Michelle Wie at the US Open--the men's US Open

I think this is a great news for Golf and Sport in general.. Can you imagine women playing in Men's major wow

June 5th is the real test that will separate the men from boys (or is that men from girls)
If she passes then, that will be a REAL big deal.

As people have been saying, LPGA is missing out on opportunities to cash in on Wie. Increase the exemptions from 6 to 9 or so. I certainly would like to see her play more in general. What's the big deal with 6 ? The excuse was that they didn't want youngsters to get burned out with too much competition, but Wie is already taking on competition left and right all over the globe.

The first woman (girl) to make it through the US "Men's" Open local qualifier and win it outright too! You got that right, David... WOW

Keeping my fingers crossed for her to make through the sectional. Imagine the hype, crowds, worldwide TV audience, etc. if she's paired with Tiger & Phil for the first 2 days!!!

It's actually 8 but she has already qualified for the Evain masters (2nd place finish I think,I beleive she was all alone in 2nd place there. May be wrong tho)in France which is an LPGA tour event and also the (T3)British womens open, also an LPGA event, so that makes up her 8 exemptions.

Hahaha, AhhSoo, that'd never happen... well, then again, strange things have been happening.

Jen when you said "If Wie makes it through sectionals, she'll be playing in two US Opens within two weeks of each other" I was thinkig that if she just makes it through the first 18 holes and qualifies to go to the second 18, that'd be great. But to be amongst the 30 qualifiers would be phenominal. *Dang, Baldy would bust a gut on that. Think of all the crow he'd have to eat, lol*
As for the big sparkly thing, have you noticed that it has been missing in her last few pix? She took it off cause it was bothering her arm when she was playing.
Not only that but it seems to me that not much has been distracting the young lady lately.
That girl is dead serious about her run at the US (mens?) Open

I hear that they draw straws (or something like that) for the pairings on the first 2 days at the US Open but the gods only need to smile on her twice more for the 2 to happen. One can dream.

All I know is, that if these 2 things happen, then sports fans worldwide will go "ape s--t".

And while we're dreaming... say the gods decided to smile 3 times on Michelle in June and she ends up in the top 8 at the US Open. Guess what, she gets an automatic invitation to the 2007 Masters at Augusta. Time to stop dreaming as this is getting too ridiculous even for a Wie Warrior, eh Baldie?

Wow! Who would have thought: not just the first woman to make it through the US Open local qualifier, but also the first to win it outright - is a 16 year schoolgirl competing only between school semesters.

You've really come a long way....

Michelle is just "chipping away" at her dreams one at a time.

I'm glad Michelle will tee it up at the Omega Masters. There is really only one golfer in the field she needs to beat, the dress wearing Frenchman Jean Van de Velde who put forth such an outstanding performance at the 99 British Open.

She really needs to humble this blowhard.

The US Men's Open uses USGA course standards and typically scores near par are good. Does anyone know what things have been done to the New Jersey course to make it meet USGA standards?

MW's drive on the 17th seemed to have been her only real nightmare shot. The description of MW hitting back toward the tee to get out of trouble and then hitting the green close to the pin sounded like pretty good "course management." Can't wait to see the video.

It's a stretch, Ahhsoo, but suddenly I want to think about the 2007 Master's, too.

It's a great achievement, but don't get too excited yet, guys - chances are, she won't make it into the tournament.

Another question: why is it that Michelle is never forced to qualify for any women's tournaments? Why is she always the exception to the rule? I'm sure in getting an automatic exemption, some hard-working woman is getting knocked out the tournament field.

Looking forward to seeing how Michelle gets on in the next stage. When does she play in the sectional qualifying?

Finally Michelle will get enough tournament rounds in to establish a rythym this season. She has been handicapped by having long breaks between events and now her plate if full. She is the second hottest ticket in golf today.

AGE 10:
Shoots 9-under-par 64 at Olomana from 5,400 yards.
At 10 years, 9 months, 24 days, is youngest to qualify for USGA amateur event (U.S. Women's Public Links), loses in first round.

AGE 11:
Becomes youngest to win Jennie K. Invitational (by nine shots) and Hawai'i State Women's Stroke Play (by two). Also becomes first woman to qualify for match play at the 93rd Manoa Cup, loses in first round.

AGE 12:
Shoots 83 with 10 penalty strokes ? in rain and 30-plus mph winds ? in Takefuji Classic at Waikoloa Beach to become youngest to Monday qualify for LPGA event. Misses cut.
Wins first-round Manoa Cup match, then loses to Del-Marc Fujita in second round on second extra hole.
At U.S. Women's Public Links, becomes youngest semifinalist in history of USGA-run amateur tournaments. Wins State Open Women's Division by 13 shots over LPGA pro Cindy Rarick.

AGE 13:
Shoots 1-over 73 to tie for 47th at Sony Open qualifying, beating 49 men.
Ties for ninth at Kraft Nabisco Championship, an LPGA major.
Youngest to make cut at LPGA event, the Kraft Nabisco Championship (third-round 66 equals low amateur score for LPGA major).
Youngest in 108-year history of U.S. Golf Association to win an adult USGA event, the 2003 Women's Amateur Public Links Championship.
Youngest to make cut at U.S. Women's Open (2003).
Youngest to win Hawaii State Open Women's Division.

