May
07
Great weekend for Michelle Wie highlights LPGA's folly
When Lou Saban arrived as the new coach of the Buffalo Bills in 1972, it didn’t take him long to go through his inventory and see the future of his team.
“We’ve got Secretariat out there, and we’re going to run him,” reportedly said Saban in so many words, with the Secretariat in question being a young, poorly used O.J. Simpson.
The results were staggering – two years removed from a 1-13 season, Buffalo rode the pre-murder-trial Simpson for an NFL-record 2,003 yards, and made it to the playoffs.
More than 30 years removed from Saban seeing the obvious, it’s time someone tell LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens what she just doesn’t seem to be seeing – in Michelle Wie, she has Secretariat.
This isn’t to say that Wie is in the same league as Secretariat or O.J. as far as athletic accomplishment – yet. But as a fan favorite and attraction, Wie is through the roof, and the LPGA is playing games with how much they want her connected to their tour.
A quick look at the myLPGA.com message boards shows something that TravelGolf.com readers have known for sometime – Wie’s popularity is mind-boggling. Currently at myLPGA, fans have posted nearly 12,000 times, with at least 3,387 posts being about Wie.
It’s “at least” because that’s just counting posts made in the Other Player Message Boards. There are many other Wie-related posts throughout the board, so figure more than 30 percent of messages made at myLPGA.com are about the teenager.
The LPGA’s Franklin American Mortgage Championship is going on now with Angela Stanford on top. Stanford may go on to win the tourney, but even if she does so, and then proceeds to win the next dozen LPGA tournaments in a row, she will not even begin to approach the kind of popularity that Wie has right now. Annika Sorenstam has taught us that.
In Oct. 2005, Jennifer Mario wrote:
“Ms. Bivens seems to get it. Unlike, say, Nancy Lopez, she’s ready to put a stop to all the nonsense and focus on what’s good for everyone, including the massive exposure that Michelle Wie will bring to women’s golf.
But you won’t read about any of this on the LPGA’s Web site. Except for one link, their front page is devoid of any mention of Wie … Ah well, I’m sure that will change with time. Meanwhile, maybe we can have Ms. Bivens talk to Chris Baldwin and ask him to put aside his petty resentments.“
After finishing tied for 35th at a men’s event in South Korea, the LPGA Web site currently has one link on their front page – which takes a little searching to find – about Wie.
The LPGA currently has a 600-pound gorilla in their midst, and they’re using rules to keep her visibility low. Now is the time to change the rules and allow/convince Wie to play more, and to give her multitude of fans more about her.
No one is expecting the LPGA to sell out all of its other players at the expense of one teen. But Wie has shown she can compete, and that she can handle the pressure.
She’s ready, it’s the LPGA that apparently isn’t. And the longer it continues, the more it looks like the LPGA are the ones with “petty resentments.”
–WKW
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51 comments
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
She's ready, it's the LPGA that apparently isn't. And the longer it continues, the more it looks like the LPGA are the ones with "petty resentments."
And as long as they have a b*tchy color analyst like Dottie Pepper and people like Beth Daniels and Nancy Lopez continuosly whining about the route MW chose to get where she is, the LPGA will not change.
Talk about petty resentments, those 3 biddies as one-putt calls them, are probably the biggest impediment to any change coming from the LPGA or Bivens.
And as long as they have a b*tchy color analyst like Dottie Pepper and people like Beth Daniels and Nancy Lopez continuosly whining about the route MW chose to get where she is, the LPGA will not change.
Talk about petty resentments, those 3 biddies as one-putt calls them, are probably the biggest impediment to any change coming from the LPGA or Bivens.
05/07/06 @ 10:29
Comment from: KnowItAll [Visitor]
The FACT is that Wie does not want to be a member of the LPGA. If she became a member, she would have to get conflicting event releases to play in events other than LPGA events. The LPGA only allows two of those each year, so it would cost her thousands and thousands, if not millions of lost appearance fees. I think the LPGA would let her join tomorrow but WIE does not want to.
05/07/06 @ 10:33
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Comment from: KnowItAll [Visitor]
Comment from: KnowItAll [Visitor]
The FACT is that Wie does not want to be a member of the LPGA. If she became a member, she would have to get conflicting event releases to play in events other than LPGA events. The LPGA only allows two of those each year, so it would cost her thousands and thousands, if not millions of lost appearance fees. I think the LPGA would let her join tomorrow but WIE does not want to.
So change the bloody rule(or at least ammend it). That marketing machine as Baldwin calls it, will not last forever. If they want to grow their audience, then they better seize the moment now, not after it's all done.
Comment from: KnowItAll [Visitor]
The FACT is that Wie does not want to be a member of the LPGA. If she became a member, she would have to get conflicting event releases to play in events other than LPGA events. The LPGA only allows two of those each year, so it would cost her thousands and thousands, if not millions of lost appearance fees. I think the LPGA would let her join tomorrow but WIE does not want to.
