Michelle Wie

[pzarquon]

I don't even like golf. Heck, I barely know the difference between a birdie and a bogey. But I'm following Michelle Wie's progress nonetheless. Even my daughter has started paying attention (making my wife, who is hostile to golf, apoplectic).

She always does very well, and still garners lots of attention (drawing the largest galleries, and even being cited by some smaller courses as making the difference between having a good or bad year), even though she tends to fall just short of expectations, and -- like any 15-year-old -- to fumble when the pressure's on.

Even though she's been adamant about enjoying amateur life, dutifully turning down huge checks at big events, folks can't stop talking (http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050725/SPORTS09/507250340/1032) about when she'll go pro:The Orlando Sentinel reported last week that Golfweek magazine, in its July 23 issue, reported that rumors indicated that the Oct. 13 to 16 LPGA Samsung World Championship is "going to be Wie's professional debut." The Sentinel also reported the magazine saying that Wie was in line to sign a multi-year deal with Nike in the $10 million range. The Samsung tournament will begin two days after Wie's 16th birthday on Oct. 11.Is she ready? Should she simply strike while the iron is hot?

[Linkmeister]

It's the same argument that's made about high school players and the NBA: what if the youngster suffers a possibly career-ending injury this month and hasn't cashed in?

Fifteen is awfully young to be traveling around the country going to tournaments; I'd imagine the family would want to travel with her, and then what happens to the parents' careers?

Tough choices.

[alohabear]

I think her father is pushing her to live his dream. I often wonder how a professer who makes about 80 grand a year can pay for his child to zip around the world golfing and still afford Punahou. From what I hear( from people who follow golf) is that since she's not a pro yet , NIKE pays her father as a golf consultant with the promise that when she does go pro, she'll endrose them. That way they have the cash. I'm sure NIKE is not the only company to do this( they did the same for Tiger Woods dad).

[pzarquon]

To me the question is, will the peak of her success in the long term be now, when she's a novelty rather than solely a talent? That is, in three years, she could just another really good 18-year-old women's golf player. Right now, she's a phenomenon. If she goes pro and wins a championship next year, everyone will be watching. If she works slow and steady, she might climb the ranks and do it all right, but end up nothing altogether that special a decade from now, merely a footnote because of what she did at 15.

I don't think she's ready to go pro, and I don't think she thinks she's ready to go pro, either. But "striking when the iron is hot" is a reasonable strategy, one followed by many sports and other young "stars." That path could go horribly wrong, but it could also work out best with the right planning and perspective. Cash in today, but be prepared for and perfectly happy with being forgotten in ten years. With more money in the bank, it's a less painful transition.

[Linkmeister]

I'm trying to think of a comparable female golfer and I can't. Laura Baugh and Jan Stevenson were big stars early, but it was because of their looks, not their games. Nancy Lopez was huge, but she won something like ten tournaments one year and then took a few years off to raise kids.

Wie has now finished second in two or three LPGA tournaments as an amateur. That's better than Woods ever did.

Speaking of seconds, a statistic I'd forgotten: Nicklaus had 18 major tournament wins, but the one that really stands out beyond that is he also finished second in majors 18 times (or close to that nbr). Think about that. First or second place 36 times on the biggest stages your game has to offer.

[shaveice]

like you, i don't know much about golf and have never had any interest in playing it. just my two cents but i think it's almost a no brainer. i say go for the bucks. even if she fizzles out, she'll have made enough money to do whatever she wants for the rest of her life: play golf, go to school, work at down to earth, coach at punahou, whatever. just my two cents...

[Beachboy]

I'm no golfer myself, nor do I watch much of it either. As a TV viewing sport, I put golf in between bowling & birdwatching. But I have taken a keen interest in Miss Wie, only because she is a "local girl" who has made good. But I think "Team Wie", is making a big mistake putting this youngster up against the PGA. Let's not lose sight that this young lady hasn't even won a tourney yet in the LPGA yet. I say one step at a time, and they should be "baby steps" too! I'd sure hate to see this girl 'hit the wall', and burnout like the young tennis star Tracy Austin did 30 years ago.

Michelle Wie is all but a pro already. Though she hasn't excepted tourney money,but money from sponsers is excepted. How else would she be world hopping to make all these tourneys? I believe her classmate(S. Kono) is just as talented, but is perhaps taking a road less risky to fall into career burnout!
I hope Michelle's parents don't lose sight that she is only a teenager, and let her live a life as a teenager too! I'm sure that is what the Kono family is doing with their daughter.

[pzarquon]

Wie reportedly will turn pro next week (http://starbulletin.com/breaking/breaking.php?id=3802)
Michelle Wie plans to announce Wednesday she is turning professional, six days before her 16th birthday, ending an amateur career in which she spent most of her time playing against the pros.

Two sources involved with her decision, both speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that Wie would make the morning announcement at the Kahala Mandarin Hotel near the Waialae Country Club, where she has twice played in the Sony Open.

[Glen Miyashiro]

Which reminds me of MrWendell's Metroblogging Hawaii entry (http://hawaii.metblogs.com/archives/2005/07/thats_just_gros.phtml) about Michelle Wie from a few months back. She may be turning pro, but she's still just a kid.

[LikaNui]

The article says she'll be the only junior at Punahou who's a millionaire. Good for her!
But I wonder if she'll really be the only millionaire student there...
:p

[glossyp]

The press conference should be starting soon - I saw a shot of the room - it's covered in Nike logos. No more wearing what she wants (except for maybe those fun earrings she favors!) when she plays. My only hope is that she doesn't lose her love for the game. I don't think you can get as good as she is solely to please some one else.

[LikaNui]

It's official now. More power to her!
And, bless her little heart, the first thing she did was to pledge $500,000 to the U.S. Golf Hurricane Relief Fund, set up by the major golf organizations. :)
Here's what has already hit, just one hour after the press conference started:

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2005/Oct/05/br/br02p.html

http://starbulletin.com/breaking/breaking.php?id=3812

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/golf/10/05/wie.pro/index.html

http://msn.foxsports.com/golf/story/4934532

[Miulang]

Yeah, and she's got the bod and looks of a superstar model, so if her golfing career ever fades, she could probably make a lot of money on the catwalks, too! :) She could be the next Anna Kornikova or Serena Williams.

Miulang

[Miulang]

The article says she'll be the only junior at Punahou who's a millionaire. Good for her!
But I wonder if she'll really be the only millionaire student there...
:p
She'll probably the only rich kid at Punahou who earned her millions on her own. The rest of the rich kids there probably were born with silver spoons in their mouths and are related to wealthy people.

Miulang

[jdub]

i say geev um, weezie...even if she goes out like a damp bottle rocket, she'll still have the cash, and, as far as i can tell, $10M still goes a long way towards a lifetime of security...

any bets on the over-under for her first playboy spread? (crass, i know, but not unrealistic)

[Glen Miyashiro]

i say geev um, weezie...even if she goes out like a damp bottle rocket, she'll still have the cash, and, as far as i can tell, $10M still goes a long way towards a lifetime of security...I could happily live off of $10M for the rest of my life. Hell, I'd settle for $5M. :rolleyes:

any bets on the over-under for her first playboy spread? (crass, i know, but not unrealistic)Ohhh, brah, don't go there. Remember, she's not even 16 yet!

[jdub]

Ohhh, brah, don't go there. Remember, she's not even 16 yet!

i know, i know...hence the "over-under" qualification...hell, she's been glamorized all over the globe...it just seems like a logical question begging an extrapolated answer...i've got more keiki nieces than i can count, so i certainly didn't mean to sound perverted...my apologies...

but the question remains...

[EastCoastTropics]

Heck, she could get a job hosting any and/or all tournaments or get on the infocommercial circut or sell golf clothing on Home Shopping Network! Heck, I'd watch! :D I love golf (so does hubby) and we love watching her golf!

[Surfingfarmboy]

WSKO (The Score) 790, a local sports talk radio station in Providence, has been advertising advance ticket sales for the 2006 US Women's Open, which will be held in July '06, at the Newport (RI) Country Club. The ad makes mention of some of the better-known female golfers on the LPGA tour who are expected to compete in Newport...perhaps a dozen names are read-off during the commercial. I'm just curious as to how long it will take the radio station to amend the ad and include "Michelle Wie" in the list of golfers expected to compete.

I remember the radio station interviewed the president of the Newport Country Club about the upcoming open, maybe two months ago, and I'm estimating that 75% of the conversation revolved around Michelle Wie. You could tell that this guy was chomping at the bit, hoping and praying that Michelle would go pro or get an exemption to play at the open in 2006.

I'm guessing that there is going to be a big-time increase in sales now that Michelle is going pro, with ticket buyers betting that she's going to play the most prestegious event on the LPGA.

[craigwatanabe]

I just wish she'd stop talking like Elvis with that drawl ya know what ah mean! :D

[LikaNui]

I just wish she'd stop talking like Elvis with that drawl ya know what ah mean! :D That's no drawl -- it's her braces and retainer!
:p

[craigwatanabe]

That's no drawl -- it's her braces and retainer!
:p


I think Michelle Wie better watch out on those rainy golf days. Was it Lee Travino who got struck twice by lightning on the golf course? With all that metal in her mouth I wonder if she picks up any good radio stations?

[MadAzza]

Yeah, and she's got the bod and looks of a superstar model, so if her golfing career ever fades, she could probably make a lot of money on the catwalks, too! :) She could be the next Anna Kornikova or Serena Williams.



Yes, except that Kournikova has never actually won a major. Serena and Michelle, though -- they have the talent to back up their looks.

I'm amazed at how poised this 15-year-old kid is. I look forward to watching her evolve as a player and, yes, as a woman. Props to her for donating her first half-mil to Katrina victims.