AGE 14:
Youngest to play in PGA Tour event, the 2004 Sony Open in Hawai'i.
First female to shoot in the 60s in a PGA Tour event (2-under-par 68 in 2004 Sony Open in Hawaii).
Youngest U.S. Curtis Cup player (2004), wins both singles matches.
Youngest to win Laureus World Sports Academy Award (Newcomer of the Year).

AGE 15:
First amateur to compete in LPGA Championship (finishes second to Annika Sorenstam)
First female to qualify for adult male U.S. Golf Association championship, the U.S. Amateur Public Links (defeats three men and reaches quarterfinals).
Turns pro

AGE 16 Professional Golfer:
Second female to make the cut in a men's PGA sanctioned event and the first in 61 years.
FIRST female to enter the United States Open Championship and progress to the sectional level.

The resume keeps growing.

David, Michelle is scheduled for sectional qualifying on June 5th & 6th at the Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit, NJ.

Just found out that if she qualifies for the US Open, she cannot be paired with Tiger. Tiger (2005 British Open Champion), Michael Campbell (2005 US Open Champion) and the reigning US Amateur Champion will be paired for the 1st 2 days.

David, Michelle gets exemptions from qualifying for women's tournaments because she is in the top 30 for current winnings (16th in earnings for only 2 LPGA tournaments entered) AND just happens to be ranked 2nd in the LPGA/Rolex world rankings.

Comment from: AhhSoo [Visitor]
David, Michelle is scheduled for sectional qualifying on June 5th & 6th at the Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit, NJ.

Just found out that if she qualifies for the US Open, she cannot be paired with Tiger. Tiger (2005 British Open Champion), Michael Campbell (2005 US Open Champion) and the reigning US Amateur Champion will be paired for the 1st 2 days.

David, Michelle gets exemptions from qualifying for women's tournaments because she is in the top 30 for current winnings (16th in earnings for only 2 LPGA tournaments entered) AND just happens to be ranked 2nd in the LPGA/Rolex world rankings.

It didn't hurt that she took a second and third at two LPGA Majors last year or her five top five finishes.

There was no way the USGA would keep the second best female golfer and the first best playing in Men's events on the Planet out of the US Women's Open.

Hey Jennifer are you adding chapters to your book as we blog here?

Some observations
* the LPGA has been completely silent on MW, as it she doesn;t exist.
* I am reminded of a PGA player (Greg Norman? or Nick Price?) who said at a time in wihch PGA players were sick of fielding questions about Tiger that the PGA tour should thank Tiger each and every day for the gigantic purses on the tour that have come from the media circus that is Tiger. Deja Vu all over again...Before too long, the LPGA will be plastering MW's name everywhere to catch all that extra revenue...

* My guess is that MW will not have as proportional an effect on the LPGA as might be indicated by being competitive on the pGA. The LPGA courses have litle rough, wide fairways and gigantic flat-ish greens. FOr the same reason that Tiger rarely goes low in lower-tier events, MW will not have a chance to showcase her talents in most LPGA events...Here is hoping that more LPGA events get played on PGA style layouts...to separate the women from the girls...

* I wonder if what we are seeing here is akin to what the Negro Leagues felt with the success of Jackie Robinson. I mean, once JR crossed that line, the sun started to set on the existence of the Negro Leagues...if the LPGA doesn't respond intelligently they will suffer...

* I have been severely disappointed in the reaction of alpha males, inclusing some on the PGA and European pGA tour. Come guys, be MEN!! If you cannot beat MW then salute the girl for a job well done. All this whinging and protection of turf is embarassing. Gutless.

* The reaction by LPGA players has been equally enbarassing. Cristie Kerr's comments that she would only play a PGAtour event for charity is a joke. The jealously is almost made-for-TV!!! MEOW!!! MEOW!!

* More than anyone else, BJ Wie should be the diggest concern of MW. Whether he has the sense to retrest into the shadows of supportive Dad is my biggest concern.

* Final comment: the jealously and whinging coming from the brainless northeastern sports commentators is laughable. The girl is freakin' 16 years old...a girl...and her record thus far BLOWS doors on what Tiger accomplished at the same age. Un-freakin-believable.. RIght on!!

I have followed her game since she was 10 years old. Each step has been more impressive thatn the previous. Here is hoping for a successful sectional 36 hole performance!! WIll be AMAZING to watch her beat a lot of guys at Winged Foot...and watch the reaction on some faces...MAN!!

No doubt her odds are slim for MW to make it through the sectionals. 550 players advanced from local qualifying. Another 200 professionals who are already exempt from local qualifying will join those 550. These 200 players are highly ranked professionals from Europe and the PGA who are not exempt in he US Open.
Out of the 750 players, only 85 qualify I believe.
In short any aspiring player must have the two best rounds of one's life to qualify. Par will not cut it; most likely those qualifying scores will be 5 under or better. I estimate there may be 20 spots for grab at New Jersey out of about 130 competitors.