So change the bloody rule(or at least ammend it). That marketing machine as Baldwin calls it, will not last forever. If they want to grow their audience, then they better seize the moment now, not after it's all done.
05/07/06 @ 10:39
Comment from: stan [Visitor]
Michelle has the potential to be the biggest thing in golf, period. Women, children, and as time passes probably will attract more men viewers than Tiger Woods globally. She's got not only golfing talent but the real reason why W&M her agency signed her is that she could probably be a supermodel if she wanted to. So much potential and she is only 16. Will gets it and so does everyone else who is mesmerized by Wie except some people in the LPGA.
05/07/06 @ 11:56
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
I've said this before and will say it again:
If the LPGA really cares about the education of young women as they profess, they will offer a "Student Exemption" to exceptional golfers who want to remain in school.
This is the "Hook" they can use to sign Michelle or another exceptional golfer to the their tour.
The exemption could be quite simple really with a requirement to be a full-time student and to maintain a certain GPA. They could play events that fit their schedule and earn points that would allow them to keep their card while a student.
We watched as Morgan mailed in her last semester of high school and Paula gave up on the idea of attending college. In addition a couple of excellent young California golfers will join the Futures tour this year and not attend college.
If the LPGA leadership really cares about the education of young women who are exceptional golfers they will find a way to accommodate them on the tour.
Do you want Michelle on the LPGA tour Ms. Bivens? Get ready to wait another five years until she graduates from Stanford.
If the LPGA really cares about the education of young women as they profess, they will offer a "Student Exemption" to exceptional golfers who want to remain in school.
This is the "Hook" they can use to sign Michelle or another exceptional golfer to the their tour.
The exemption could be quite simple really with a requirement to be a full-time student and to maintain a certain GPA. They could play events that fit their schedule and earn points that would allow them to keep their card while a student.
We watched as Morgan mailed in her last semester of high school and Paula gave up on the idea of attending college. In addition a couple of excellent young California golfers will join the Futures tour this year and not attend college.
If the LPGA leadership really cares about the education of young women who are exceptional golfers they will find a way to accommodate them on the tour.
Do you want Michelle on the LPGA tour Ms. Bivens? Get ready to wait another five years until she graduates from Stanford.
05/07/06 @ 13:40
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
For Alex: "to the their tour", should be "to their tour"
05/07/06 @ 13:48
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
If she continues to improve as she has been doing, she will play more mens events and more international events.
Also, consider what Sony and Nike said when they signed Michelle. She has the potetntial to reach so many people in an emerging market.
Where did she play this week? If Nike and Sony have their way, she'll play more often in that region.
The LPGA may already have blown their chances.
Also, consider what Sony and Nike said when they signed Michelle. She has the potetntial to reach so many people in an emerging market.
Where did she play this week? If Nike and Sony have their way, she'll play more often in that region.
The LPGA may already have blown their chances.
05/07/06 @ 13:58
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
And that should really make Baldys day.
It's all about marketing your product and you must admit, MW has a very marketable product.
Love her or hate her, the world does appear to slow down and watch when she is playing.
Ok, Alex, Baldy.... bring it on you bashers. ROFLMAO
It's all about marketing your product and you must admit, MW has a very marketable product.
Love her or hate her, the world does appear to slow down and watch when she is playing.
Ok, Alex, Baldy.... bring it on you bashers. ROFLMAO
05/07/06 @ 14:01
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
"Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
If she continues to improve as she has been doing, she will play more mens events and more international events.
Also, consider what Sony and Nike said when they signed Michelle. She has the potetntial to reach so many people in an emerging market.
Where did she play this week? If Nike and Sony have their way, she'll play more often in that region.
The LPGA may already have blown their chances."
The first time she plays in China will be "HUGE" P4P.
If she continues to improve as she has been doing, she will play more mens events and more international events.
Also, consider what Sony and Nike said when they signed Michelle. She has the potetntial to reach so many people in an emerging market.
Where did she play this week? If Nike and Sony have their way, she'll play more often in that region.
The LPGA may already have blown their chances."
The first time she plays in China will be "HUGE" P4P.
05/07/06 @ 14:21
Comment from: Jay [Visitor]
The problem is that Wie is pretty comfortable with the current situation as others pointed out. Even if LPGA opened the gate wide and clear, she would have joined only the SBS that was held in Hawaii, and maybe couple more during the summer due to her school schedule as well as her desire to play in PGA etc.
The best LPGA could do it increase the exempt limit from currently 6 to maybe 8. (that will still add to some additional revenue to LPGA)
Also, that will give Michelle the minimum 10 events per year to appear on the Shagarin ratings. (with addition of US and British open)
Besides, who came up with the number "6" anyways ?????