[drewb]

I could happily live off of $10M for the rest of my life. Hell, I'd settle for $5M. :rolleyes:

Ohhh, brah, don't go there. Remember, she's not even 16 yet!
das ok glen...da kine uncle inouye say 16 ok in hawaii use to be 14 but wen change

[jdub]

I think Michelle Wie better watch out on those rainy golf days. Was it Lee Travino who got struck twice by lightning on the golf course? With all that metal in her mouth I wonder if she picks up any good radio stations?

trevino said after shanking a 1-iron and a bolt of lightning hit a nearby tree immediately thereafter, "See! Not even God can hit a 1-iron!"

as i watched today's coverage, wiesy's braces are now off...

[EastCoastTropics]

trevino said after shanking a 1-iron and a bolt of lightning hit a nearby tree immediately thereafter, "See! Not even God can hit a 1-iron!"

:D :D :D



Rain isn't bad....we've played in rain....and snow with ice on the ground! :rolleyes: It's when ya start to hear the thunder...then ya have to be careful and most likely take a raincheck.

[Miulang]

:D :D :D



Rain isn't bad....we've played in rain....and snow with ice on the ground! :rolleyes: It's when ya start to hear the thunder...then ya have to be careful and most likely take a raincheck.

And don't run under a tree to get out of the rain if you hear that thunder...THAT's the dangerous part...getting zapped by the lightning. "Toasted on the 9th hole".

Miulang

[Pomai]

The Mayor (or Gov') should hold another "No Scade 'Em, Go Get 'Em" celebration for her, like the parade that was held for our Ewa Beach Little League Champs.

That would be way cool.
:rolleyes:

[craigwatanabe]

And don't run under a tree to get out of the rain if you hear that thunder...THAT's the dangerous part...getting zapped by the lightning. "Toasted on the 9th hole".

Miulang


I'd rather get toasted on the 19th! :D

[EastCoastTropics]

I'd rather get toasted on the 19th! :D

:D :D :D

hehehe...

[manoasurfer123]

Anyone notice that Michelle Wie was the "Question" to a Jeopardy "Answer" the other night?

It had to do w/ (not sure if this is completely correct...please correct me if I'm wrong)

"This person became the youngest person at 14 to win the ..."

The answer of course being said by a mainland person was "Who is Wie"

[MadAzza]

We is the people on Hawaii Threads!

haw haw haw <snort>

[manoasurfer123]

Seeing her cry yesterday because of a bad golf round....made me think twice whether she IS MATURE ENOUGH????

She still must have at least $9 million Banked on just sponsorship....

Made me think... "Money Doesn't Buy Happiness."

But, damn.... to cry because of a bad golf game????

ANYONE ELSE CRY when they have a bad golf game and still have 9 million in the bank?

OK... Please don't hate me hawaii...just observing... I am a true fan of hers...

[tutusue]

Seeing her cry yesterday because of a bad golf round....made me think twice whether she IS MATURE ENOUGH????
[...]
I dunno...I've been following her and feel she is mature beyond her years. That said, I prefer that kids be allowed to remain kids thru high school.

She's handled other disappointing rounds with grace and dignity. I think those might've been tears more out of embarrassment and/or humiliation than anything else. That might've been her worst round of golf in the last 3 years or so. Then to have it happen at home, during a major tournament, in front of what I've heard was a large gallery...well...she's only human.

Just my 2 centavos...

[kimo55]

crying? CRYING!? There's no CRYIIINNNGGG... in golfball!

[Linkmeister]

She shot a 68 today. An 11-stroke turnaround from the prior day's round is almost incomprehensible, not to say nearly impossible.

[manoasurfer123]

$700,000 appearance fee...

However the winner of the tourney only gets $600,000...

I say Wie won before she stepped off the plane at the latest tourney

Manoa thinking what he would do w/ $700,000 for stepping off an airplane :)

[Leo Lakio]

I am We as You are We as She is Wie and We are all together...

I am the Leo (woooooo)
He is da Lurkah (woooooo)
We are the Threaders --- GooGooGaJoob

[manoasurfer123]

yahoo buzz index... #2 Michelle Wie

at the time I post this....

Haven't seen her in the top 10 before!

It also appears that she has an official website now...

http://www.missmichellewie.com/

However, I can't guarantee that's not someone trying to swap her glory.... it does look pretty official though...

_______________
"Buzz Log - What the world is searching for » More Buzz

Barbaro's sad taleDerby champ Barbaro's devastating injury in the Preakness renewed buzz on horse racing. More...
Popular Sports Searches
1. Barbaro
2. Michelle Wie 3. Albert Pujols
4. Belmont Stakes "
_____________________________

[Surfingfarmboy]

Michelle received an exemption last week from qualifying for the Women's US Open which will be held at the Newport Country Club in Newport, RI last week, and I think the organizers of this event all gave a collective sigh of relief when they heard that news. She is officially in! I'm pretty sure they've been waiting impatiently for that announcement.

The Boston Globe sports section this past Sunday had a large ad announcing that she would be in the tournament and implied, with her admission to the tournament, prospective attendees of this event better get their tickets now.

There has also been a large billboard in downtown Providence, off one of the interstates, that has been touting the Open since last winter. Right now, the billboard highlights Paula Creamer and I'm not sure who else. But I'm betting with Michelle now an official entrant to the Open, that billboard will be changed to one exclusively announcing that she's in the tournament.

There's quite a buzz around here...Michelle's in the Open...better get your tickets now!

[Glen Miyashiro]

It also appears that she has an official website now...

http://www.missmichellewie.com/

However, I can't guarantee that's not someone trying to swap her glory.... it does look pretty official though...Nope. A quick WHOIS search shows that that domain is owned by some guy in Manila. Somehow I don't think that would be Michelle or her parents.

Whois.Net

WHOIS information for missmichellewie.com:

[whois.melbourneit.com]

Domain Name.......... missmichellewie.com
Creation Date........ 2005-10-13
Registration Date.... 2005-10-13
Expiry Date.......... 2007-10-13
Organisation Name.... Aster Edward Umali
Organisation Address. Unit 24i Tower 2 Paseo Parkview Suites
Organisation Address. 142 Valero Street
Organisation Address. Makati City
Organisation Address. 1200
Organisation Address. Metro Manila
Organisation Address. PHILIPPINESMichelle's official web site is at http://michellewie.com, and is owned by her father BJ and managed by the William Morris Agency. Apparently it's just a placeholder for now.

[manoasurfer123]

if your on now...

Turn to the golf channel...Digital channlel #216

Michelle is one stroke away from winning her first Championship!

And what a championship it would be... the LPGA McDonald's one... Big Money!

[scrivener]

Here's why you always read at least the lead paragraph when you're headline-surfing:

http://www.mitchellkdwyer.net/images/WieHeadline.png

[manoasurfer123]

that's a good one scriv!

[pzarquon]

Nice catch, Scriv. (And good thinking saving a screen capture locally... of course they've fixed it elsewhere: "Pak lifts LPGA title after play-off win (http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=2064555).") A bit of a "Dewey Defeats Truman (http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trm145.html)" flub there! Bet the web team was sitting with their fingers hovering over the "publish" button on different versions of the story, clicking when the final score was posted but forgetting to rewrite the hed.

The correct headlines spreading across the web tell the real story...


Pak Wins in Playoff; Wie Ties for Fifth (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/12/sports/golf/12lpga.html)
Wie finishes tied for fifth at LPGA Championship (http://www.tampabays10.com/sports/article.aspx?storyid=33216)
Wie, others should find a role model in Pak (http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=2480266)
The newscasts were so optimistic about her one-off-the-lead standing yesterday... so it was hard not to guess how this tournament was going to end. It's a story we've seen a few too many times.

I wish Wie well, I do. But "Wie almost makes it" won't be news much longer. It barely is now. Sigh. I want her to be an inspiration, not a cautionary tale, you know?

[Linkmeister]

I really don't get the high expectations for her, at least not in the first part of her summer. She doesn't play in tournament conditions for about six months out of the year, and then people expect her to win her first time out?

Wait till she's playing full-time, folks.

That said, if she could get her putting up to the level the rest of her game has reached...

[Surfingfarmboy]

WEEI-AM/FM, a sports talk station from Boston has been frequently airing ads that exclusively announce (no mention of any other lady golfers) that Michelle Wie will be playing the Women's US Open in Newport. It's an ad that chronologically tells a brief story of Michelle's golf history...at age 4 she did this, at age 7 this, at 10 she shot a 67 (or some absurdly low number for a 10 year old), and so on. Like all of the other Women's US Open ads I've seen in print, and heard over the airwaves, this ad implies one best get their tickets to the tournament now if one wants to see Michelle in action. I'd say (and I'm no rocket scientist in declaring this obvious fact) that Michelle has huge expections from the golfing fans out this way. A heavy burden of pressure for such a young girl to bear.

[manoasurfer123]

WEEI-AM/FM, a sports talk station from Boston has been frequently airing ads that exclusively announce (no mention of any other lady golfers) that Michelle Wie will be playing the Women's US Open in Newport. It's an ad that chronologically tells a brief story of Michelle's golf history...at age 4 she did this, at age 7 this, at 10 she shot a 67 (or some absurdly low number for a 10 year old), and so on. Like all of the other Women's US Open ads I've seen in print, and heard over the airwaves, this ad implies one best get their tickets to the tournament now if one wants to see Michelle in action. I'd say (and I'm no rocket scientist in declaring this obvious fact) that Michelle has huge expections from the golfing fans out this way. A heavy burden of pressure for such a young girl to bear.
Can we expect a "Farmboy HT 3:16" Sign in the near future?

I'd love to start seeing some WIE fan with an HT Shirt some time ;)

[scrivener]

I'd say ... that Michelle has huge expections from the golfing fans out this way. A heavy burden of pressure for such a young girl to bear.
Yes, and it also justifies the numerous sponsors' exemptions Michelle received when she was still an amateur. The corporate sponsors cough up the money, so exempting certain players from qualifying when those players will bring in the fans totally makes sense. It's good for the sponsors and good for the towns that host the tournaments, and ultimately it's good for the pros. The only thing it's really not good for is the integrity of the game, but pro golf was never going to make it without the financial backing of corporate sponsors, so it sold its soul long, long ago anyway.