If Michelle makes it, that would be one of the most amazing feat for a female golfer to ever have done. Her odds? I would say 5%. I would not bet the farm.

No doubt it will be tough, but something like 9200 applicants applied. MW is in the final 750. Pretty darn incredible. The score is not the issue. Turtle Bay was playing windy and tough. Weather will be a factor. So will the rough. she is probably like Tiger--course cannot be too easty or the playing conditions too difficult. Tiger is mediocre in both cases. I doubt MW can go low for 36 holes. But if the course is tough enough, then she should be able to put in two good rounds.

My guess she will be at the cut line +/- 3 strokes.

Pete wrote:
"* I wonder if what we are seeing here is akin to what the Negro Leagues felt with the success of Jackie Robinson. I mean, once JR crossed that line, the sun started to set on the existence of the Negro Leagues...if the LPGA doesn't respond intelligently they will suffer..."

=================

Lord, Pete, let's not get (more) carried away. Read here for my thoughts on the Jackie Robinson analogy.

If there is one thing the LPGA needs to do is to encourage women to play with the men at least at some level like the hooters or nationwide tour. Even LPGA golf veterans lack the creativity and touch that the men on tour have. I recall seeing Miguel Angel Jimenez at this Masters this year, and was amazed by his creativity around the greens. Same can be said about Goosen, Olazabal, etc. If the women in the LPGA could have a 1/4 of the creativity that the men have; I would watch more LPGA golf. No wonder MW likes playing agains the men; it is much more fun!

Actually, given all the hysteria around her, Michelle Wie SHOULD qualify for the men's US Open. After all, she'd only be beating club pros and non-touring pros and aging has-beens to get the slot. Based on her ability and publicity, these should be minor speed bumps. Of course, she probably won't be able to compete effectively on a US Open layout, but that's irrelevant. She seems to relish the trailblazer status, even if it means she'll shoot 78-80 at Winged Foot.

Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
Hey Jennifer are you adding chapters to your book as we blog here?
05/16/06 @ 06:44

I'sd bet on that, One-putt. And between you and Pete, you have both summed MW up pretty well.I haven't read Marks take on the JR part but will get to it.
As for Todd, you just keep believing what you want. If memory serves, you were of the opinion that she most likely wouldn't get through the regionals either. As O-P syas, Michelle just keeps chipping away at her dreams. In spite f your negativity, Todd, even you must admit she is doing amazingly well for a 16 year old and a -FEMALE... lol. Well, if you are honest you will but I have my doubts about you.

Oh, and thank you Jennifer, for that kind mention in the article.

I don't understand that last comment of Todd's. Most golfers would give almost anything just to be able to play in the US Open and shoot whatever. Why should Wie be any different? Look at old Tom Kite, still willing to go through qualifying - and he's a past champion!

Ok, I went and read your article o JR.
Dang good article and some pretty obvious truths there.

I still think MW is going to open up a lot of venues to younger girls, women and minorities through her efforts. The gender issue seems to be a very touchy issue. Just go read some of the forums and blogs that are online.

This forum (http://www.thegolfchannel.com/discuss )is full of hard nosed donkeys with an attitude toward race and gender although most claim otherwise.
Read some of the comments from hidebound misogynists who make outrageous statements and claim to the Wie warriors as Baldy calls us.
Mostly I just defend anyone ( male or female) the right to be included in any sport or venue if you can qualify and the rules are followed.
Of course there are some issues that are really complex and hard to judge but I never said I was perfect. I just hate unjustifiable attacks based on age, gender or race.

Even though i am caucasion ( well, lets just say it, I am a wasp) I have been discriminated against so I know how that feels and I don't like it. Experience is a great teacher. Walking in the other person mocassins for a while teaches you some pretty hard truths.
So, go Michelle, follow that dream in spite of the Baldwins and the Toddcommish and the Alexs in life. They really don't count for much in the grand scheme of things.

Mark,
You clearly did not read my posting. Instead, you saw Jackie Robinson and MW in the same sentence and went, "Oh no, not again..."

Now read carefully, son. I am questioning the reaction of the LPGA to MW. Now run with me for a second...if MW were to have success on the PGA (run with me, OK...I am speaking in hypotheticals here!!), then where would it leave the LPGA? Why watch? Who cares if these "girls can rock?" I would be watching the wunderkind go up against the best ion the world, wouldn't you??

So now to the JR analogy. Soon after JR broke the colorline, Black Americans themselves lost interest in the Negro Leagues!! So I ask, would PGA success of MW and a those who are likely to follow (i.e. other athletic girls who have been groomed as well as she has) pose the same challenge to the LPGA as the sucesses of Jackie, Larry Doby and the other early Black MLB players did to the Negro Leagues???

Don;t be so quick to jump to the completely and totally erroneous interpretation of my post as you did. You must have failed reading comprehension! :)

I am not "comparing" MW to JR in the magnitude of their accomplishments. Not at all. What JR did under his circumstances was akin to Atlas bearing the weight of the world on his shoulders....hence his premature death.

No, all I am talking about is her poential affect on the commercial viability of the LPGA versus the commerical viability of the Negro Leagues post-JR.