The best LPGA could do it increase the exempt limit from currently 6 to maybe 8. (that will still add to some additional revenue to LPGA)
Also, that will give Michelle the minimum 10 events per year to appear on the Shagarin ratings. (with addition of US and British open)
Besides, who came up with the number "6" anyways ?????
05/07/06 @ 14:28
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
Comment from: Jay [Visitor]
Besides, who came up with the number "6" anyways ?????
The "LPGA Board of Old Biddies" Jay.
Besides, who came up with the number "6" anyways ?????
The "LPGA Board of Old Biddies" Jay.
05/07/06 @ 14:44
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
"Comment from: stan [Visitor]
Michelle has the potential to be the biggest thing in golf, period. Women, children, and as time passes probably will attract more men viewers than Tiger Woods globally. She's got not only golfing talent but the real reason why W&M her agency signed her is that she could probably be a supermodel if she wanted to. So much potential and she is only 16. Will gets it and so does everyone else who is mesmerized by Wie except some people in the LPGA."
William Morris recently signed Serena Williams and Ernie Els away from IMG, Tiger and Annika also are reported to be considering leaving the IMG sinking ship along with even more sports stars.
IMG is just a shadow of it's former self after the founder died in 2003.
Michelle has the potential to be the biggest thing in golf, period. Women, children, and as time passes probably will attract more men viewers than Tiger Woods globally. She's got not only golfing talent but the real reason why W&M her agency signed her is that she could probably be a supermodel if she wanted to. So much potential and she is only 16. Will gets it and so does everyone else who is mesmerized by Wie except some people in the LPGA."
William Morris recently signed Serena Williams and Ernie Els away from IMG, Tiger and Annika also are reported to be considering leaving the IMG sinking ship along with even more sports stars.
IMG is just a shadow of it's former self after the founder died in 2003.
05/07/06 @ 14:54
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
If you read any of the Newspapers from India, Thailand, Singapore and a few other smaller countries and cities in that part of the world, all these bashers would know what Sony and Nike had in mind when they signed MW.
The papers there are full of MW's acheivements. And whether you agree with her being a golfing success or not, those people are totally in love with her. That is the market the William Morris, sony and nike are trying to tap into.
The papers there are full of MW's acheivements. And whether you agree with her being a golfing success or not, those people are totally in love with her. That is the market the William Morris, sony and nike are trying to tap into.
05/07/06 @ 15:07
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
And BTW P4P you could have watched on TV Michelle play all three rounds in the countries you listed and more.
05/07/06 @ 15:42
Comment from: Ken [Visitor]
You'd think Bivens would get it, considering her marketing background.
Former NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle was a public-relations and marketing guy and he knew what he was doing. His leadership and creativity were immediately felt - TV packages, the creation of NFL Properties (jackets, logos, etc), NFL Films, you-name-it made football America's #1 sport.
Safe to say, he'd never have antagonized the media the way the LPGA did recently.
Carolyn Bivens, you're no Pete Rozelle.
Former NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle was a public-relations and marketing guy and he knew what he was doing. His leadership and creativity were immediately felt - TV packages, the creation of NFL Properties (jackets, logos, etc), NFL Films, you-name-it made football America's #1 sport.
Safe to say, he'd never have antagonized the media the way the LPGA did recently.
Carolyn Bivens, you're no Pete Rozelle.
05/07/06 @ 16:32
Comment from: John Neal [Visitor]
Just for comparison, here is how the PGA Tour covered the story. The link to the story is the number two link under their "Headlines" category.
The second to the last paragraph lists every committed and potential appearance by Michelle on the PGA Tour for the rest of the season. One would think they actually welcomed her presence.
The second to the last paragraph lists every committed and potential appearance by Michelle on the PGA Tour for the rest of the season. One would think they actually welcomed her presence.
05/07/06 @ 17:10
Well, it took a while but you Wie Warriors have convinced me, just as Winston Smith came to love Big Brother. Old biddies like Nancy Lopez, Beth Daniels, and Dottie Pepper are all lost in that distant time warp of the "70's and '80's when winning was thought to be the benchmark of success. Annika Sorenstam has fallen into that same mindset, believing that winning and trying to surpass Mickey Wright as the all-time leading winner on the LPGA tour has any relevance. Such outdated notions as winning have no place in today's world and will only lead Annika to the same dismal existence as the aforementioned old biddies. It is easy to see where these b.....s arrived at their views. They all actually won LPGA tournaments so they think that should have some relevance today. But as we all know, they couldn't be more wrong. This is the 21st century, baby! Rules like those of the LPGA shouldn't apply for a superstar, supermodel, Stanford grad, MBA, outstanding public speaker, and philanthropist like Michelle Wie. Whoever said winning isn't everything had it all wrong. Winning isn't ANYTHING as is proven by Miss Wie. She has the only two things she's ever going to need :monetary endorsements and sponsors' exemptions. Eat that, Nancy, Dottie, and Beth!