[TuNnL]

She'll probably the only rich kid at Punahou who earned her millions on her own. The rest of the rich kids there probably were born with silver spoons in their mouths and are related to wealthy people.You could say that about rich kids at any school in the world. So why bring it up? Are you trying to imply that only rich kids attend or have graduated from Punahou? :confused:

[manoasurfer123]

You could say that about rich kids at any school in the world. So why bring it up? Are you trying to imply that only rich kids attend or have graduated from Punahou? :confused:
Considering Punahous tuition is one of the Higher ones in the State...

I would say that ones family does have to have some money to attend.

Although, I know of peoples family that have gone broke by trying to have there children attend there.

It cost's more per year to attend Punahou... then it does to Attend UH Manoa!

The following rates will be in effect for the 2005-2006 school year:

Punahou:

Grades K-12
Tuition: $13,775

UH Manoa Per Semester: (Resident less Yet)
$2,160 Per Semester Resident X 2 semesters per year: $4,320.

Even Non Residents pay less at UH then a Punahou Student:
$6,096 per semester X 2 Semester per year: $12,192 Per Year.

Now let's multiply those numbers by the amount of years you attend each institution:

13 years at Punahou = $179,075
4 years at UH Manoa = $17,280

4 years at Harvard @ $30,275 Per Year = $121,100

I think the numbers talk for themselves

Sheesh...and my mom went Punahou... to think she never let me go there!
I was a happy camper that she sent me to UH Manoa...

And many of the Punahou students that I have talked to.... Complain about attending UH... the nerve!

[glossyp]

It's going to be a real show tomorrow as the women play 36 holes. Michelle is in the first group along with Annika Sorenstam and Pat Hurst who are tied for the lead. Jason Sobel of ESPN has a good article about why tomorrow will be unique. Sobel article. (http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/columns/story?columnist=sobel_jason&id=2507087) He does take a not-so-subtle dig at Michelle in this quote "That group includes amateur Jane Park, two-time Open champion Juli Inkster and Wie, who has seemingly become everybody's favorite hot-button issue for her relentless pursuit to compete with the world's best men and palpable failure to defeat the world's best women." On the other hand, what he writes about her is true - maybe tomorrow she can prove him wrong. Go Michelle!

[LikaNui]

Apparently ESPN2 will carry the first round, starting at 5am HST. Fortunately, that's about the time I wake up every day, so Michelle and I will be having coffee together. Sort of.

[Surfingfarmboy]

I'm thinking about sneaking down to Newport today and seeing about getting in to the NCC, seeing that it's only 15 miles from where I live. Then I can be one of many in throng following Michelle around hole to hole! ;) I did watch Michelle on NBC yesterday..it's neat seeing this local girl from HI right here in RI! I just wish the weather would have cooperated better than it had for the golfers...yesterday wasn't too bad; today should be even better but I hear the winds are going to be rough..they are already blowing pretty good for this time in the AM.

[EastCoastTropics]

Lucky you Surfingfarmboy! I wanted to attend this but am unable to as we just closed on our home and moved into another home. Still trying to get situated! If you can, please get some photos.....*wishing I could attend!*

[Hi Tone]

lol, I'm in providence rhode island

[LikaNui]

Our girl finished in a tie for third place -- hooray!

(Oh, and she'll bring home a check for $156,000.)

[manoasurfer123]

She is still setting records!!!!

I mean come on now... this girl is freaking unbelievable!

I watched the final 4 holes and she did have a chance.... Annika had a solid last round and closed it out...

Mark these words... Michelle Wie will win a Major before she turns 18! Something no one else has ever done.

[scrivener]

I watched most of this, and was impressed by Wie's apparent unflappability. There was one hole near the end, where she "saved" bogey. Missed the fairway. Hit into the really tall grass. Tapped it out of the grass. Then into the sandbox. Then the green. Seemed like everything that could have gone wrong did, but when she finally got it on the green, she did what she had to.

It was cool. Michelle's a pro. She finished behind a hall-of-famer and former LPGA rookie of the year, and ahead of almost everyone else. Nice work.

[tutusue]

[...]It was cool. Michelle's a pro. She finished behind a hall-of-famer and former LPGA rookie of the year, and ahead of almost everyone else. Nice work.
Michelle's amazing! She finished in the top 5 in every LPGA tournament she's played in this year...according to KGMB!

Even without an ounce of athletic talent she would've made a fortune as a model.

[glossyp]

I wouldn't be surprised if she wins her first tournament before the end of the year. The experience of playing in full-on professional competition is improving her game and mental skills. She demonstrated that yesterday by not falling apart when shots didn't go well and stayed steady through 36 holes. Her putting was solid and that is the secret to winning. And, congratulations to Annika for eventually winning the title!

[manoasurfer123]

Looks like michelle is feeling a little bit Wiesy :rolleyes:

"Wie in 'stable condition' at hospital"

Hope she's feeling better soon.

http://starbulletin.com/breaking/breaking.php?id=4667

"SILVIS, Ill. >> Michelle Wie was in stable condition according to a doctor and at an area hospital after withdrawing from the John Deere Classic today."

[kamuelakea]

I know people will say I'm raining on the parade but I think the topic of child superstars is important.

Along the way, I've always become more worried about Michelle Wie but I never joined this thread because if I said anything less that supportive, I would be attacked as just negative, jealous, etc.

Now that she's had a bad day, people will say the same.

But I always worry about any "prodigy" kid when it seems like the parents are overly involved in their childrens success. Tiger Woods father was involved but somehow seemed to always be a father first. Tiger went to Stanford before turning pro.

Michelle seems like she's turning more and more into the thing I feared most; the stressed out, pressured, capitalistic product to be bought and sold on the open market.

Since when does a girl who grew up in Hawaii suffer from Heat Stroke? It might be partially true but I think shes just exhausted period.

The world is littered with child prodigy's who grow up and turn into average joes, or less, because they lossed interest and energy at 16. I feel sorry for her on what she's missing as a high school student just being a regular kid. No millions will ever replace what she's missed of her childhood.

Ask Michael Jackson.

[pzarquon]

As I said at the start of this thread, before she even turned pro, I doubted that she was ready, and suspected she wasn't sure either. She's no fool, and certainly knows the drawbacks to making her move so young. It was a calculated risk, to cash in now when she's perhaps more hype then reality but face a career that might fall short, or wait and hack it out over the next {x} years and hope folks would still be waiting for her with checkbooks in hand at the other end.

I'm beginning to doubt, had she held out and taken her lumps and went pro "eventually," that she'd have half the opportunities she's getting today. That she'd have all this exposure, a platform to inspire younger, female golfers, or a purse big enough to allow her to write huge checks to charity. If the long-term outcome is an unknown, anyway, why not ride the wave while it's there?

She's got a good head on her shoulders and lots of support. Whatever happens, I doubt she'll end up playing checkers with monkeys at Neverland.

She ate too much and drank too little and got a bit woosy. Doesn't sound at all unexpected for an excited teenager. Glad she's out of the hospital and hope she's back doing what she loves soon.

[manoasurfer123]

PZ you should write a book sometime :)

He hit it on the head... Plus while the temperatures maybe close the same... the humidity was different.

One of my friends that has left Hawaii complains about how cold Washington is in the Winter.... and How DRY and HOT it was there in Summer.

During his first year he spent most of the Winter sick and with a runny nose... When summer came around... He stayed inside the A/C all the time cause he couldn't handle the heat.

Temperature as well as Humidity along with the Food and no water all contributed to her getting sick... (and for that matter... I'm sure she's a bit homesick since she will be spending the entire summer on the mainland)

[kamuelakea]

That she'd have all this exposure, a platform to inspire younger, female golfers, or a purse big enough to allow her to write huge checks to charity. If the long-term outcome is an unknown, anyway, why not ride the wave while it's there?


Most of what you list to justify robbing her of her childhood is for you and me and the public etc etc. Kind of selfish, no? Its all about us. What Michelle can accomplish for women, for Asians, for Koreans. What about her? We often times look at the famous and admire them and wish we could be them. But many will tell you that fame has a steep price - especially when it was earned as a child.

Most teenagers don't give a rip about millions of dollars really. Sure they like money but that's not the typical drive. Most kid prodigy's are really most worried about pleasing their parents. And that is where things can go wrong.

At some point, rich and famous and talented kids tend to get tired of tring to please their parents.

If she can handle the pressure, great, I admire that. But it's starting to look like she can't and I think that's actually a normal healthy childs reaction.

[manoasurfer123]

But it's starting to look like she can't and I think that's actually a normal healthy childs reaction.

Are talking about getting sick?

Have you ever been sick? Gee sorry... I guess they don't give her sick leave like the rest of us ;)

[tutusue]

I know people will say I'm raining on the parade but I think the topic of child superstars is important.[...]
I have to agree with you! The care, custody and control of child stars fall directly on the parents regardless of all the consultants, agents and managers they bring into the mix. I've seen too many disasters.

I'll never forget the empty look in a 7 year old little girl's eyes on the set of a toy commercial a few decades ago. The parents were always travelling and the pint size actress showed up on the set with the housekeeper. When the camera was rolling she was 'on'. She was so incredibly good for her age it was scary. Smart, too. When the camera wasn't rolling she would go off to a corner and play by herself. I joined her and played too and talked about my little girl and school and anything I could think of to learn more about this reclusive little actress. She was so sweet and so alone. And her parents, while pushing her career, were off doing their own thing. It just blew me away. Her childhood was a film set and a housekeeper.

I worked with her a couple of more times, followed her name and career...and both became huge. She became and still is a star. But, she made a decision that just blew me away and gave me hope. She went off to college and she graduated with honors. She didn't go the way of so many child stars but the potential was sure there. Was college her decision? Her parents? I'd love to know what kept this child on track because it's just so rare.