My feeling that she poses great risk to the LPGA. But from great risk comes increased reward. But to get such a reward, the LPGA needs to step up to the plate. Their reaction has been pitiful and speaks volumes about their ambivalence to her phenomenon...and the disparaging comments coming from the players??? Well, it reminds me of what came out of the mouth of David Ogrin in 96 and Fuzze Zoeller in 97 (after the Masters)...these comments went beyond irritation...

'The MW SHOULD qualify easily to the US Open argument because she already has played the PGA' is totally missing the point of what Michelle is about. MW is the case of the total underdog almost like Casey Martin or a 1/2 crippled golfer. She is a woman, and therefore won't have the musculature as a male pga golfer. Maybe Todd Commish should revisit anatomy class? MW's objective is to break barriers, maximize her talents, and see how far will her determination take her. It is not about winning Men's golf trophies, nor being classified among the elite top ten male golfers, etc. It is a situation of testing her skills to see how much she can grasp from those elite golfers.
She will never be an elite PGA golfer, and hundreds if not thousands of PGA, or former PGA players never have been a top 10 PGA golfer either. So, there is nothing to be ashamed of. There have been hundreds of PGA players in the PGA who haven't won a single tournament in the PGA despite of so many years of being a member. Does that mean that they were useless, and were wasting their time? No, they did it because they loved to do it, and because they yearned to improve their game everyday so that they could hopefully reach that top if somehow they can figure everything out. The journey is just as important as the destination. Don't focus on the destination, focus on the journey. Those are the words of MW's parents to Michelle, and they have a point. Meanwhile enjoy the ride of watching MW, because this most likely will be a once in a lifetime situation.

Actually, Pete, I was just looking for an excuse to show people that column I wrote. So, guilty as charged. From here on, however, in addition to all my other duties, I will carefully read each and every one of the dozens of comments posted on these blogs each day. And then I'll weigh in with a more informed opinion.

Oh, who am I kidding, I'll keep just scanning them for the word "vagina."

One more on the analogy...here is another one that may be more acceptable to Mark: the move from single sex universities to coed institutions. Only two generations ago, a large number of brilliant women in the country went to elite women's colleges, suhch as the "Seven Sisters" colleges in the northeast.

Then under growing pressure, the Ivy leagues and other male only schools around the country went co-ed. All of a sudden young women could attend Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Princeton, etc. I would argue that the effect on the Secen Sisters has been dramatic. What is left is shell of what once was. And these colleges have gone on to be somewhat politically self-selective, less interested in science and policy subjects, and heavily weighted toward gender studies...At the same time, the Ivies get the creame d' la creme.

We have in effect a two-tiered system, a major and minor league. No one can credibly argue that by the early 1950s, the Negro Leagues turned into something like a farm league for the Majors rather than as a viable competitive league, as the AFL was to the NFL.

We all agree that MW is a phenom. However, many LPGA players are, dare I say, "soft." Before any one gets offended, look at the LPTA in tennis. Martina Navratiolva, Steffi, and the Williams sisters completely trasnformed to game from genteel, cute, and elegant to one of power and athleticism. Chris Evert was the last of her kind. IMHO, there is no doubt that Michelle, as incredible as she is, is the first of many to come. Tall, technically perfect and somewhat athletic. Bigger and stronger atheletes are sure to follow.

And so if MW and those to come all have decent shots at making Monday qualifiers at the PGA, will the commerical and institutional viability of the LPGA remain unshaken.

THe Negro Leagues did not survive what followed JR. The Seven Sisters did survive co-ed integration but became inferior in many ways. And one other...Black Colleges, with the exception of one or two, have been devastated by integration.

This type of challenge to the LPGA will not be trivial as sponsors look to follow Michelle.

Mark,
LOL!! I love a good sense of humour...

Another unspoken reason for MW is of sourse her sex appeal...borderline illegal given her age...but undeniably under the surface.

I recall that when Anna Kournikova turned 18, there was a noticeable sigh of relief on just sportswriter/commentator. I don;t think the LPGA really knows what to do here. Although to their credit, they are marketing the likes of Natalie Gulbis quite well...

Next few years, everything MW will be a great lens through which to view sports business, gender and sexuality...

Just a question. Are there any rules from preventing a male player from entering an LPGA event?

Comment from: Mark Nessmith, Executive Editor [Visitor] · http://www.travelgolf.com/blogs/mark.nessmith
Actually, Pete, I was just looking for an excuse to show people that column I wrote. ```

Oh, who am I kidding, I'll keep just scanning them for the word "vagina."

You sly dog, lol

Comment from: Ron [Visitor]
Just a question. Are there any rules from preventing a male player from entering an LPGA event?
05/16/06 @ 14:26

Yes. The rules for entry into the LPGA are that you must be born a female.

oh, and that goes for their tournaments as well.

oops, i can only post every 120 seconds, rofl. sorry about that.

"Comment from: Shanks [Member] · http://www.travelgolf.com/blogs/shanks
I don't understand that last comment of Todd's. Most golfers would give almost anything just to be able to play in the US Open and shoot whatever. Why should Wie be any different? Look at old Tom Kite, still willing to go through qualifying - and he's a past champion!"