05/07/06 @ 17:18
Comment from: mike [Visitor]
Alex, I laugh at the stupidity of your "Wie Warriors" appellation. I'd say the vast majority of people who watch Michelle simply because she is interesting to watch not because they are at war with something or some one. This "Warriors" thing you came up with is a creation of your demented mind and obviously reflective of your socially dysfunctional view of people. The best thing you could hope for, Alex, is that you have an extremely low IQ and due to the retarded state of your mind we will sympathize with the situation and ignore how you see the world and label people.
05/07/06 @ 18:24
Mike, Please notice that, unlike you, I have nothing derogatory to say of you or any of the posters on these blogs. I don't use words or phrases such as,demented, dysfunctional, retarded, or extremely low IQ to attempt to denigrate anonymously another blogger. If you don't like the handle "Wie Warrior", feel free to discount it. If,on the other hand, you are an ardent sycophant of Michelle Wie, as I believe you are, wear the mantle of "Wie Warrior" proudly and flaunt it. You are in fact at war. With common sense.
05/07/06 @ 20:08
Comment from: mike [Visitor]
No Alex, you are. I'm merely observing and stating your reality. Apropos, your tiresome rant (and yes, they are "denigrating") against Michelle is the very reason why you deserve the same.
05/07/06 @ 20:22
John D, You're not being quite fair referring to Bubbles as winLESS. She in fact did win T35 in the major SK Telecom, the Korean version of the Master. The fact that she was 12 strokes off the lead in a rain-shortened event is of no consequence. As we all know, she is only 16 years old and if the event had only gone another round, she would have been at or near the lead. That should be obvious, just look how she closed the gap after the weather gods had conspired against her in the first round.
05/07/06 @ 20:23
Comment from: Norman [Visitor]
It is too late for the lpga to change their rules this season.
I think they will definetely change them for next season.
I think Bivens probably knows at this stage that errors were made, but you cannot change exemption number mid-season.
Mark these words, lpga rules will change after this season, which will be specifically aimed at helping Wie to play more in lpga events.
I think they will definetely change them for next season.
I think Bivens probably knows at this stage that errors were made, but you cannot change exemption number mid-season.
Mark these words, lpga rules will change after this season, which will be specifically aimed at helping Wie to play more in lpga events.
05/07/06 @ 20:26
Mike, What an original retort!:"No Alex, you are." Brilliant! I wish I had thought of that!
05/07/06 @ 20:30
Comment from: Joe Cool [Visitor]
ALEX,
GLAD TO SEE THAT YOU ARE GIVING MW MORE CREDIT THAN IN YOUR PAST BLOGS. THE GOLFER THAT SORENSTAM IS TRYING TO BEAT IS KATHY WHITWORTH AND NOT MICKEY WRIGHT. I WAS UPSET BY PEPPER GIRL'S ASSESSMENT OF MW ACCOMPLISHMENT AT THE SK TELECOM BY SAYING THAT THE MEN'S FIELD WAS VERY WEAK. OBVIOUSLY MANY OF THE (WOMEN?) ON THE LPGA TOUR RESENT MW FOR WHAT SHE HAS ACCOMPLISHED IN SUCH A SHORT TIME. SHE WILL DOMINATED THE TOUR AND ALL OF THEM KNOW IT BUT THEY SEEM IN DENIAL. I WISH MW ALL THE BEST IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
GLAD TO SEE THAT YOU ARE GIVING MW MORE CREDIT THAN IN YOUR PAST BLOGS. THE GOLFER THAT SORENSTAM IS TRYING TO BEAT IS KATHY WHITWORTH AND NOT MICKEY WRIGHT. I WAS UPSET BY PEPPER GIRL'S ASSESSMENT OF MW ACCOMPLISHMENT AT THE SK TELECOM BY SAYING THAT THE MEN'S FIELD WAS VERY WEAK. OBVIOUSLY MANY OF THE (WOMEN?) ON THE LPGA TOUR RESENT MW FOR WHAT SHE HAS ACCOMPLISHED IN SUCH A SHORT TIME. SHE WILL DOMINATED THE TOUR AND ALL OF THEM KNOW IT BUT THEY SEEM IN DENIAL. I WISH MW ALL THE BEST IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
05/07/06 @ 21:27
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
The one thing that is alway apparent in every comment from the Wie bashers is that the use the excuse that it's the hype they hate but it's the girl they diss...
I wonder why that is? Jealousy, irrationality,emotional dysfunction?
Obviously grown men cannot seperate the girl from the hype nor the hype from the girl.
None of the "Wie Warriors" as Alex calls them will ever win a convert from these psychologically challenged individuals.
They are to be pitied for their near sightedness and apparent mental disorder.
I wonder why that is? Jealousy, irrationality,emotional dysfunction?
Obviously grown men cannot seperate the girl from the hype nor the hype from the girl.