Michelle has lost her childhood but I get the feeling that that's a tight family unit. She appears to be a well grounded young woman. I sincerely hope Michelle gets to experience college and get some partying out of her system! :D I guess with sports one has to strike while the iron is hot.

[kamuelakea]

She appears to be a well grounded young woman. I sincerely hope Michelle gets to experience college and get some partying out of her system! :D


Amen to that tutusue. I hope the parents can put off a few more millions if thats what Michelle wants to do.

PS My guess is Brooke Shields??

[tutusue]

[...]PS My guess is Brooke Shields??
That's the logical guess but not the correct one! I've discussed this particular child star scenario many times over the years, esp. to parents of small children who want to know how to get their child into show biz. I've never disclosed the name of the 'star'.

[Linkmeister]

I think Michelle's not being given enough credit here. She's an exceptional athlete, and like most athletes she wants to compete at the highest level.

Have you noticed that when she's back here for school she completely disappears from public view? She's being a school kid for months out of the year, and seems quite happy to do that. She's not dropping out to go play golf full time, like so many of the tennis stars her age have done.

(Side note: Sports Illustrated has a retrospective story about Andre Agassi in the current issue; he grew up with a tennis dad of sorts, and he dropped out of school in or after 8th grade.)

I'd say she's quite comfortable with herself and what she's doing. She gets more attention than most because of what she's doing, but she seems to carry it off quite well.

[Surfingfarmboy]

I actually happened to be watching the cable television broadcast of the John Deere Open when the announcement that Michelle had withdrawn from the tournament. Later, on the news (about an hour later) I saw film footage of her being transported to an area hospital, via ambulance, in Moline. From the view afforded on TV, she really looked sapped, especially with the IV drip hanging off of her.

I'm certain the heat and humidity in the Quad Cities area of Illinois must have been awful, like it usually is there in mid-July. I went to college at Southern Illinois University, and I know a thing or two about the heat and humidity in the Prairie State. It's stiffling. The southern end of Illinois, which is actually closer to Mississippi than Chicago and has a climate more resemblent to the southern US than the Midwest, has some of the most oppressive heat and humidity found in the US, in the summer. It doesn't get as outright hot as say Yuma, AZ does, but when the tempearatures reach the mid-90s with that 60% humidity, the heat indices often breach into the hundreds. It does get nasty. While where Michelle was about 250 miles north of where I was at in school at SIU, the Quad Cities can get very oppressive as well.

I wish her the best in her recovery...she should be okay. I suffered heat exhaustion during the '04 Boston Marathon and had to get an IV after the race...it was cramp city for me. After the IV did it's job, and I got some water and salts back into my system, I was fine. Michelle may have felt pretty bad yesterday, but I bet she comes around today.

[manoasurfer123]

For those that think the pressure is on Michelle Wie...

How about this 10 year old Basketball phenom Justin Jenifer.

During the past year, he had fielded requests from at least seven AAU coaches who wanted Justin on their travel-intensive teams, including one in Atlanta that offered to fly Justin in for weekend tournaments.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2003133788_prospect18.html


I mean this boy is only 10 and he's convinced he's going to the NBA! :eek:

Justin's confidence skyrocketed. He appeared briefly in a commercial with NBA standout Carmelo Anthony, and that three-second spot made him a celebrity at Arlington Baptist School in Baltimore, where he recently finished fourth grade. Once reserved, he now boasted to friends that he would play in the NBA — or, if that fell through, at least become an NBA coach.

[1stwahine]

Posted on: Thursday, July 27, 2006 6:41 AM
Breaking News Honolulu StarBulletin
"Wie grabs a share of the lead at the Evian Masters
The 16-year-old is tied with Lorena Ochoa and Karrie Webb after two rounds"
Associated Press

You go Girl!!!!! :D

Think Positive. Relax. Think Positive.

Auntie Lynn

[LikaNui]

Hooray for Michelle! (Thanks for the 'heads up', Auntie.)
The "breaking news" stories are in the Star-Bulletin at this link (http://starbulletin.com/breaking/breaking.php?id=4710) and in the Advertiser at this link (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Jul/27/br/br50p.html).

[1stwahine]

In the StarBulletin this morning http://starbulletin.com/2006/07/28/sports/story01.html

Wie tied at top
By Susanne Kemper

"EVIAN, France » It didn't take long for Michelle Wie to prove she is one of the best in the field of this year's Evian Masters.

The teen phenom fired an eye-opening 6-under-par 66 today to grab a share of the lead at 135 with two others at the halfway point of the elite, no-cut invitational."

Go! Michelle!!! Relax, Concentrate, Take Your Time, Breathe in...Breathe Out. :D Gifffff um!!!!

Auntie Lynn

[Linkmeister]

After the third round she's one back at -11. Karrie Webb has the lead at -12, and Ochoa (I think; it was a brief glance at Yahoo Sports' page) is one back of Michelle at -10.

[Linkmeister]

And it stayed that way. Webb won at -16; Wie and Davies tied for 2nd at -15.

Best 16-year-old never to win a major! :D

[LikaNui]

DAMMIT!
I wish folks would remember to use the SPOILER setting when announcing results of things that haven't aired here yet.
Sheesh...
:(

[Linkmeister]

DAMMIT!
I wish folks would remember to use the SPOILER setting when announcing results of things that haven't aired here yet.
Sheesh...
:(

I looked at the TV listings and it said 12:30. Maybe I didn't notice whether it said PM rather than AM. I'm sorry.

[LikaNui]

Eh, that's okay, Linkmeister. As you may have noticed in the Media section, I jumped on both of the daily papers for putting the results on their websites too, so readers couldn't avoid seeing it. They should've done a Spoiler too.

Notice how I check in at HawaiiThreads before going to the newspaper's websites?! :p

[manoasurfer123]

You know you have made it when you are 16 years old and you can fire someone!

had to fix before the playground minotaur came down on me again!

[luv2dive]

On the women's pro tour there's no doubt that she's one of the better players and definately is competitive each time out. She's truly a phenom and I'm a big fan of hers.

I just hope she has had enough just trying to make cuts on the men's tour. I think it's starting to taint her image. I think the novelty has worn off for now. I hope she doesn't enter any more men's events (except maybe the Sony Open) for a while. She should concentrate on dominating on the LPGA tour before even worrying about the men's tour. I have no doubts that eventually she will be able to compete with the men, just not now, afterall she is only 16. She needs to learn how to win first.

That's just my opinion, but what do I know, I'm just a 15 handicapper and she could smoke me on the course.

[pzarquon]

Interesting how the LPGA system was tweaked today (http://starbulletin.com/breaking/breaking.php?id=4769), increasing the number of tournaments that go toward determining one's rank. By the new system, Wie is seventh, not second.

It's a change no doubt prompted by the unusually high rankings Wie and other relatively new players received, but from what I understand (which isn't much, I admit), it makes sense.

Bummer that Wie didn't make the top ten. I kind of feared she'd fall short, since after her last top ten finish, everyone kept saying, "Hey, at least she's always come in the top ten in all her major appearances!" That's just asking for trouble!

I also gotta say, as reasonable as her stock response sounded the first few times ("Well, I could've played better, but I really learned a lot today!"), it's starting to wear thin. This ain't golf school, it's the real world. Or, at least as much as golf can be the real world! :p

[Linkmeister]

I dunno, Pzarq. British courses are so different from American ones that I think it's not at all surprising to say "I learned a lot" after that tournament. :D

[LikaNui]

You know you have made it when you are 16 years old and you can fire someone!I thought I read that the caddy was complaining because neither Michelle nor her father did the firing themselves?

[LikaNui]

I just hope she has had enough just trying to make cuts on the men's tour. I think it's starting to taint her image. I'll respectfully disagree with that. I think golf fans around the planet are pulling for her to make the cut on the PGA tour, and I think her attempts to do that are doing nothing but good for the game of golf. Seen the TV ratings lately? Ever wonder why she gets offered all those Sponsors Exemptions?
Ka-CHING !!$!

She needs to learn how to win first. All in due time. And in the meantime, nobody of any age, in any sport, has shown the consistency she has over the past year! What is it now... 10 top five finishes in her last 12 events? I'll take that any day over seeing her win once and place 26th the rest of the time.
She is a prodigy, and she is astounding.
And she is just a high school kid. Whipping adult long-time professionals.
Plenty of time to "win".

[manoasurfer123]

I thought I read that the caddy was complaining because neither Michelle nor her father did the firing themselves?
Nice catch Lika...

One must wonder how much this decision really was hers?

[LikaNui]

Nice catch, Lika. Do I get a cookie?

[pzarquon]

A 77 and 81 have Wie looking more and more out of place against men (http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/story.html?id=6863126a-0817-4c6f-ad76-831c6513ad43&k=26783) Michelle Wie's admirable but still-unsuccessful attempts to become the first woman to make the cut on the PGA Tour in 61 years increasingly are taking on the look of folly, rather than soon-to-happen reality...

Golfers such as Chris DiMarco politely are trying to persuade her that she would be better off challenging LPGA golfers whenever she can - she can't get a full-time LPGA tour card for another one year-plus - rather than constantly coming up short against the men..."Does she deserve to be out here or does somebody who's put in time and effort more deserve that? I'd like to see her play more events her age, girls her age, and not only win but whip them by a lot," DiMarco said. "That's what breeds confidence and that's what Tiger (Woods) did and that's why Tiger is so good."

[manoasurfer123]

Thank you Michelle Wie for being an excellent example.

School principal Glen Kila estimated the planned donations and refurbishing of the computer room would top $60,000, and possibly $100,000.

Wie's desire to help came in response to a recent series by The Advertiser on the homeless crisis along the coast.
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061114/NEWS01/611140338/1001

I wish more people who could... would be as giving as her.

Her first big check she cut was to the Katrina Victims...and now this.