Shanks I think everyone underestimates Michelle at one time or another. There are folks who think she is "just" trying to make a cut and play in a men's tournament. I'm sure Michelle has a different opinion inside when she tees it up with the men; she wants to win the whole damn thing.

Monday in Hawaii Michelle tamed a difficult course under windy conditions to defeat everyone who showed up to qualify that day. Shooting even par (according to some who witnessed the event) was like shooting a 65 under normal conditions.

Number 17 was a hole where in the past Michelle would have let the match get away from her, but not now. When she decided to fight and reverse the ball back onto the fairway she showed a professional maturity to her play. The next shot a mid-iron to six feet and the saving of par was the defining moment in the match for her.

I never underestimate this young lady.

I see that the LPGA is still in denial, lol.

1. Creamer defends Sybase Classic presented by Lincoln Mercury
2. Webb toasts second win at Michelob ULTRA Open at Kingsmill; Seven-stroke victory sets tournament records for lowest score and largest margin of victory
3. 2006 Michelob ULTRA Open at Kingsmill tournament summary
4. 2006 LPGA Statistical Leaders
5. 2006 ADT Official Money List
6. Duramed Futures Tour - Pipeline to the LPGA Tour
7. This week - Sybase Classic presented by Lincoln Mercury, Wykagyl Country Club, New Rochelle, N.Y., $1,300,000, May 18-21, 2006
8. Next week - LPGA Corning Classic, Corning Country Club, Corning, N.Y., $1,200,000, May 25-28, 2006
9. LPGA News and Notes

No mention of another Milestone for women golfers with MW's win.

I for one would love to see her win a couple of tournaments in the LPGA this year, just to rub their collective noses in what they are ignoring.
It would be fun to be a fly on the wall in the locker room of the LPGA biddies and hear what they all really think, lol

It would be fun for us old farts, but remember that MW is only 16. She is a kid. She is a golfer. Given that her parents seem somewhat clueless (recall the incident with BJ & Ammacapanna and other reports that BJ is a nuisance/distraction to other players), I do worry that her skin is not thick enough to handle the nastiness that will continue to present itself until she has 5-10 more years under her belt and dozens of wins and several LPGA majors. Jealously and her vulnerability make for nasty bedfellows.

Despite being "hadnled" by the best, my guess is that IMG and others will be well behind the 8 ball. Chances are that intra-locker room politics will rear its ugly head to blindside MW. In the next couple years, it seems almost inevitable that an incident or two will cause her to get visibly shaken. Just imagine her getting on the wrong side of a Dottie Pepper!!

It would be fun for us old farts, but remember that MW is only 16. She is a kid. She is a golfer. Given that her parents seem somewhat clueless (recall the incident with BJ & Ammacapanne and other reports that BJ is a nuisance/distraction to other players), I do worry that her skin is not thick enough to handle the nastiness that will continue to present itself until she has 5-10 more years under her belt and dozens of wins and several LPGA majors. Jealously and her vulnerability make for nasty bedfellows.

Despite being "handled" by the best, my guess is that IMG and others will be well behind the 8 ball. Chances are that intra-locker room politics will rear its ugly head to blindside MW. In the next couple years, it seems almost inevitable that an incident or two will cause her to get visibly shaken. Just imagine her getting on the wrong side of a Dottie Pepper!!

Sorry for my horrible typing...

You mean she isn't on Peppers bad side now?
Lord, when was the last time that woman said something nice about MW without qualifying it with a zinger or a needling little put down.
And as long as Morgan is Pepper and Lopez's pet, MW can do nothing right.

Congratulations to Michelle Wie! Congratulations for beating forty crappy never will be's from Hawaii, arguably the weakest of all the local qualifier sites. Congratulations for unleashing a whole new wave of Wie lunatics who are no looking at potential pairings, and even talking about a top 8 finish and admission into the Masters. I'm not sure what's scarier, the fact that people think she will actually make it through the sectional in New Jersey, let alone finish in the top 8 or that you people have access to computers and can use them to contact the "real world". Let me calmly explain what this all means. Michelle will not make it to the U.S. Open (men's) and she will not play in the Master's and she will never be a factor on the PGA tour or any other men's tour for that matter, sure she may make a few cuts, but that's it. Michelle Wie is an incredible golfer, a winless golfer, but still incredible. I give her full credit for opening the doors she has and I would never try to take that away from her. Winning local qualifiers is great as is making a cut on the Asian Tour, but lets slow down a bit on the hyperbole for just a minute and remember that she has a long way to go still before we deem her a golf god.

Guys (and gals),
if you want to know more about the specifics on MW's sectionals, this is the wrap up story of the 2004 sectionals held at the same place: Canoe Brooks country club in New Jersey. In summary, 139 compete for 22 spots. It should be pretty much the same this year.



http://www.usopen.com/2004/press/canoe-sectional.html

Ford, you guys never go away, do you??...

* there are no crappy qualifiers. Scoring is irrelevant as the conditions and courses vary.

* Pairings?? Huh? It is stroke play, friend.