None of the "Wie Warriors" as Alex calls them will ever win a convert from these psychologically challenged individuals.
They are to be pitied for their near sightedness and apparent mental disorder.
05/07/06 @ 22:18
Mike, In my chosen profession, I constantly use the art of debate to prove or strengthen my position. Thus, I usually have a pretty fair idea of the age and life experience of my debate opponent. My guess is that you are a high school senior or thereabouts. I say this because you as yet haven't learned the cardinal rule of debate: never engage in personal insult or abuse of your opponent. What we are doing on this blog is light-hearted banter with some adversarial content, nothing more. We all have the asset of anonymity, you don't know me, and I don't know you. A good debater should be able to argue either side of any subject with equal skill. For all anybody here knows, nobody really has the opinion that he or she is promulgating. And one thing is for certain, no one posting here is an idiot with a low IQ. For proof you needn't look any further than the recent post of Joe Cool, the man with all capitals.
05/07/06 @ 22:35
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
I on the other hand insult Alex at every opportunity and he insults me in turn.
Cheeky bugger thinks I'm not serious....ROFLMAO
Oh, one other thing, don't believe a thing Alex says, his IQ is way lower than a doormat, so go ahead and beat on him.
Cheeky bugger thinks I'm not serious....ROFLMAO
Oh, one other thing, don't believe a thing Alex says, his IQ is way lower than a doormat, so go ahead and beat on him.
05/07/06 @ 23:34
Comment from: MikeW [Visitor]
Alex, the problem with your implication that the LPGA should remain focused on Annika's pursuit of the win record as opposed to welcoming Michelle Wie with open arms is that golf is not just a sport, it's a business that needs all the marketing it can get.
If people were interested in Annika's chase, they would be tuning in to watch, but they're not. As a marketing strategy, it's a failure, no matter how wonderful a golfer and a person Annika may be.
Michelle Wie, on the other hand, is positively Tigeresque in her ability to draw the crowds and TV interest. Even if she's all hype (which she's not), she has already proved what a fantastic draw she is--there's never been anything like it in women's golf. For the LPGA to virtually ignore her existence is simply a dumb marketing move. Lover her or loathe her, at this moment in time, she's women's golf's greatest asset and should be treated as such by the LPGA. If nothing else, the other LPGA players gain much needed name recognition and it gives them a chance of becoming household names--Annika, the "Pink Panther", Pressel, etc. etc.
Fame is fleeting and time is short. If Wie fizzles before she gets to the LPGA full time, then these "biddies" will be left wondering what might have been as women's golf sinks back into obscurity.
I'm a fan of women's golf, but I've been watching a lot more since Wie started playing, and I'm not the only one. I'm not smart enough to know if Wie will become the greatest female golfer of all time, but it sure is fun watching her try.
If people were interested in Annika's chase, they would be tuning in to watch, but they're not. As a marketing strategy, it's a failure, no matter how wonderful a golfer and a person Annika may be.
Michelle Wie, on the other hand, is positively Tigeresque in her ability to draw the crowds and TV interest. Even if she's all hype (which she's not), she has already proved what a fantastic draw she is--there's never been anything like it in women's golf. For the LPGA to virtually ignore her existence is simply a dumb marketing move. Lover her or loathe her, at this moment in time, she's women's golf's greatest asset and should be treated as such by the LPGA. If nothing else, the other LPGA players gain much needed name recognition and it gives them a chance of becoming household names--Annika, the "Pink Panther", Pressel, etc. etc.
Fame is fleeting and time is short. If Wie fizzles before she gets to the LPGA full time, then these "biddies" will be left wondering what might have been as women's golf sinks back into obscurity.
I'm a fan of women's golf, but I've been watching a lot more since Wie started playing, and I'm not the only one. I'm not smart enough to know if Wie will become the greatest female golfer of all time, but it sure is fun watching her try.
05/08/06 @ 00:54
Comment from: hc2 [Visitor]
The sad fact is Annika is just not interesting to watch; she could win a hundred tournaments in the LPGA; and that will still not be enough to attract more fans. She is too man-like, too shy, doesn't express her emotions well: ie robotic talk. I recall seeing her in the golf channel where they were featuring the Golf Expo in Florida this year, and she looked terribly uncomfortable being in front of so many people, and had trouble smiling at the sponsors booth. In other words, she lacks charisma, which means there is little chance that viewers will go on to follow how she is doing . In the LPGA, I love to watch Michelle and Natalie Gulbis. I don't care if they haven't won yet; but they are pleasing to watch because they make golf look like fun.
05/08/06 @ 01:17
Quote:
Comment from: hc2 [Visitor]
"The sad fact is Annika is just not interesting to watch; she could win a hundred tournaments in the LPGA; and that will still not be enough to attract more fans. She is too man-like, too shy, doesn't express her emotions well: ie robotic talk. I recall seeing her in the golf channel where they were featuring the Golf Expo in Florida this year, and she looked terribly uncomfortable being in front of so many people, and had trouble smiling at the sponsors booth. In other words, she lacks charisma, which means there is little chance that viewers will go on to follow how she is doing ."