[pzarquon]

Another poor performance by Wie (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Nov/23/br/br6531728490.html)
Michelle Wie beat only one player in yet another embarrassing performance in a men's event, shooting an 8-over 80 on Friday in the second round of the Japanese tour's Casio World Open. [...] In her previous two men's events, she finished last in the European Masters (78-79) and 84 Lumber Classic (77-81). In the event before that, she withdrew from the John Deere Classic because of heat exhaustion after playing 27 holes in 8 over. She said the poor performances wouldn't deter her from playing in men's events.

[joshuatree]

Another poor performance by Wie (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Nov/23/br/br6531728490.html)

At this point, one has to ask, why is she still seeking to play against the men? I have no probs with her challenging in the PGA but clearly she's not at that level, why does she look down on the LPGA? It's not like she's dominating in that league either? :confused:

[i-hungry]

The real problem is that she turned pro much too early.

[cezanne]

Okay Michelle.... nuff already... try win some LPGA event first.

[NoCal Boy]

I wonder how Tadd Fujikawa's success at the Sony last week will affect Team Wie's game plan. It's the first time in quite a while that she probably hasn't been considered Hawaii's favorite golfer. Even before Tadd's run it seemed she'd begun losing some of the home court advantage when signs were posted adjoining Waialae questioning her inclusion in the field.

It seems clear to just about everybody outside her circle that she doesn't belong on the PGA Tour, at least right now. As a fan myself, I find it painful to see her continue to fail at this level, and continue to trot out the same excuses explanations rationalizations speeches that her sponsor-provided spin doctors coach her say. Maybe *she* believes that "it's not a marketing plan", but don't think that Sony and Nike feel that it isn't when they see all the media she attracts while brandishing their logos.

The LPGA season is just about to start up at Ko Olina and last I heard Michelle hadn't committed to play either there or Turtle Bay the following week. Even on this tour she's losing some of her shine - she's 17 now and has yet to win a tournament. Not that it takes away any of her talent, but a lot of the initial buzz was as "child phenom", which largely doesn't apply anymore as she's (too) quickly becoming a woman, and other rising stars like Hawaii's own Kimberly Kim are coming up quickly. If she fails to win on the ladies' tour this year, it's just going to get harder next year when she's attending Stanford full time.

[LikaNui]

Bummer. According to this Breaking News story (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/May/31/br/br2384190567.html) on the Advertiser's website:

"Michelle Wie withdrew from the Ginn Tribute today after playing much of the first round with bandaged wrists and shooting 14 over par through 16 holes.
"After Wie bogeyed the par-4 seventh -- her 16th as she started on the back nine -- the 17-year-old Punahou School senior told an LPGA tour official: "We're not going to play anymore."
(...)
"Wie's round included a 10 on the par-5 No. 3 hole. She triple-bogeyed another hole.
"Starting on the back nine on the River Towne Country Club in Mount Pleasant S.C., Wie's game went south almost immediately as she played the first five holes in 7-over.
"She opened with a par and then went bogey, double bogey, bogey and triple bogey on successive holes. She bogeyed hole No. 16 to fall to 8-over before closing with a birdie-3 on hole No. 18 to make the turn at 7-over 43.
"Wie parred the first two holes on her back nine before recording a 10 on the par-5 No. 3.
"She then bogeyed the par-4 No. 5 -- her 14th -- to fall to 13-over. After recording another bogey on her 16th hole, Wie withdrew."

But Michelle wasn't the only wrist-plagued golfer this morning, as noted at this link (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/May/31/br/br1736024985.html), also from the Advertiser's site:

"The looming duel between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson at the Memorial Tournament disappeared before Woods even hit his first shot: Mickelson withdrew with an injured left wrist after 11 holes.
"I don't think it's anything serious but it just got worse. I couldn't grab the club and I couldn't swing," said Mickelson, who was 2 over through 11 holes today before returning to the clubhouse. "I hit a wedge on 2 and it got really aggravated."

[NoCal Boy]

Oh geez, the Michelle-haters are gonna have a field day with this! There is so much resentment towards her already (some justified) because of her huge endorsement deals and sponsor exemptions into men's and women's events that some (many?) say she hasn't earned based on her lack of winning a tournament. She gets into these events because she sells tickets, period. But how long will she continue to do so? Her sell-by date seems to be fast approaching, especially now that her rival Morgan Pressel became the youngest woman to win an LPGA major a couple months back.

I just hope that her injury heals quickly enough for her to bounce back and fulfill at least some of the potential she's been riding for the past few years.

[kamuelakea]

I am not a Michelle Wie hater. However, from the beginning, I have expressed concern about what appears to me to be typical controlling 1 child parent syndrome.

Everytime I've done that, people call me a Wie hater.

I have always felt a little sorry for the girl. She's been used and pimped like a race horse.

I think the poor girl is feeling the pressure of having lost most of her high school years to golf. I think she's got her mind on going to college away from her controling parents and getting on with her life.

These girls usually end up rebelling at the next stage of life. Colored hair, piercings, sex, boyfriends of races the parents won't celebrate. In her recent interviews, it seemed very clear to me that she was excited and elated to be leaving Hawaii and probably mostly the grip of her parents and the whole media circus.

I hope she lets go and has a blast in college and starts to catch up on the fun of life that she missed out on.

[ItsGoTime!]

I wonder how Tadd Fujikawa's success at the
As a fan myself, I find it painful to see her continue to fail at this level, and continue to trot out the same excuses explanations rationalizations speeches that her sponsor-provided spin doctors coach her say.

This sums up my feelings for Wie. So much talent, not enough mental toughness (compare her to Morgan Pressel, whom I dislike, but respect tremendously), and full of excuses. It's always wrist this, or conditions that, or fatigue whatever. Own up to your bad play, take criticisms and learn from them, and work hard to get better. It seems like kids in general have aversions to being criticized. Can't let it affect you like that, especially if you are one to go seeking praise and adoration.

[kamuelakea]

This sums up my feelings for Wie. So much talent, not enough mental toughness (compare her to Morgan Pressel, whom I dislike, but respect tremendously), and full of excuses. It's always wrist this, or conditions that, or fatigue whatever. Own up to your bad play, take criticisms and learn from them, and work hard to get better. It seems like kids in general have aversions to being criticized. Can't let it affect you like that, especially if you are one to go seeking praise and adoration.



WOW! I've always had some distant admiration for people and cultures with that kind of discipline. Russian gymnastics, Chinese Women’s Volleyball etc. But I’ve also been happy that I didn’t grow up with parents like that or in a culture like those.

Much of your comments seem appropriate for adults. But for children? I tend to think that the parents that are most controlling and critical and abusive are the ones who want their children to succeed for THEIR own sense of accomplishment. In the United States, that usually backfires.

I am no Tiger Woods expert but I never sensed that with Tiger Woods relationship with his father. Seemed to be one of the warmest most respectful father son relationships I’ve seen (albeit from afar). Tiger seemed to deeply love his father not fear him. Tiger seemed to honor and admire his dad more than he probably thinks he should be admired for his golf abilities. That is one of the reasons I think Tiger went through that boot camp experience. I think he really really admired his father and wanted to “be like dad”. When his dad died, it was obvious he was missing his best friend.

And Tiger’s dad didn’t seem to have a problem with Tiger not turning pro to make a million but instead to go to college. He seemed to support his son, not control and direct.

Michelle’s father on the other hand had to be convinced that it was time for him to let go 3 or 4 years back. Michelle seems like she honors her parents in that stoic and maybe even fearful manner common in Asian cultures. I think that control and all the easy money took the fun out of golf for Michelle and she just wants her life back, even if it means losing a few million bucks in the process.

I say take your life back Michelle. Go to college and have good clean fun, fun, fun. Do what you want when you want it. But hopefully don’t let the frustration of being a child prodigy cause to go too far in the name of fun. Keep your moral compass and maintain self respect.

But be freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

[kamuelakea]

Ouch. Didn't think it would get worse this fast but it did.

[tvguy]

I could give ten million reasons why people's attitudes and viewpoints change....:D

I still hope she goes on to a long and sucessful golf career and not flame out early. The potential and game are there.

[alohabear]

I am not a Michelle Wie hater. However, from the beginning, I have expressed concern about what appears to me to be typical controlling 1 child parent syndrome.

Everytime I've done that, people call me a Wie hater.

I have always felt a little sorry for the girl. She's been used and pimped like a race horse.

I think the poor girl is feeling the pressure of having lost most of her high school years to golf. I think she's got her mind on going to college away from her controling parents and getting on with her life.

These girls usually end up rebelling at the next stage of life. Colored hair, piercings, sex, boyfriends of races the parents won't celebrate. In her recent interviews, it seemed very clear to me that she was excited and elated to be leaving Hawaii and probably mostly the grip of her parents and the whole media circus.

I hope she lets go and has a blast in college and starts to catch up on the fun of life that she missed out on.I agree! She needs to let loose now or you watch, in about 10 years the girl will end up posing nude in Playboy. saying "remember me? "

[kamuelakea]

Getting worse.

But hopefully better. This all may be a rebellion by Michelle, conscious or subconscious.

Now she can go to Stanford and get away from her puppeteers.

[pzarquon]

Troubled times for Wie on eve of U.S. Open (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Jun/26/br/br5736914082.html)
Lately those moves have been scrutinized more than ever as Wie's game spirals downward on the same path as her confidence level. At the age of 17, she can't find the fairway with her driver, and the idea of competing against the men seems laughable when she can't even beat her own gender... Wie is still rich, and she's still famous, or as famous as a women's golfer can be. But the novelty of being a long-hitting 13-year-old who could hold her own with the best in the world has worn off, and she has yet to add a trophy of any sort to the family home in Hawai'i.

[ItsGoTime!]

My personal feeling is that Wie is not working hard enough. It may be due to a rebellious phase, or because of the fact that for most of her life, the game came very easy to her. It's clear that her game has plateaued, or even regressed. I'm hoping her time at Stanford will help her out. Is she playing golf there (I'm not even sure if she is NCAA eligible)? If she is, then she will receive some good coaching, and hopefully develop a good work ethic by being surrounded by other committed athletes. If she doesn't play golf, then I hope her time helps her mature and make her realize that she is not entitled to greatness, she has to earn it.

