wreck and the Wie Camp does not have a solution to her problem.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-28 @ 11:37
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Joe, your post with all the caps kinda said it all about your feelings and beliefs in regard to MW. That post is so similar to all your other posts.
Your protest of innocence in this last post is questionable at best but go ahead, some might believe you.

But if you want to cheer an LPGA player on,then cheer for Juli Inkster. It'd be great to see her win this tournament.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-28 @ 12:47
Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]
Joe Cool

You gloat to much over Michelle Wie's struggles for me to believe that you don't very much want her to fail.

I expect her to struggle in the 4th round, but next week to do reasonably well for the first two rounds, before once again struggling for the last two.

She might shoot an 88 next week in the 3rd or 4th round--but the rule of 88 only applies to rounds before the cut--and in any case the rule does not apply at all to an event like the British where she is not there on a sponsor's exemption.

The pattern of struggling after the first two rounds does not indicate a train wreck--it is a sign of a body that is not sufficently recovered to hold up for more than two rounds--or in the more difficult course conditions of the US WOmen's Opem.

PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-28 @ 12:58
Comment from: JR [Visitor]
putt4par..Jim C.. a possible reason why some folks enjoy MW's spiral so much is the unbelieveable predictions that so many were saying. If she is the best ever, if she can compete with the men on the PGA tour, shouldn't she just be kickin everyone's butt on the LPGA??? Then, to follow this up with all of the excuses just makes it worse. Personally, I think MW has a character issue when it comes to being a pro and not following the rules (ie..cheating, not supposed lack of knowledge). Now, you'll probably say, "she's still just a kid at 17". Well, in about 3 months she'll be 18 so what type of excuses will you use then. ...and that is besides the point...she is a professional...doesnt matter how old you are, it comes with responsibility. And most of remember, there is a fine line between 84 and 71....
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-28 @ 16:43
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
**Comment from: JR [Visitor] **
putt4par..Jim C..
1)a possible reason why some folks enjoy MW's spiral so much is the unbelieveable predictions that so many were saying.
++ And that's your sad excuse for kicking the crap out of someone? Because someone else made predictions? Sad, Joe, very sad.

2)If she is the best ever, if she can compete with the men on the PGA tour, shouldn't she just be kickin everyone's butt on the LPGA???
++You bought into the hype, got stung by it and now balme the player for it.... lol, great stuff Joe.


3) Then, to follow this up with all of the excuses just makes it worse. Personally, I think MW has a character issue when it comes to being a pro and not following the rules

++*Sigh*

4)(ie..cheating, not supposed lack of knowledge).

++Where did she cheat? Show us that one, prove it and all your dreams come true, you can have her barred forever from professional golf.

5)Now, you'll probably say, "she's still just a kid at 17". Well, in about 3 months she'll be 18 so what type of excuses will you use then. ...and that is (besides)???? the point...she is a professional...doesnt matter how old you are, it comes with responsibility.

++ Lets see. Childish actions by LPGA members.. 17 years old? Nope, try 36 years old. Cheating and getting away with it...Annika Sorenstam. The water hazard incident that Paula Creamer caught her on. Isn't it nice that the rules official overlooked the laws of physics and took Annikas side.

Childish reponses or irresposible quotes? Again, 36 year old Annika Sorenstam whining about Michelle Wies supposed slight at the Ginn open.
21 years old. Brittany Lincicome after the HRSC in 2006. Her childish comments about MW.

48 years old... Beth Daniels whining about Michelle not talking to them in the locker room at age 15... Sheesh, you want character flaws? Just look at all the lezzies and dikes in that orginization, all of whom have taken swipes at MW over the past 4 years.

50 years old, Nancy Lopez has had more whiney and bitchy comments to make about MW than anyone else except Herb Krickstein and his whiney brat granddaughter.

Michelles response? Childish I know but she said " They are entitled to think what they want". Pretty childish for a 14, 15, 16 and 17 year old

6)And most of remember, there is a fine line between 84 and 71....


++Ahh, yes, the famous quote and misquotes from you bashers.

There is a fine line between 66 and 81... Brittany Lincicome

A fine line for Suzanne Petterson who made 5 bogeys, 2 double bogeys and a triple bogey today while Michelle was makin her terrible round. All from these fine LPGA players who are supposed to be more mature, and better at their game because they are older.

Yup, sounds like a pretty ordinary day for the Wie bashers again..

But as I told Stanley earlier, you bunch of blowloads will always find something to whine or bitch about.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-28 @ 17:45
Comment from: Joe Cool [Visitor]
Jesus Punk4Par...you really have a serious problem dealing with people. Who is Michelle?? your sister?? Just settle down and smell the roses or you might have a heart attack!! Michelle will be fine in the coming years. It is just a matter of time before she will dominate the LPGA. Unfortunately, she has pissed off all of the LPGA players because they thought she should have apologized to the Queen Bee Sorenstam after the Ginn. She is being shut out by both the LPGA and the media. During the second round they showed her second shot on no. 18 during the two hour broadcast.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-28 @ 18:27
Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]
putt4par

Brittany was manipulated into her HSBC comments by Dana Gross Rhode. Don't blame Brittany. If Michelle Wie had been as disrepectful of Brittany as Dana made her out to be in her interview with Brittany then Michelle would have deserved the comments Brittany made.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-28 @ 18:41
Comment from: steve o [Visitor]
Dude, Michelle Wie is in the pre tournament interview section for the Evian. You must be a neophyte when it comes to surfing the web. You should try scrolling around and "clicking" on things............
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-28 @ 19:04
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Jim C... True enough. Now does that make Brittany stupid or mre easily manipulated than Michelle? Since the media has never been able to manipulate Michelle into the same kind of "tit for tat" respones?
Joe, I'd attempt to answer you but I hyave come to the conclusion that with the mindset you have, there would be little value of continuing.

