Michelle Wie has her say prior to the U.S. Open
Three things gleaned from Michelle Wie’s chat with the press yesterday as the U.S. Women’s Open draws ever closer:
One: She is a born marketer. Among the first words she spoke were the names of her sponsors and the “new goodies” they give her.
Two: She’s as 16 as 16 can be and has the ambition to prove it. You will never hear anyone older than 17 say the words “And I just want to use my good golf to make a better world.” But she seems to mean it and has already been “using my sponsors to help me donate money” to children’s hospitals among other charitable causes.
At a mere 16 years old, Wie is dreaming big and getting away with it. And that’s just from what she tells us. You just know she has secret world-domination fantasies. Trust me, if she goes to college, it’s because she wants to be President. And you know what? Her ambition is fun.
Three: She understands the media and how to create mini-controversies. When asked what would be bigger, a win on the LPGA Tour or making a PGA cut, she answered honestly:
“Well, I think that they’d be both great. I can’t really answer it. It’s so different. I would love to win an LPGA major or a tournament. And I would love to make the cut in a men’s tournament. I’m not sure which would be a bigger impact on me, because it hasn’t happened to me before, so I’ll win both and I’ll tell you which is better,” said Wie.
Some snarky analysts could translate that as a bit of a swipe at the LPGA. Being a snarky analyst, I know that’s how I translate it. And I also know it’s fun having a pre-polished 16-year-old girl speaking her mind in oft-stuffy world of golf.
–WKW
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11 comments
Now that's positive thinking! Let's start with ONE win please, Michelle!
Listen, Bubbles is a great female golfer, but that's it. You think "ambition" makes her unique? Do you know how many 16-year-olds harbor grand ambitions, ones that are often unrealistic? Don't be as naive as Bubbles: kids are inculcated with reach-for-the-stars-you-can-do-whatever-you-put-your-mind-to nonsense nowadays.
By the way, although I realize that your ascription of presdential aspirations to Bubbles was tonque-in-cheek, I do have something to say about that. Although I'm no fan of George McGovern, he did say something about this that was quite perspicacious. To wit: "Beware of anyone who has wanted to be president since he was very young."
Slick Willie anyone?
"Who is the best player in the field never to win a major?". Now that was a stupid question as we all know the answer.
I found it interesting that ESPN didn't seem to take Wie seriously as a contender. It sounded like they were saying Morgan Pressel had a better chance to win--but they weren't really clear on this point.
Michelle Wie lacks the distractions of school or a men's qualifier this time--and she only needs a couple fewer strokes to put her over the top.
And I agree with One putt on another site--the winner will be the player with the best 4 rounds--no playoff this time.
Are you a 16 year old pimple-face boy who's stil in grammar school?
One-Putt, Maybe Bubbles should try to "deftly" sink a few clutch putts. It just might get her a "W"."
I agree Alex, if she shows up with her putter she can win, if she leaves it in the hotel room again she will finish no better than in the top five. She can't afford to spot the field that many strokes. In every event she played this year on the LPGA tour she was first or tied for first in Greens Hit in Regulation (GIR). She gave away that advantage with her putting.
If she averages at least 1.75 Putts Per GIR she will run away from the field and not even feel pressured. Any higher than that and it is a crap shoot since there are so many outstanding putters in the field.
Judge Small,
Are you a 16 year old pimple-face boy who's stil in grammar school?
Willie, I wish, I wish.
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