I love atheltes like Tiger Woods and Roger Federer. Say what you want about how boring it is to see them win all the time. They win all the time because they work hard at their craft. And when they win, they don't get complacent, because they know that everyone is gunning for them.

[LikaNui]

My personal feeling is that Wie is not working hard enough. Yeah. The nerve of that girl, slacking off just because of a little ol' broken wrist.

:rolleyes:

It may be due to a rebellious phase, or because of the fact that for most of her life, the game came very easy to her.Yeah. The nerve of that girl, slacking off just because of a little ol' broken wrist.

:rolleyes:

It's clear that her game has plateaued, or even regressed.Yeah. The nerve of that girl, slacking off just because of a little ol' BROKEN WRIST.

:rolleyes:

[ItsGoTime!]

Yeah. The nerve of that girl, slacking off just because of a little ol' broken wrist.

:rolleyes:

Yeah. The nerve of that girl, slacking off just because of a little ol' broken wrist.

:rolleyes:

Yeah. The nerve of that girl, slacking off just because of a little ol' BROKEN WRIST.

:rolleyes:
I understand what you are trying to say, but her problems sarted way before her "little ol' BROKEN WRIST." But I see that you refuse to see ...

[LikaNui]

I understand what you are trying to say, but her problems sarted way before her "little ol' BROKEN WRIST." But I see that you refuse to see ... No, I see it a lot better from here in Hawai`i than you do from there in Vancouver.
There is no question whatsoever that Michelle has a terrific work ethic. You are totally wrong in implying otherwise.
Where the real problem has risen is her over-controlling parents, especially her father.
There. Now you know the real truth.

[pzarquon]

Broken wrist, overbearing parents, general misdirection... I get the feeling she's sick of golf. But even if she's not, the golf world seems sick of her. The shorthand is, basically, overhyped flame-out. When Tadd said he was going pro (http://www.hawaiithreads.com/showthread.php?p=153713), the immediate pushback was, "Michelle Wie proves this is a bad idea." Which is sad.

Still, I'm glad she went pro when she did. She may have burned out sticking it out in the amateur leagues, anyway. At least this way, striking while the iron is hot, she's got some bucks in the bank to pursue whatever her next passion will be.

Which will hopefully be an advanced college degree. :)

[ItsGoTime!]

No, I see it a lot better from here in Hawai`i than you do from there in Vancouver.
There is no question whatsoever that Michelle has a terrific work ethic. You are totally wrong in implying otherwise.
Where the real problem has risen is her over-controlling parents, especially her father.
There. Now you know the real truth.
Look. You may be closer to the home of Wie, but news of her exploits are well covered all over the world, especially here in Vancouver, where the Korean population is extremely high (I should know). There is no shortage of Wie updates. Now, unless you are intimatley familiar about her daily practice routines, her habits, etc ... I cannot imagine that you know that much more about her work ethic than what I think I know from what I've read. Now, I'm not saying that her over bearing dad isn't the problem. What I'm saying is that she isn't working hard enough, nor is she mature enough to understand the ramificaitons of her actions. The fact that she's lashing out because of her dad is beside the point. The LPGA does not say, "Michelle did not have a strong round today, but we'll let her make the cut because it's not her fault, after all, it's her dad's fault." Tongue in cheek, but that kind of attitude is what will keep her from realizing her potential. Look at one Jennifer Capriati. Teen sensation, made a boat load of money, so much potential, then flamed out in part because of her dad. When she had her come-back she admitted that she did not react well to the pressures (from the media and family), and she lashed out in the only way a teenager could. If Michelle Wie did have a strong work ethic, she would suceed despite her father (see Tiger Woods). I chalk up most of her behaviour to being too immature, and this is not an indictment of her character. And I am disappointed that no one is sitting her down and showing her what her actions are doing. That should be what her father is doing, but I'm surprised none of the elder LPGA veterans have tried. I'm hoping that a little college time will help her out. I know it helped me out immensely (although many will dispute that statement).

[amagab]

I know, I know, I shouldn't spam like this. Just thought you might be interested in a discussion forum dedicated to our local wahine and golf phenom Michelle Wie.

http://www.WieTalk.com

See ya!

[sansei]

:confused: hi this is sansei and i wondered what may anyone's thought's on Michelle wie's returnIng? I dont mean to inquire on this only in my Thought's and only from my Thought's that im Glad michelle wie is only playing in the lady's tournament is that's where lady's should play and im not being incensitive only im sharing my Thought's on her.

Well thank's for your time:confused:

[Random]

I'm glad she's making a comeback after a very disappointing year. Hopefully she got her head on straight.

[kani-lehua]

go michelle! i don't even like golf and only watch it when either she, tadd or parker play.
i think she ended today at -2. she bogeyed a hole and then the station cut it off to broadcast something else.

[Frankie's Market]

Well, it happened again. Michelle having a respectable tournament ruined by a whopper round. This time it was a 3rd round 78, leading to a dead-last finish among all the players making the cut.

And yet again, another local teen steals the spotlight from Michelle on her home turf. Last year, it was Tadd Fujikawa at the Sony Open. At this year's Field Open, 18 year old Ayaka Kaneko finished in a tie for 44th, with a 3 under score.

Oh yes. One more thing. Paula Creamer is the champion. :D

[Random]

I'm guessing everyone will be jumping on the Kaneko bandwagon ... until she falters.

Congrats goes to Paula. Sorry, can't say the last name without chuckling. :D

[sansei]

:( hi this is sansei and i dont mind Michelle wie as a lady's golfer only she couldnt match up to Kim Kim or tadd fujikawa and Ayaka kaneko or Paula creamer or Natalie Gulbis or Morgan pressell and karrie webb with Annoucer and previous Golfer so That's my Thought's on this.

well thank's for your time:(

[Walkoff Balk]

There was a story about Michelle Wie going out with one of the Lopez twins of the Stanford basketball team on Yahoo sports. Stanford lost in the NCAA basketball tournament today. Is she a curse or a Cooler of bad luck? He's 7 foot tall. If they have kids, They Might be Giants!

[Random]

:( hi this is sansei and i dont mind Michelle wie as a lady's golfer only she couldnt match up to Kim Kim or tadd fujikawa and Ayaka kaneko or Paula creamer or Natalie Gulbis or Morgan pressell and karrie webb with Annoucer and previous Golfer so That's my Thought's on this.
Tadd hasn't been doing well since turning pro.

Maybe they should have waited until they completed college.

[Frankie's Market]

Here's the likely story as to why Michelle Wie skipped last week's Safeway International. Re-aggravated wrist injury??? Think again.

http://www.waggleroom.com/story/2008/4/4/95437/11314

Report: Wie Aiming for LPGA Membership in '09
By Mulligan Stu
Posted on Fri Apr 04, 2008 at 09:54:37 AM EDT

That's the good news, that Michelle Wie (and camp) has finally set her sights on joining the LPGA Tour, with a specific timetable. She wants to be on Tour in 2009.

How to get there? According to the current issue of Golf World (article not yet online), Wie's plan is the same as Stacy Lewis': get six exemptions, win enough money in those tournaments to finish the equivalent of 90th or better on the money list, and thereby earn a Tour card for 2009 without having to go to Q-School.

Stacy Lewis is healthy and her swing isn't messed up. Wie? She's probably healthy, although weak-wristed. Her swing definitely is not healthy.

And she's already used one of her exemptions, and didn't use it well: She made the cut at the Fields Open but finished last, earning only $2,570.

This plan might explain why Wie dropped out of the Safeway International

[dyasu]

Am I the only one who things Michelle Wie is overrated and overhyped? I mean it's great she was doing pretty good at a young age, but since then I haven't seen too much that would warrant her advertising contracts.

[Random]

Am I the only one who things Michelle Wie is overrated and overhyped? I mean it's great she was doing pretty good at a young age, but since then I haven't seen too much that would warrant her advertising contracts.
The same could be said of Anna Kournikova in the tennis world.

So, you going stop supporting the local girl?

[dyasu]

The same could be said of Anna Kournikova in the tennis world.

So, you going stop supporting the local girl?
Can't really say I'd "stop" supporting her, since I never really followed golf enough to really support anyone at all really.

[Frankie's Market]

No more free passes to the US Women's Open. Michelle is going to have to earn her spot by qualifying, in a cattle call with over a thousand other hopefuls.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080501/BREAKING02/80501064

Now, the U.S. Women's Open might be the only major she is eligible to play — provided she qualifies.

What a change from 2 years ago, when the talk was all about how Michelle would do against the men, as domination of the LPGA was assumed.

Let me go on the record right now: I think that if Michelle Wie fails to appear in any LPGA major this year and she doesn't win any other tournaments, Nike or Sony (or possibly both) will drop their sponsorships of her.

If that happens, I hope that her endorsement money is in good hands. Can't always trust your parents. Ask Gary Coleman and Dominque Moceanu.

[Walkoff Balk]

Was it bad for Michelle Wie a couple weeks back when Danica Patrick, Tad Fujikawa, and Lenora Ochua won their events? Danica Patrick is linked to Michelle Wie during the hype of the up and coming young women competing against men. Tad Fujikawa won a professional tournament in the group of young golfers from Hawaii. Lenora Ochua is being dominate in women's golf by winning consecutive tournaments which Michelle Wie was projected to accomplish.

[oceanpacific]

Sorry, but Michelle Wie is NON-NEWSWORTHY at this time. She has to WIN, or at least COMPETE, to earn any headlines.

No more excuses about wrist injuries and the like. That's getting OLD ..... :eek:

[Frankie's Market]

First round of the LPGA's Michelob Ultra Open has come and gone. Leading so far is Mhairi McKay, with an 8-under 63. Hot on her trail are Annika Sorenstam (-7) and Lorena Ochoa (-6).