* What IS scary is her upside. She is still only 16 with very little experience on tough courses and with tough greens. With experience, except to see her at Sectionals each and every year. To think otherwise is ludicrous.

* Can she play in the Master's? Well, very few men actually do. Really a non-issue as it is the dream of playing in the Master's that motivates. If she does not or never wins a PGA tour event, she can hardly be deemed a "failure." If so, they should start calling all PGA non-winenrs a failure.

* Can she be a "factor" on any men's tour? What do mean by "factor?" She has already held her own against the likes of KJ Choi and Adam Scott, two pretty studly PGA players. She is 16...She can contend. In many ways the PGA tour may be easier. Why? the red carpet treatment will be there. the NW tour is a much tougher grind and lifestyle.

* "...make a few cuts and that's it..." LOL!! You are funny. To do so means by definition that she is PGA material. Who on God's green earth says that she HAS to win the Master's to prove she belongs? What moronic sentiments.

* No posting I have ever seen deems her a golfing god. She is an amazing phenomemnon to be celebrated by both sexes and all races; she is the best talent in women's golf since perhaps The Babe (now whether she realizes that talent remains to seen...OF COURSE); her credentials at 16 are the best the world of gold HAS EVER SEEN, male or female; she in an inspiration to half the planet--a girl kicking loads of male butt; she is technically beuatiful to watch; she will reach Tigeresque proportions in terms of her marketing appeal (like finding Google at $10/share and knowing its potential); Her track record thus far is amazing for a 16 year old--performance in USGA, LPGA, and Men's events...the wins will come, put look at all the top 10s in tough tournaments and look at those sub 70 rounds at age 14/15...remarkable; she is modest, attractive and smart--the ideal role model for this morally corrupt and hopelessly clueless generation of kids; she is ticking off loads of grumpy dinosaurs like yourself and prissy women like MP who think the world shold revolve around their definition of golf; she is a global inspiration.

A "God?" Please. Someone to watch and enjoy, absolutely.

Once again, the parallels between MW threads and discussions of a young Tiger Woods are uncanny. So much pent up bitterness...

Face it, the world of golf is no longer fat, chain smoking white dudes with feel. It is global, multiracial and all about atheticism and science. And while you stew over yet another aspect of culture gone "awry," I will enjoy my own memories of watching a young Tiger shoot an amazing 63-64 on the weekend at Pebble in 1997 and looking at the throngs that followed him. MW will and should get the same treatment.

BTW, of the four local qualifiers ahead of MW in 2005, one made it to the Open and one was sectional alternate.

Clearly it will be tough, but she controls her own destiny...and needs only one good day...

Ford, how do you see that Michelle will generate the high score against par and shoot herself out of the sectional or out of the Open?

Must be you believe she can't drive her tee shot to a reasonable part of the fairway? or

Must be you believe she can't hit her irons to some reasonable part of the green? or

Must be you believe she can't putt worth a damn?

All the above?

Do you believe Michelle will repeat what she did in the Sony Round 1 because the weather will be the same as Day 1.

I think she will repeat what she did in the Sony Round 2 because the weather will be the same as Day 2.

I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Aww, and here I was expecting a warm and fuzzy from you.
If you don't like what you see, wait a while and it'll get worse.
We actually get some wierdos that argree with you.

"Chances are that intra-locker room politics will rear its ugly head to blindside MW"- I think that's why the Wie's decided to go global rather than be at the mercy of the LPGA. She is now loved in Korea and Japan. Next up may be China and Southeast Asia. Also, the fact that Michelle is determined to go to college should act as a buffer, because basically the strategy in my view seems to not put all of one's eggs in one basket. There is always a back up plan: Michelle can go part time or full time to College. She can continue to play some men's PGA tour tournaments depending on her progress; or she back track and play lower profile tournaments (Asia tour, Korean Tour, etc.)
I think attending college will help her mature greatly as an individual, and be able to handle the bickering, and jealousy that it inevitably will come. I can already sense a lot of jealousy and resentment by the media and players for her endorsements. Once again, I am sure a college education will allow her to handle these petty issues smoothly.

Whether or not Wie makes it to Winged Foot and whether or not she shoots poorly if she does make it, Wie will treat it all the same way--as a learning experience.

Wie knows she's not expected to qualify, but I bet she thinks she has a good chance (to think otherwise would be foolish). And if she makes it and shoots two rounds in the 80s, then so what? She'll be back to try again next year, another year older, wiser, and experienced.

Found on Road Dead, that is a Golf Goddess in Michelle's case not a Golf God you neophyte.

I think Michelle answered her LPGA critics during the 60 Minutes interview. "I'm used to people saying things about me that don't know me, I'm in high school after all." That was directed at Dottie, Cristie, Paula, Nancy and the rest of the LPGA crowd who are still acting like they are in high school. I don't think they like Koreans very much.

When Michelle was confronted by Morgan's U.S. Women's Open qualifying comments she simply said, "She has the right to her opinion and has the right to say whatever she feels."

I gather that was her way of saying "opinions are like A-holes Morgan and everyone has one".