------------------------------------------------
Actully,
You missed one sticking point about Anika, and that is, she's not American. It's a rather ugly geo-political sticking point that's gotta hurt.
I'd seriously doubt Michelle would be popular as she is if she wasn't American. There is rather facinating obcession people have about Americans around the Globe, and that adds to her marketability. If she was born in S. Korea, she'd be looked upon as an anomaly rather than a Star.
Having a hot piece of ass doesn't hurt either.
Comment from: hc2 [Visitor]
"The sad fact is Annika is just not interesting to watch; she could win a hundred tournaments in the LPGA; and that will still not be enough to attract more fans. She is too man-like, too shy, doesn't express her emotions well: ie robotic talk. I recall seeing her in the golf channel where they were featuring the Golf Expo in Florida this year, and she looked terribly uncomfortable being in front of so many people, and had trouble smiling at the sponsors booth. In other words, she lacks charisma, which means there is little chance that viewers will go on to follow how she is doing ."
------------------------------------------------
Actully,
You missed one sticking point about Anika, and that is, she's not American. It's a rather ugly geo-political sticking point that's gotta hurt.
I'd seriously doubt Michelle would be popular as she is if she wasn't American. There is rather facinating obcession people have about Americans around the Globe, and that adds to her marketability. If she was born in S. Korea, she'd be looked upon as an anomaly rather than a Star.
Having a hot piece of ass doesn't hurt either.
05/08/06 @ 02:34
Well,
Thing about Michelle is that she's not just playing golf, she's making history. One of those rare personalities that's able to transcend her sports and enter mainstream popular culture as an American Icon.
I'll get to see her here in Chicago when she comes over for John Deere Classic this summer. :)
I hope she breaks makes her PGA break through there.
I'll be watching history.
I'll post some pictures at myLPGA.com
Thing about Michelle is that she's not just playing golf, she's making history. One of those rare personalities that's able to transcend her sports and enter mainstream popular culture as an American Icon.
I'll get to see her here in Chicago when she comes over for John Deere Classic this summer. :)
I hope she breaks makes her PGA break through there.
I'll be watching history.
I'll post some pictures at myLPGA.com
05/08/06 @ 02:45
Comment from: mike [Visitor]
No Alex, you are. I'm merely observing and stating your reality. Apropos, your tiresome rant (and yes, they are "denigrating") against Michelle is the very reason why you deserve the same.
Permalink 05/07/06 @ 20:22
-------------------------------------------------------
Talking about Alex:
His mad rants are alarmingly irrational, bordering on child abuse. I wouldn't have any problems if he was picking on some old dude, but man, verbally assulting a child is just sick.
I just hope he doesn't have children of his own. God knows what they'd be going though, about now!
05/08/06 @ 02:57
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
Many of you don't realize how ill Michelle was playing in the Pro-Am and the rest of the SK Open. She spent several hours each day in the hospital getting IVs to replenish her fluids while fighting a bout of flu.
Bo wanted her to withdraw and go back home, but Michelle begged her to let her compete for the rest of the week. The fans or reporters may not have noticed, but a doctor was following her around the course and an ambulance was standing by during her rounds.
This is why Michelle will be a great champion one day, she just doesn't have any quit in her soul.
Bo wanted her to withdraw and go back home, but Michelle begged her to let her compete for the rest of the week. The fans or reporters may not have noticed, but a doctor was following her around the course and an ambulance was standing by during her rounds.
This is why Michelle will be a great champion one day, she just doesn't have any quit in her soul.
05/08/06 @ 03:02
Comment from: Jas [Visitor]
Here is an article about "the Michelle Wie factor".
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200605/200605070009.html
BTW, even Chinese newspapers in US give Wie prominent coverage and call her by her Korean name that is pronounced as "Wie Cheng Mei" in Chinese. Korean names are all written in Chinese characters so they look very much like Chinese names. Chinese may mistake her as Chinese if they don't know her background. According to reports, Michelle Wie is learning Chinese. I have no doubt she will play in a Chinese tournament very soon and it's a conscious effort on her handlers' part to cultivate the Chinese market.
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200605/200605070009.html
BTW, even Chinese newspapers in US give Wie prominent coverage and call her by her Korean name that is pronounced as "Wie Cheng Mei" in Chinese. Korean names are all written in Chinese characters so they look very much like Chinese names. Chinese may mistake her as Chinese if they don't know her background. According to reports, Michelle Wie is learning Chinese. I have no doubt she will play in a Chinese tournament very soon and it's a conscious effort on her handlers' part to cultivate the Chinese market.