Michelle? A 4-over 75, which gives her a score better than only 10 golfers in a field of 144. Translation? Don't hold your breath expecting her to make the cut for this weekend.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080508/BREAKING02/80508016/-1/SPORTSFRONT

[Frankie's Market]

Michelle's second round at the Michelob results in an even-par 71, which is not good enough to make the cut.

Next stop for the Big Wiesy: June 9. US Women's Open qualifying at Maryland.

[Walkoff Balk]

By the way, Michelle Wie finished tie for 46th place in a golf tournament this past weekend. She won $4,831. Just keeping her name in the loop.

[LikaNui]

WOW!
Check this (http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/BREAKING02/80718042) out:

Honolulu's Michelle Wie, buoyed by an opening-hole eagle, shot a second-round 7-under 65 and is in second place in the LPGA State Farm Classic at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield, Ill.
Wie's two-round total is 12-under 132.
First-round leader Christina Kim followed her opening-round 63 with a 68 and has the lead at 13-under 131.


C'mon, Michelle! Make us proud. You GO, girl!!!

[Random]

Sorry, but Michelle Wie is NON-NEWSWORTHY at this time. She has to WIN, or at least COMPETE, to earn any headlines.

No more excuses about wrist injuries and the like. That's getting OLD ..... :eek:
That's the thing with sports, isn't it? Either she wins or we ignore her, local girl or not. Either you're something or you're nothing. Sums up the Aloha spirit.

[Walkoff Balk]

There's a fan who yells out, "You Da Man," after Tiger Woods tees off at a new hole. Will a fan shout out, "You Da Tita," when Michelle Wie takes her drive from the tee?

[oceanpacific]

Some "fan" will invariably shout "IN THE HOLE" when Tiger tees off on a PAR 5!

Some people have been so vicious when MW was playing poorly. Now that she's been doing well, they're NOWHERE TO BE FOUND!

[LikaNui]

She was leading the tournament today for a while, then ended the round in second place... at which time they informed her she had been disqualified for not signing her scorecard yesterday!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :mad:
Something about how she had stepped in and then outside the marked area before she turned in her card.
SHEESH. :mad:

[Ninja]

Details from ESPN:http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=3496673

Very unfortunate.

[mel]

From KGMB9.com (http://kgmb9.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8360&Itemid=76)

Wie Disqualified After Great 3rd Round at LPGA State Farm Written by KGMB9 News - news@kgmb9.com
July 19, 2008 11:07 AM

Punahou grad Michelle Wie looked to be in great shape after shooting a round of 5-under par during Saturday's Round 3 at the LPGA State Farm Classic. The 18-year-old had the outright lead for a period of time, before bogeying the 18th hole to fall into 2nd place.

However, after her round, she was informed that she was disqualified from the tournament because she failed to sign her score card after Friday's Round 2.


I don't follow golf or sports all that closely, but then I was hoping Michelle would at least finish with good rounds given play of the last few days. Now to hear about not filling out a simple card.... how stupid can that be? How many tournaments has she been in?

I mean it would not be a big deal if she was in her usual 132nd place, but in the top 10 and at #2 yesterday and again today? Only to blow it on a simple technicality.

Sad indeed. :eek:

Does Michelle Wie have a coach or support staff to make sure these details are taken care of?

[cyleet99]

Too strange. After reading the thread (after I read the story re the forgotten card) I cannot begin to understand why this girl did what she did. Especially when she was doing well, and her tournament DEPENDED on her signing her scorecard. She was in the tent, (IN THE TENT, NOW) I would think for the direct purpose of signing said card.

It's difficult to find any sympathy for this. Am I missing some other reason?:confused:

[Nords]

Too strange. After reading the thread (after I read the story re the forgotten card) I cannot begin to understand why this girl did what she did. Especially when she was doing well, and her tournament DEPENDED on her signing her scorecard. She was in the tent, (IN THE TENT, NOW) I would think for the direct purpose of signing said card.
It's difficult to find any sympathy for this. Am I missing some other reason?:confused:
Every parent of a teenager can understand what Michelle Wie is thinking (or not thinking) and why she makes the mistakes she's made...

I find it pathetic interesting that for some "unfortunate" reason the tournament directors just weren't able to discover what was happening in their own scoring tent until the second round had already gained a full house of free-spending customers started... I'd like to see your average tournament director wait until the end of the round to tell Tiger Woods or Fred Daly that they'd just wasted all that effort.

"Now, Fred, big fella, maybe you should just put the putter down... Fred? Hey!!"

[Ron Whitfield]

Hey, XXit happens. It shouldn't have, but it did.
I hate golf, but I would like to see MW succeed and she'll have to suck it up extra on this one and put it behind her.
It's got to play on her mind, tho, after finally getting it going. What a drag!

Break and clear! Go girl!

[NoCal Boy]

I'd like to see your average tournament director wait until the end of the round to tell Tiger Woods or Fred Daly that they'd just wasted all that effort.

I have to speak as an avid golfer as well as a rabid golf fan (these are not the same thing, btw.) I'm guessing you are not a fan yourself, as I'm pretty sure you're trying to refer to John Daly, rather than "Fred." :p

"Your average" tournament director would do exactly what this one did, and every professional tournament director would do. They're following the rules of their tour, and by extension, the USGA Rules of Golf. These rules are not, as any golfer will tell you, necessarily "fair" to any one golfer, however they are designed to ensure that there is a completely level playing field. In essence, that makes it "fair" to every golfer.

The LPGA officials (as opposed to the tournament staff - these are two separate entities) were not made aware of the violation until midway through her round, so no action could be taken until it was complete. You see, there's also a rule that allows the golfer to tell his/her side of the story before the committee makes its official ruling. It wouldn't be fair to Michelle to notify her mid-round that she'd have to account for her actions the day before - that would be a huge distraction, and what if after her interview she was then not disqualified? You may recall when she was DQ'd from another tournament a few years back. This again was only after she was given the opportunity to describe the situation before a penalty was levied.

Golf is funny in that it's the only sport that depends upon its own participants to call penalties upon themselves. It's a large part of what makes it a game of honor. Much as I'm disappointed for Michelle myself, I'm quite sure that she would be the first to say that she broke the rule and she should suffer the consequences. Again, it's not "fair," but it is fair.

As many of you know, this isn't even the most tragic example of a Hawaii golfer getting disqualified for a tournament over a "technicality." In 1957 Jackie Pung had apparently won the US Women's Open, but she was later DQ'd for signing an incorrect scorecard. Short write-up on it here (http://www.hanahou.com/pages/Magazine.asp?Action=DrawArticle&ArticleID=342&MagazineID=21).

[lavagal]

She'll never make that mistake again. I swear, it is such a hard way to learn a lesson. She has to move on.

[Random]

Some people have been so vicious when MW was playing poorly. Now that she's been doing well, they're NOWHERE TO BE FOUND!
*points to oceanpacific*

Found one.

[jkpescador]

I thought she made that mistake before. Then her caddy was fired after that. Someone may have more Michelle Wie knowledge.

[Frankie's Market]

I can imagine what the fallout will be. Yet another Wie caddy will bite the dust.

[Ron Whitfield]

Yeah! I was thinking this was a repeat offense too, and that her caddy will pay. But she has to accept the blame as well this time, and just focus on getting on with it.

[Walkoff Balk]

Those tournament officials wouldn't DQ Happy Gilmore. He even had a fistfight with Bob Barker.

[Nords]

I have to speak as an avid golfer as well as a rabid golf fan (these are not the same thing, btw.) I'm guessing you are not a fan yourself, as I'm pretty sure you're trying to refer to John Daly, rather than "Fred." :p
Gosh, I guess using the wrong name does totally invalidate the point I was trying to make-- never mind.

It makes just as much sense as correlating a golfer's tournament performance with how far away they're allowed to get from their card before they sign it. But hey, if that rule is important to the sanctity of the sport then she'll learn to remember it. Or, inferring from some of the other comments, someone will remember to remind her to follow it...

[oceanpacific]

*points to oceanpacific*

Found one.

Of course they're coming out of the woodwork now that she's blundered again. This is her second DQ. The first time, she took relief WITHOUT consulting a rules official - she essentially signied an incorrect scorecard because it didn't include the penalty strokes she was later assessed. :eek:

[NoCal Boy]

Gosh, I guess using the wrong name does totally invalidate the point I was trying to make-- never mind.

It makes just as much sense as correlating a golfer's tournament performance with how far away they're allowed to get from their card before they sign it. But hey, if that rule is important to the sanctity of the sport then she'll learn to remember it. Or, inferring from some of the other comments, someone will remember to remind her to follow it...
The fact that you used the wrong name had nothing to do with invalidating your point. I only mentioned it to illustrate that your views seemed to be those of a non-golfer's. I hope you took no offense from it, as none was intended.

Your point, if I infer correctly, is that "your average tournament director" would treat Tiger Woods or John Daly differently had they been in the exact same situation as Michelle was. My point is that he/she would not have.

My post was an effort to explain the ruling from a golf perspective. To many of you the Rules of Golf may make no sense; I can assure you that most golfers would agree with you on at least some of them. But again, these rules are in established in black and white with no gray areas in between; therefore, it's hard to have a subjective ruling. You'll never hear a golfer complain that he/she lost a tournament because of bad officiating.

[hifotog]

Forgive me all...but is it a known possibility....googled it and it was news in month of March....that MW was dating??? cking out someone?? I know of some wahines locally that DO get "thrown off" abit cuz they have been on the dating scene....when you get hung up with someone, all you think of is THEM and ALL your concentration blanks out.... IF SO, she better wake up NOW and her "bf" better wise up and stop buggin her...cuz this possible distraction just cost her a potential victory and honors for another local athlete!!!

[Ron Whitfield]

She needs some distraction to help mellow out from the stress that must be on a kid in these situations, and growing up in general. It's been all golf and parents. Time to enjoy life without the same old crap. So what if her golf slips a little, she'll get it back.