I don't think Michelle really gives a hoot what these gals think about her and the same goes for the men. She will just let her game do the talking.

Her theme song should be Sinatra's "My Way".

Guys and gals, Make note of this because this is the last time I will say it. The US Open is not now, nor never has been the US "Men's" Open. There is no stipulation now, nor has there ever been that entrants be men, which is obvious since Miss Wie has competed in in the qualifiers at least twice. On the other hand, the US Women's Open states specifically that entrants must have been born female and be of the female gender at the time of entry. About twenty years ago, there was actually a court case on that very subject in which the differences between males and females were thoroughly delineated in scientific language in fine detail.

I think all players(PGA, LPGA, European, Asian) who against Wie's path are palin jealous. Most complained Michelle took a sponsor spot and that hurt a underachieved player. To me, they don't have any common sense and knowlege on professional sports. All these tours are running on money. They are not amature and charity events. Everytime they open their mounths against Wie or Sponsors, they shamefully showing their intelligence.

For One-Putt

you said
AGE 16 Professional Golfer:
Second female to make the cut in a men's PGA sanctioned event and the first in 61 years.
FIRST female to enter the United States Open Championship and progress to the sectional level.
THis is not correct. Se RI Pak made the cut in a Korean mens tournament 2 years ago. ALso it is not a PGA event.

YOu all are totally crazy with this. MW shot the highest score of any qualifier location on a rather easy course. She will not get past the next round in any event. But Congrats on another achievement for a 16 year old boy or girl.

FOr someone to compare this to Jackie RObinson is ridiculous and shows that person knows nothing of racial discrimination. MW has been given special treatment all along the way.

I fully expect Michelle Wie to progress through the Open qualifying, likely making it through sectional and regional qualifying. Right now, she's like the golf equivalent of a AAA ballplayer, capable of competing effectively at the lower levels (qualifiers, non-touring pros, club pros) and possibly catching fire and competing at the higher levels (making a cut in a PGA event), but not likely to challenge the leaders at the highest level. To all those who think she will, remember that while she is progressing and improving, that the MEN are improving too, and that bar to compete against the PGA will get higher and higher, even as her skills improve.

Michelle might be playing regularly in PGA one day -- at least for a couple years. But being the best on the world would be long long shot. But I think he has a chance to crack to top ten, maybe 10 yrs from now. Because I don't see any new boys similar to Phil and Tigar. Nobody would be dominating in PGA like Tigar and Phil a decade later. So, chances for eveybody is good.

mrsmallrain, After reading your post, I have a suggestion. Change your handle to "Mrs. Malaprop." My apologies to Richard Sheridan.-:)

The one thing that is perfectly obvious throughout the last 2 years especially is that the LPGA and the old (and younger) mustached ladies resist change like crazy.

Just listening to the local chat on the driving range and the putting practice spot, I get the idea that there are a lot of young females that are enthusiastic about the idea of being able to challenge both the LPGA and the PGA. I really believe, just from hearing these comments, that the LPGA should really pull their collective heads out of the sand and recognize that the younger generation ( minus the Morgan Pressel minority group) are more interested in pushing the envelope of ability than being a big cheese in a small cheese factory like the LPGA.

It seems that the Alexs of the world are outdated and outnumbered by those youngester willing to push farther,faster and younger than ever before. Now realistcally, not many of them can or will follow MW or go as far but that won't stop them from trying.

The genie is out of the bottle and there is no way of putting it back. Either accept it or get ready to move aside because it shows no signs of stopping for the doddering flower sniffing group.sniffing

for alex, the added `sniffing' was a mistype.Just to spike your guns on that, lol

Thanks for the bio Fix Or Repair Daily, but who really gives a Rat's A** what you have to say or think Mr. Egomaniac? Be careful your ears don't get scraped off on the door jambs as you walk thru, as the swelling may never go away.

we all talk about others' repression on women. but only a few like to give women an equal opportunity. some even enjoy bashing women. yes. we are not equal and will never be sexually, physically, mentally, or you name it. but giving equal opportunities is the most important and all we could do. why are hiding "secrets" from others? you know they are easy to decipher. why are not giving equal opportunities to others? you know, they can definitly do better. oh, my random stupid thoughts as i had a bad day. :)

There is something nauseating about the post by "Ford". Why do we need to know how your wife and kids look? Why do you feel the need to describe your personal life in order to comment on Wie?

Hollywood Ford,
At 14 and 15 (which is AMAZING, male or female), she missed PGA cuts by one stroke. That means she beat roughly 25-40% the field each time. If I had the time, I would go through those tournaments and list the number of PGA players she finished ahead of...most of whom were NOT having "nightmarish" days...Even with Choi shooting a 65 in the 3rd round...that was more a great round by Choi than any knock on Wie. Goodness...what does the girl have to do, shoot 59-59 on the weekend at the Master's??