05/08/06 @ 03:09
Comment from: mike [Visitor]
Bam-Dam,
---
Talking about Alex:
His mad rants are alarmingly irrational, bordering on child abuse.
---
Totally agreed. The guy is "mad" and "irrational" as it is becoming fairly obvious by now. Sadly, Alex appears to be mentally challenged judging by what he has written. His thinking is devoid of even basic logic. Most of his tiresome verbiage are text-book examples of non sequiturs and just confused thinking. The poor sap is not even aware of just how assinine his jibberish is. But you got to hand it to the ignoramus, he's got one thing down, the guy is consistent. His Wie-bashing goes on and on, like a broken record. It's no use really even responding to the basket-case.
But hey, if he wants to spend his life self-righteously bashing Michelle, who is actually a decent kid, let him. If this is what gives meaning in his adult life, well I say let him waste away and enjoy himself in his delusions of grandeur.
Now to something more serious. About Annika, all I can say is she is total class, on and off the golf course. She is a great human being and the kind of role model that the LPGA should count itself lucky to have and I do not think it's necessary to compare her in some trite popularity issue. She deserves all the money she can make in the game and much more.
05/08/06 @ 04:22
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
Michelle could care less whatever a naysayer may spew forth in their incoherent tirades.
Do you really think she cares what Nancy Lopez, Beth Daniels or Dottie "The Mouth" Pepper have to say?
Not Michelle, you see she is in high school and is used to having people say things about her who don't know her.
It is apparent from this statement some people mature faster than Alex.
Do you really think she cares what Nancy Lopez, Beth Daniels or Dottie "The Mouth" Pepper have to say?
Not Michelle, you see she is in high school and is used to having people say things about her who don't know her.
It is apparent from this statement some people mature faster than Alex.
05/08/06 @ 06:09
Comment from: James COULTHARD [Visitor]
A 16 year old girl who doesn't care what people say about her? I think she cares--but she will follow her path anyway, and she knows she has many more supporters than detractors.
05/08/06 @ 07:39
Comment from: Hoyt Decker [Visitor]
''Do you really think she cares what Nancy Lopez, Beth Daniels or Dottie "The Mouth" Pepper have to say?''
MORE LIKELY SHE DOESN'T KNOW WHO THESE OLD HAGS ARE. RUSH WHO?
MORE LIKELY SHE DOESN'T KNOW WHO THESE OLD HAGS ARE. RUSH WHO?
05/08/06 @ 07:52
Comment from: Ron [Visitor]
Does anyone think that MW again showed this weekend that she tends to "choke" when the pressure is on? She does well in the first couple of rounds then "goes away" near the end. Just wondering>
05/08/06 @ 08:51
Comment from: hc2 [Visitor]
Choke? Not really. If she had messed up in the back nine of the second round (to miss the cut), then that definitely would have been a choke. So far this year she has held up pretty well in the final round. A 2 over par on this tournament really doesn't leave much to determine anything, because she actually was too far back to be in contention.
05/08/06 @ 09:11
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
"Comment from: Ron [Visitor]
Does anyone think that MW again showed this weekend that she tends to "choke" when the pressure is on? She does well in the first couple of rounds then "goes away" near the end. Just wondering>"
27th Place: Adam Le Vesconte (-4) 212, 1st Round leader at (-7)65, 2nd Round (-1)71, 3rd Round N/A, 4th Round (+4) 76.
This was a choke job Ronnie.
Does anyone think that MW again showed this weekend that she tends to "choke" when the pressure is on? She does well in the first couple of rounds then "goes away" near the end. Just wondering>"
27th Place: Adam Le Vesconte (-4) 212, 1st Round leader at (-7)65, 2nd Round (-1)71, 3rd Round N/A, 4th Round (+4) 76.
This was a choke job Ronnie.
05/08/06 @ 13:21
Comment from: Jas [Visitor]
A good article about MW in Mercury News:
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/14526677.htm
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/14526677.htm
05/08/06 @ 14:21
Comment from: KnowItAll [Visitor]
Everyone needs to remember that SeRi Pak finished in the top ten in this same event several years ago. Congratulations to Michelle on making the cut, BUT it certainly is not the same as making a cut on the PGA Tour.
05/08/06 @ 19:47
Comment from: John Neal [Visitor]
Actually KnowItAll, Se Ri played on a different, shorter course, in a different tournament, in a different city, on a lesser ranked tour, against a lower level field of competitors.
Nevertheless, it was a professional men's tour. Se Ri did make the cut, she was the first woman since Babe Zaharis to do so. Se Ri's performance was very noteworthy and she deserves full praise for her accomplishment.
Nevertheless, it was a professional men's tour. Se Ri did make the cut, she was the first woman since Babe Zaharis to do so. Se Ri's performance was very noteworthy and she deserves full praise for her accomplishment.