[Random]

Yeah! I was thinking this was a repeat offense too, and that her caddy will pay. But she has to accept the blame as well this time, and just focus on getting on with it.
AFAIK, she didn't blame her caddy this time.

[Random]

Forgive me all...but is it a known possibility....googled it and it was news in month of March....that MW was dating??? cking out someone?? I know of some wahines locally that DO get "thrown off" abit cuz they have been on the dating scene....when you get hung up with someone, all you think of is THEM and ALL your concentration blanks out.... IF SO, she better wake up NOW and her "bf" better wise up and stop buggin her...cuz this possible distraction just cost her a potential victory and honors for another local athlete!!!
:confused:

What does her social life have got to do with golf? Is this a double standard? Tiger Wood is allowed to date and eventually get married, but heaven forbids Michelle Wie to have a social life?

Do you know ... with hard corroborating evidence ... about her BF that I don't?

[Palama Kid]

I know I going get good licking . . . BUT this is an MW thread.

Here goes: maybe there should be a posting on this DQ in the "Stoopidess Person of da Day" thread. *ducks thrown stone*

[Bobinator]

Professional male golfers have done the same, but me thinks this girl has some negative energy around her. Prolly from all the jealous female pros throwing daggers because of all the attention and exemptions she's been gettin.

[NoCal Boy]

She was reportedly dating Robin Lopez, who along with his twin brother played basketball for Stanford. Apparently she denied it a few months ago, but who really knows? In any event, I have a hard time believing that any romantic interest would be the reason for her mistake last weekend.

One of the more tragic consequences about Michelle's DQ is that she'll once again be criticized and resented by many for making headlines for not succeeding. It's kind of a vicious cycle: She gets bad press for the fact that she hasn't won any event in four years, however that press itself is somewhat self-perpetuating. It's a shame this will add more fuel to the fire, just when she was playing her best golf in two years.

[Random]

She was reportedly dating Robin Lopez, who along with his twin brother played basketball for Stanford. Apparently she denied it a few months ago, but who really knows? In any event, I have a hard time believing that any romantic interest would be the reason for her mistake last weekend.

One of the more tragic consequences about Michelle's DQ is that she'll once again be criticized and resented by many for making headlines for not succeeding. It's kind of a vicious cycle: She gets bad press for the fact that she hasn't won any event in four years, however that press itself is somewhat self-perpetuating. It's a shame this will add more fuel to the fire, just when she was playing her best golf in two years.
Sports are always about criticisms. That's why I don't participate.

[Frankie's Market]

I wonder if BJ Wie is thinking about tatooing the message, "Remember to sign your scorecard!" on the back of Michelle's left hand. That way, she'll have a surefire reminder at the end of every round when she takes off her golfing glove. :D

[Random]

I wonder if BJ Wie is thinking about tatooing the message, "Remember to sign your scorecard!" on the back of Michelle's left hand. That way, she'll have a surefire reminder at the end of every round when she takes off her golfing glove. :D
I can see Wie's fans holding up such a big reminder sign.

[Walkoff Balk]

I wonder if BJ Wie is thinking about tatooing the message, "Remember to sign your scorecard!" on the back of Michelle's left hand. That way, she'll have a surefire reminder at the end of every round when she takes off her golfing glove. :D
On her big earrings, One side says, "Sign" and the other says, "Scorecard."

[Coty]

What do you guys think? Should she just stay and play with the ladies or continue to play against the men? And this is not the first time Sorenstam has talked smack about Wie...what's up with that?!

From the Associated Press:LPGA veterans question why Wie is skipping major for PGA Tour event (http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=3510386)

Michelle Wie skipped a major to play on the PGA Tour this week. Annika Sorenstam, Helen Alfredsson and Paula Creamer wonder why.

After all, Wie has yet to win on the women’s tour and has never made the cut on the PGA Tour.

Wie, who is managed by her parents, was listed in qualifying for the Women’s British Open at Sunningdale. But she pulled out and instead has a sponsor’s exemption for the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open at Reno, Nev. It is her eighth PGA Tour event.

Sorenstam is playing in her final major before she leaves golf at the end of the season. She is chasing her 11th major and 73rd title. She made a brief foray on the PGA Tour but questioned Wie’s decision to duck a women’s major.

“Well, we all have different agendas in life,” Sorenstam said. “I had a wonderful experience and, when I look back on my career, I will always think about that. I think it was really a turning point in my career and as a person.

“I really don’t know why Michelle continues to do this. We have a major this week and, if you can’t qualify for a major, I don’t see any reason why you should play with the men.”

[Walkoff Balk]

Who wants to be in a club that will disqualify you during a tournament for a manini penalty?

[Random]

Who wants to be in a club that will disqualify you during a tournament for a manini penalty?
I dunno. Were similar incident happened to other mainland golfers that should have been enforced (i.e., disqualification) but rarely do?

If so, then you could argue that the golfing commmunity single out Wie.

But I'm of the mindset that having parents being her managers is like putting a gun to one's head.

[bf334]

While it is true that it's a manini rule, she had to know going in that the rule existed and has no one to blame but herself for the DQ.
Golf has tons of stupid rules that still exist today for no other reason than what the golfing community calls "Tradition".:confused:

[bf334]

She choked again!!:eek:

[kani-lehua]

at least another hawaii star, parker, was the leader this afternoon and shot/tied the course record.

[i-hungry]

That's the thing with sports, isn't it? Either she wins or we ignore her, local girl or not. Either you're something or you're nothing. Sums up the Aloha spirit.

She should get the same "Aloha spirit" the other Hawaii athletes get. Which is just a short mention on the news. Its slowly getting to that point but it took a few years.

[Frankie's Market]

She should get the same "Aloha spirit" the other Hawaii athletes get. Which is just a short mention on the news. Its slowly getting to that point but it took a few years.

The overhype that gave her headline stories with bigger pictures than the actual tourney leaders,... yep, that seems to be a thing of the past. Maybe you are right. In the future, her accomplishments will receive short blurbs in the local press, unless she does something extraordinary to merit coverage.

But I don't think she will ever completely fade into the company of other local golfers, like Tad Fujikawa, Parker McLachlin, Dean Wilson, and Stephanie Kono. Expectations were high for Michelle, and the millions of endorsement dollars she received are a constant reminder. Unless she dramatically turns things around, the word "disappointment" will begin to follow her.

[Creative-1]

I know this is tangential, but I was researching Hawaii's first top female golfer, Codie Austin Cooke, today for my third book and thought you might be interested in her. She was also a Punahou phenom.

The top female golfer of the 1930s, Codie Austin Cooke, began playing golf at the age of five…barefooted. With the help of the Oahu Country Club pro, Alex Bell, Codie blossomed into the top female golfer in the islands by the age of 14.

She captured the Territorial Women’s Tournament in 1934 by 12 strokes, even though she was just a freshman at Punahou. She won the tournament the following three years as well.

Today, the pioneer of women’s golf in Hawaii, Codie Austin Cooke, is still a member of the Oahu Country Club. The 87 year old walks five miles early each weekday morning from her home near Iolani School to downtown where she catches a bus to the Oahu Country Club. She’ll walk another five miles going home.

[Frankie's Market]

The overhype that gave her headline stories with bigger pictures than the actual tourney leaders,... yep, that seems to be a thing of the past. Maybe you are right. In the future, her accomplishments will receive short blurbs in the local press, unless she does something extraordinary to merit coverage.

But I don't think she will ever completely fade into the company of other local golfers, like Tad Fujikawa, Parker McLachlin, Dean Wilson, and Stephanie Kono. Expectations were high for Michelle, and the millions of endorsement dollars she received are a constant reminder. Unless she dramatically turns things around, the word "disappointment" will begin to follow her.

OTOH, maybe I'm wrong. Check out this editorial from the Star-Bulletin.

http://starbulletin.com/2008/08/03/editorial/editorial02.html

And this, printed on the morning of a day where another Hawaii golfer (Parker McLachlin) was leading the same tournament by 6 strokes. (Parker did eventually hang on to win.)

Whether one agrees with SB's editorial position or not, I hope that the SB sees fit to give Parker an editorial salute for what is a bonafide achievement. Winning a professional tournament.

[tutusue]

[...]
And this, printed on the morning of a day where another Hawaii golfer (Parker McLachlin) was leading the same tournament by 6 strokes. (Parker did eventually hang on to win.)[...]
I'm kinda thinking it's time for Parker to have his own thread on HT! ;)

WAY TO GO, PARKER!
(And, congrats to Beth and Chris, too!)

[Walkoff Balk]

The difference of who gets the publicity is seeing potential with the possibilty of all time greatness. With Michelle Wie, there's a chance that she could be the greatest or on the Mt. Rushmore in her sport. With Parker McLachlin, he will be steady and good. But, there's that Tiger Woods guy who's the Chosen One.

[Ninja]

According to a report on CBS Sportsline, Michelle Wie is headed to Q-School.


http://www.sportsline.com/golf/story/10967735

How the mighty have fallen.

[Frankie's Market]

According to a report on CBS Sportsline, Michelle Wie is headed to Q-School.


http://www.sportsline.com/golf/story/10967735

Couldn't help but giggle when I read this:

Players who pay a $5,000 Q-school application fee can enter both first-stage qualifiers if they don't advance out of the Palm Springs event.

It was unclear whether Wie, believed to be the highest-paid athlete in women's sports, paid the extra $1,000 that would allow her to take two cracks at the first stage if she fails to advance in California next week. Otherwise, the entry fee is $4,000.

Dude, I don't think Michelle and her folks will miss any meals if she ends up paying a few extra thou because she flunks the first qualifying stage. $5,000. $8,000. It's all pocket change when you've got the kind of endorsement deals Wiesy has.

[Walkoff Balk]

Is Q-school like detention class? Will there be a Princess, the Jock, the Rebel, the Nerd, and the Introvert in this Breakfast Club?