Michelle Wie withdrew from the GInn Memorial last week, citing a wrist injury. But given that Wie was 14-over through 16 holes at the time she withdrew, a lot of people think the wrist was just a convenient excuse, and that Wie's real reason was that she was afraid she would shoot an 88 or higher, which would automatically disqualify her from future LPGA events.It turns out that "a lot of people" includes multiple players interviewed by Golf World, although those people wouldn't speak on the record. Overall, it sounds like most LPGA players dislike what they see as preferential treatment for Wie, while at the same time understanding the financial realities that make that preferential treatment necessary.
A common sentiment among players is that the LPGA is over a barrel with Wie, wanting the attention she brings and willing to make compromises to gain her participation and hopefully her membership. "I think obviously the LPGA is protecting the LPGA," Sherri Steinhauer, a 22-year veteran, said when asked about the discussion between Higgs and Nared. "She's a draw for the LPGA, and that's where that comes in."
Wie is nothing close to America's best female golfer, but she's by far America's most popular female golfer. And as long as she's the latter, the LPGA will cater to her needs, even if she never becomes the former.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-06-2007 @ 8:44AM
L.R. Nixon said...
Although I used to be impressed with Michelle's golfing ability, she has done nothing other than whine. Her latest appearance on the Golf Channel showed her to be an arrogant little bitch.
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6-06-2007 @ 9:01AM
Art said...
I am watching Michelle on The Golf Channel.
She's finished as I have stated before. Seeing her Robotic emotions convinces me even more that She's done. You can not be that way and play good golf at the same time.
You can play instinct sports with those non-Emotions, but not golf which requires the mind getting involved.
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6-06-2007 @ 1:32PM
Jim Davidson said...
Years from now we'll see her in the "Most overrated " or " Biggest waste of talent " catagories.
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6-06-2007 @ 10:52PM
virtualact1 said...
When your goals are to make cuts and not win, your head gets messed up. Wie is on the verge of being the biggest dissapointment in sports history. I don't see the mental toughness of playes with half her potential. Her parents have done her a disservice by going along with this "plan".
Social services should make a call and stop this abuse before she's lost for good.
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6-06-2007 @ 11:35PM
George K said...
Michelle , you are a big fat Zero. Cant stand the way the LPGA caters to you and lets you get away with crap
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6-07-2007 @ 7:36AM
John McDonnel said...
This young lady is a young talent who has been mismanaged and has not learned to win. She has been promoted by the media to the point that she believes her press clippings. Her latest ploy by withdrawing to maintain her playing status for the year shows a true disrespect for the game. The LPGA is also at fault for trying to exploit her for financial gain. I think the golfing public is getting tired of the MW saga.
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6-08-2007 @ 12:58AM
Slick Rick aka The Voice Of Reason said...
Obvously, Michelle Wie is on the fast track to becoming the LPGA version of the highly beautiful, but WINLESS, Anna Kournikova...All looks & potential & endorsement $$$ and NO TITLES...She's young enough to perhaps regain her focus & hunger for success on the course, but it better happen sooner than later...Naturally, I hold her parents & other "handlers" accountable as classic enablers of a child prodigy...Notice how she's also starting to get quite the acid tongue & diva-like responses to any type of criticism...Tighten up your game, fast behind...Those cameras love looking at you to be sure, but they want to see some "W's" on that big leaderboard sometimes too...
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6-08-2007 @ 4:00AM
lance said...
I'm astonished that people believe that a 17 yr old girl is to be held accountable for the decisions that are being made for her by so many special interest groups which include the LPGA. The way women and girls on the tour have been responding is equally amazing. She is making everyone more money, period. Yet hate mongering by attention whores in the tour seem to outweigh these financial benefits. Would the LPGA be hurt with the loss of Michelle Wie whether by injury, being banned, or simply unrealized potential? No doubt. Stop being stereotypical weak women, support this commodity and in the very least keep your egos in check. Learn from the men and remember what they were earning pre-Tiger compared to what it is now.
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6-08-2007 @ 4:05AM
lance said...
I'm astonished that people believe that a 17 yr old girl is to be held accountable for the decisions that are being made for her by so many special interest groups which include the LPGA. The way women and girls on the tour have been responding is equally amazing. She has the potential to make everyone more money, period. Yet hate mongering by attention whores in the tour seem to outweigh these financial considerations. Wouldthe LPGA be hurt with the loss of Michelle Wie whether by injury,
being banned, or simply unrealized potential? No doubt. Stop being stereotypical weak women, support this commodity and in the very least keep your egos in check. Learn from the men and remember what
they were earning pre-Tiger compared to what it is now.
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6-08-2007 @ 5:52PM
George Mitchell said...
Nike is pleased and that's all that matters.
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6-14-2007 @ 9:55AM
steve said...
It is really said for players like lorena, natalie, etc who actually are hot and can play.Wie is not hot at all and her golf is pretty subject.
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