05/09/06 @ 00:43
Comment from: Ron [Visitor]
Does anyone think that MW again showed this weekend that she tends to "choke" when the pressure is on? She does well in the first couple of rounds then "goes away" near the end. Just wondering>
------------------------------------------------------
You got to love these trolls with their smart-aleck remarks, like they're still in highschool.
Unfortunately, you conveniently forgot to mention she made the cut in men's PGA Tournament event since Babe Zaharias at the 1945 Tucson Open. Something that hasn't been accomplished 60 years!!! And you wanna talk about choking??
I seriously doubt you knew how to control your wie-wie
when you were 16 years old; let alone make a cut in Men's PGA sanctioned Tournament!
Shhhheeehhhh.....don't you just love these haters? :P
Does anyone think that MW again showed this weekend that she tends to "choke" when the pressure is on? She does well in the first couple of rounds then "goes away" near the end. Just wondering>
------------------------------------------------------
You got to love these trolls with their smart-aleck remarks, like they're still in highschool.
Unfortunately, you conveniently forgot to mention she made the cut in men's PGA Tournament event since Babe Zaharias at the 1945 Tucson Open. Something that hasn't been accomplished 60 years!!! And you wanna talk about choking??
I seriously doubt you knew how to control your wie-wie
when you were 16 years old; let alone make a cut in Men's PGA sanctioned Tournament!
Shhhheeehhhh.....don't you just love these haters? :P
05/09/06 @ 04:04
Comment from: Joe Cool [Visitor]
Wolfman,
This will be my last post to this site. When you try to compare Michelle to a cold blooded killer, you are one poor sick individual!!
This will be my last post to this site. When you try to compare Michelle to a cold blooded killer, you are one poor sick individual!!
05/10/06 @ 22:16
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Comment from: Joe Cool [Visitor]
Wolfman,
This will be my last post to this site. When you try to compare Michelle to a cold blooded killer, you are one poor sick individual!!
05/10/06 @ 22:16
Whoa!! cool your jets there Joe.
You can call OJ anything you want but what he did on the gridiron is fact regardless of whether or not you agree with his day in court.
I have my own opinion about his guilt or lack thereoff. The Court found him not guilty. And since the American legal system supports double jeopardy ( not guilty in criminal court but guilty in civil court is double jeopardy in any other civilized country but the US of A) you can call him a cold blooded killer.
What amuses me is that if his wife had been a black bimbo instead of a white bimbo, there would have been hardly a raised eyebrow.
But that issue aside, I thought that WKW used that example very well.
Wolfman,
This will be my last post to this site. When you try to compare Michelle to a cold blooded killer, you are one poor sick individual!!
05/10/06 @ 22:16
Whoa!! cool your jets there Joe.
You can call OJ anything you want but what he did on the gridiron is fact regardless of whether or not you agree with his day in court.
I have my own opinion about his guilt or lack thereoff. The Court found him not guilty. And since the American legal system supports double jeopardy ( not guilty in criminal court but guilty in civil court is double jeopardy in any other civilized country but the US of A) you can call him a cold blooded killer.
What amuses me is that if his wife had been a black bimbo instead of a white bimbo, there would have been hardly a raised eyebrow.
But that issue aside, I thought that WKW used that example very well.
05/11/06 @ 14:15
Comment from: James COULTHARD [Visitor]
I disagree with the assertion that Nicole Brown was a bimbo--while or otherwise. If we should not blame the rape victim then I certainly believe we should not blame the murder victim.
05/11/06 @ 19:47
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Judging by the reaction from the LPGA ladies and their web site, I'd say they have already made their choice. I get the feeling that they are ignoring MW and hoping she'll go away. Whether it'll be folly or not will play out soon enough.
We'll just have to see what happens.
Comment from: James COULTHARD [Visitor]
I disagree with the assertion that Nicole Brown was a bimbo--while or otherwise. If we should not blame the rape victim then I certainly believe we should not blame the murder victim.
Regardless of whether the victim is to blame or not, murder is wrong. I think the man was guilty as sin. I also believe it was a crime of passion, but if your assertion that the victim is blameless, then all others who have gotten off scot free because of the c.o.p. plea should be re-tried and convicted. just my $.02 worth.
Now, this isn't the place for that argument, I will withdraw from any further comments. nuff said about it.
We'll just have to see what happens.
Comment from: James COULTHARD [Visitor]
I disagree with the assertion that Nicole Brown was a bimbo--while or otherwise. If we should not blame the rape victim then I certainly believe we should not blame the murder victim.
Regardless of whether the victim is to blame or not, murder is wrong. I think the man was guilty as sin. I also believe it was a crime of passion, but if your assertion that the victim is blameless, then all others who have gotten off scot free because of the c.o.p. plea should be re-tried and convicted. just my $.02 worth.
Now, this isn't the place for that argument, I will withdraw from any further comments. nuff said about it.
05/12/06 @ 12:52
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