Go get a coffee and then go watch Vicks pitbulls or something.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-28 @ 19:17
Comment from: John D [Visitor]
WWW.CHOKE?

Looks like today ! ! !
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-28 @ 20:54
Comment from: JR [Visitor]
putt4par... MW's first tournament as a pro where she was disqualified for taking an improper drop. Now, the reason I site this as questionable at best is if she would have taken the proper drop, she would not of had a swing because of the tree. Mind you, it was "only a few inches" but they made the difference between having a swing and not. You be the judge. As for her improper actions, rather than acknowledge them, you try to point to someone else. That does sound very liberal to me. I did take a liberty with the "fine line between 84 and 71..." here is what she actually said.. "MICHELLE WIE: Like I said today, there is a very fine line between good holes and bad holes." By the way, you didnt answer my question about what type of excuses you will use once she turns 18...
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-28 @ 22:08
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Why on earth would I offer any excuses for MW? I just refute some of the more idiotic nonsense that you dumbies keep spouting.

As to your example, the rules officials reviewed the tape, and concluded that because she dropped the ball at least 2 or 3 times, she was not aware that she was inches closer than she should have been. On the other hand, Michael Bamberger waited til there was certainty of DQ before reporting his suspicions,a full day later, thereby getting maximum bang for the buck with his story. Who was the cheater in that case? Bamberger but of course he was given the benefit of the doubt, something you obviously can't o won't do with Michelle Wie.

But as I told Stanley, you and your blowload buds will bitch and whine about anything.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-28 @ 22:59
Comment from: JR [Visitor]
putt4par... MW's questionable integrity comes into play too often to just dismiss it. I really believe that if she would just take a slightly more humble approach and quit with all the excuses that folks would give her the benefit of the doubt. Enough of that, what world ranking would you give MW right now? Feel free to use your own formula to reach your conclusion. I am anxiously awaiting your answer.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-28 @ 23:44
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
No, you and your cohorts are the people questioning her integrity because it suits your values or lack thereof.

You love to tilt at windmills, Don Quixote. You want to see dire shadows therefore you will see them.

As for a ranking? What her rolex ranking? If it's good enough for them, thats good enough for you unless your more of an expert on things of tht nature. I am presuming that you feel that your formula is more fitting than anyone elses?
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-29 @ 00:29
Comment from: JR [Visitor]
All I asked you for is what "You" thought her ranking is. No hidden agenda, I'm just curious to know where you think MW would be in "putt4pars" world golf ranking. It is a pretty simple question. Btw.. in case you missed it, I never stated that I had a ranking system, my question was this, "...what world ranking would you give MW right now? Feel free to use your own formula to reach your conclusion. " I only mentioned that you could use your own formula because i thought that the current Rolex rankings might be too restrictive for your beliefs. It is such a simple, straight forward question, I don't know why you don't answer it.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-29 @ 07:18
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
As far as a ranking is concerned, if they aren't part of a team, a tour or an organization, there should be no ranking.

But thats a personal opinion. Wies ranking? I really don't care.
And I didn't answer the question because it had no bearing on what you stated in the first place about her integrity. Your integrity is more in question than hers is.

And Congrats to Natalie Gulbis on her win! What a ncie surprise and well deserved too.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-29 @ 13:04
Comment from: JR [Visitor]
putt4par... you see, we can agree on something... congrats to Natalie!
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-29 @ 13:10
Comment from: Limp Wrist [Visitor]
MW couldn't find a graceful exit strategy at the Evian Masters. So she'll take a hit on the Rolex Rankings. But you don't need to take off the beer goggles to know where she really ranks. MW finished at 69, her best position we can dream of.
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-29 @ 20:38
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
It is apparent that putt4par is in dire nedd of a sizable increase in the dosage of his bi-polar disorder medication.

His rantings are mundane as usual, but for a man who has chided others for cruelty and lack of political correctness, his latest posts are alarming.

He insultingly refers to many members of the LPGA as "lezzies" and "dikes", two terms which are anathema to the gay community.

But even more insultingly, he implies that that sort of sexual orientation is a "character flaw." And all because some of these fine ladies had the audacity to criticize his darling Bubbles.

For shame, putt4par!
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-30 @ 13:28
Comment from: Florida Mike` [Visitor]
Ford, write so that I can settle our bet. As for Ms Wie, she played better than she has in a while. Her swing looked better and her game is improving. Still a long way to go. This will show if she has the toughness and perserverence to triumph.

ps. In watching the O'rielly show the other night I heard a blog term that fits Alex, Smails, toddcommish, booger, etc........... It is a TROLL! they add nothing intelligent to the discussion and delight in degrading young and defenseless people. Do us a favor and crawl back under whatever bridge you came from (or is it rock?)
PermalinkPermalink 2007-07-31 @ 00:28

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WorldGolf.com's Jeff White is based in Berlin, Germany, and writes on all matters of golf and travel, with a particular emphasis on the European golf scene, keeping you informed about what's happening on and off the golf course.

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