Jeff White - Latest Comments on Michelle Wie simply pulled a Billy Casper at Ginn Tribute

Alex [Visitor] in response to: Michelle Wie simply pulled a Billy Casper at Ginn Tribute

Alex [Visitor] — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 03:34:37 +0000

smudge,

My understanding is that once the golfers are on the first tee, the only exchange of information or advice allowed is between and among the players and their caddies.

If a ruling is requested, only the golfers and their caddies are initially apprised of what that ruling is.

Managers, agents, parents and relatives, and friends ARE NOT allowed inside the ropes at any time, nor are the permitted to ask any information of any officials.

BJ Wie and Greg Nared had absolutely no business approaching Bubbles on the course once play had commenced.

It is a travesty that the LPGA brass hasn't come down hard on these indiscretion.

smudge [Visitor] in response to: Michelle Wie simply pulled a Billy Casper at Ginn Tribute

smudge [Visitor] — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 02:04:10 +0000

Question and forgive my ignorance for posing it. So there is some controversy over BJ alleging advising Bubbles to go back to the tee on that par 3 that she hit it into the woods on (twice) as well as other advice he may have provided along the way. So rule is no advice to the player from anyone other than the caddy during play. The advice here was based on rules. Ie. BJ in essence advising her on the rules that would allow her to return to the tee to play a shot rather than taking an unplayable that would not have improved her ability to play a shot. Ok so what is the difference in her manager providing advice about the 88 rule? Would thtat not be a rules violation as well? Is the only reason no one is debating that because she ultimately withdrew. Seems to me that is a blatant violation that should result in some sanction. She is now a professional and should at least be fined. Especially with all of the warnings previously doled out to her. Anyway can anyone assist me with this? is it a rules violation for a manager to advise a player about the rules of golf? or the rules of the tour? or anything for that matter?

Alex [Visitor] in response to: Michelle Wie simply pulled a Billy Casper at Ginn Tribute

Alex [Visitor] — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 05:08:30 +0000

Jim C,

You seem to think that there is some sort of nefarious plot afoot by the brass at the LPGA to bring down the already crumbling career of Bubbles.

If anything, the opposite is true. She keeps getting preferential treatment from the LPGA at every turn.

Jim C, you still are evading my question. Is it still your firm belief that Bubbles will take down the winner's check at next week's LPGA event?

You've said that several times, if you remember, so many of us would like to know if anything has happened that might change your mind.

Donna [Visitor] in response to: Michelle Wie simply pulled a Billy Casper at Ginn Tribute

Donna [Visitor] — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 02:45:21 +0000

This comment is troubling:

"That's a lot of lost potential income for any golfer, even one not playing the LPGA Tour that often. If, and it's a big if, she did withdraw to avoid the Rule of 88, I can't say I blame her. I would have done the same thing myself..."

Golf is about integrity. To decide not to finish, if that's the case, so she wouldn't lose income is a sorry excuse for that decision. If she doesn't like the rules, she shouldn't play.

John Z [Visitor] in response to: Michelle Wie simply pulled a Billy Casper at Ginn Tribute

John Z [Visitor] — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 22:33:29 +0000

Jim C,

I don't know where you got your information, but in fact MacKinzie Kline has become a victim of the "88" rule.

She has forfeited any further participation for the calendar year since she finished her round and posted the 89.

If she had taken the route that Michelle took she could have withdrawn with one hole to go. However, she played the 18th and recorded a triple bogey for the 89 and subsequent DQ for the rest of the year.

So, Jim C, your guess is quite wrong.

Jim C [Visitor] in response to: Michelle Wie simply pulled a Billy Casper at Ginn Tribute

Jim C [Visitor] — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 21:25:42 +0000

My guess is that the LPGA decided that Michelle Wie would not be allowed to simply not sign her scorecard-when anyone else would have been allowed to do so.

Jim C [Visitor] in response to: Michelle Wie simply pulled a Billy Casper at Ginn Tribute

Jim C [Visitor] — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 21:24:07 +0000

It might have been nice if the LPGA had simply told her she could escape the 88 rule by simply not signing her scorecard as they apparently did with Mac Kinzie Kline the next day.

John Z [Visitor] in response to: Michelle Wie simply pulled a Billy Casper at Ginn Tribute

John Z [Visitor] — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 21:17:23 +0000

Jeff,

That is exactly what the great majority of golfing experts are saying, never mind the overwhelming number of bloggers, many of whom were present Thursday in Mount Pleasant; that Michelle Wie, on the advice of William Morris agent Greg Nared, withdrew from the tournament with two holes to play rather than risk the dreaded "88" rule.

Those closest to her that day, her two playing partners, said that neither of them noticed Michelle to be in any pain or discomfort. Nor did either of their caddies see any evidence of injury. They further said that although they had casually talked with Michelle during the round, she had never once hinted that any previous injury was causing her poor play.

One reporter on the scene wrote that she showed considerable surprise when she was confronted by Nared on her way to the eighth tee, where immediately thereafter she withdrew.

Since you are apparently a devoted fan of Michelle, it must be painful for you to accept the evidence as presented, but it is all too obvious what happened.

From her poor play, her body language, and her weak excuses, it is obvious to anybody that can see that she needs a prolonged rest from any competition. It may be too late.