* Whether she can be a factor on the weekend remians to be seen...but so far (really the only perspective relevant here) is that she is more capable than any other 16/7 year-old male/female on the planet to have such a claim...according to your (il)logic, no child alive has a chance to ever play on the PGA tour and that within ten years there will be no PGA tour!! She is the most promising young player in the world, male or female. Within two years, she will have the length, touch and experience on the greens to hold her own regularly against PGA players. 99.99% of her supporters think that anything beyond that would be wonderful but forsting on the cake. Yet you and others base your arguments on the need for her to be a multiple-winner to be a PGA success!!?! Man, thank goodness you did not raise an athlete or serve as a coach. "Hey, kid, you will NEVER make it...I don't care if you are ALL-American or could beat top PGA players on any given round...you are overrated and undeserving..." LOL!! Nonsensical tripe. She is a G-I-R-L...who NOBODY who have thought would ever be able to break 80 from the PGA tips. Face it, when Laura Davies shot 82 an a European event, just about every od fart thought, "Good girl...but see? you don;t belong here." Well, a 16 year old girl, a "frail" Asian girl at that, has broken 70 twice already at at 14 and 15 years of age. Damn. if that is not the most wonderful story in golf since Casey Martin.

* I cannot speak for the fanatics out there. FOr those that think she WILL win the Master's, well, that is a bot far fetched, as it would be for ANYONE. But damn, let the kid enjoy her dreams! It has done wonder for her so far. Were you ever an athlete or artist with dreams?

* She beats men all the time...men with loads of experience on the PGA and NW tours. Similarly, men beat her regularly. Both illustrate my point. She can hold her own. And in a couple of years when she is more physically mature, she will be hold her own more consistently.

* Your growth of males argument is nonsensical. Compared with PGA tour players, it is MW's growth that will reduce the physical disadvantage she currently has. That was my point.

* THere are thousands of strong boys who can crush the ball 330+ ALREADY...what they lack is touch, putting, control, consistency...

* You fail to understand...Men have been in competition with each other in sports forever. THere are few "soft" records out there. LIttle room for large leaps in the most competitive sports. Track, swimming, golf, baseball, etc. The improvements are incremental. 100m dash men's world record falls in increments of .01seconds. With the same equipment and same age, Tiger does not hit the ball much farther than Jack did. But with girls and women, we are witnessing improvements by leaps and bounds. Far more soft records. MW is being groomed as would a male prodigy. That is why she is light years ahead of her female competition at the same age. And as a special talent she can hold her own against many top PGA players.

* Of course, if there were 20 "supergirls" playing against 20 superboys, I would think that the boys have an advantange, albeit a slight one. Golf is more than power, hence the scores of PGA players whoa re under 5'10" who have done extremely well on the PGA tour. But, yes there will be an advantage to males on physicality. But I tell you this, if the girls are groomed as MW has been, the teaching will more than neutralize the inherent power advantage of men. that is why we call it golf. But my point here is that the old image of male versus female golfer is being replaced with one that is more "fair," male golfer verus atheltic female golfer...and with a smaller gap between them.

* Golf is funky. But here is the deal. If MW played for Stanford (her dream college and Tiger's alma Mater) and if she played on the men's team, she would hold her own and win likely iwn a couple of titles. This scenario was unthinkable even 10 years ago, where the "Ladies" were more likely to be girly-girls (with a few exceptions like Inkster and Sheehan who are tough) playing from short tees and playing far easier courses. With Wie, the golfing worls has a glimpse of what "can" be: "women" playing from the tips as athletes and playing on tough courses. That alone will be an amazing development.

* BTW I am happily married with two girls and a newborn son with no "interest" in MW but with a desire to see her get a fair shake (and her due) from a world that I know is filled with countless old boys networks who protect their intersts in a decided unmanly way. If your boys get beat out by a girl for a spot on the boy's golf team, then so be it. Hopefully, they and you won't whinge, but instead work on their game and earn their place...much like MW's has deserved the attention she has received...

Now enjoy that gated community of yours and get your index down so you can apply for a future Open qualifier!!! Cheers...

wow, some long posts.

What in the hell has happened to spelling and punctuation on this thread? Maybe mrsmallrain has brought some sort of contagious dysfunction to this board.

Ford, As you can see, it didn't take the Wie nuts very long before they unleashed personal attacks and insults on you after you had the temerity to find something amiss with Bubbles. You may as well have questioned the virtue of their mothers. After reading these posts by the Wie cultists, I am beginning to understand how those poor souls drank the Koolaid and went to their deaths at Jonestown.

Here is an interesting article from the NJ Star-Ledger.

It appears that there is a small panic at the Canoe Brook club over how to handle the potential crowds...their normal crowd at a qualifier is 500. Their "record gallery" is 200. They suspect they may get a few more than that when Michelle shows up.

The club manager says that the PGA will have to handle the crowd contol end, the PGA says Canoe Brook is used to crowds.

Everyone better get on the same page fast, as crowd control issues normally are planned for over a 90 day plus planning horizon and they only have three weeks;-)

The press pass requests alone will exceed their largest gallery John. If crowd control and security are not adequate it could cause Michelle to withdraw from the event. Her advance security team will decide.

Canoe Brook just found out they are hosting a Superbowl in three weeks and it looks like they don't have a clue on how to do it.

Hey Alex! I hope you can find a parking spot at Canoe Brook I know Michelle's biggest fan would not miss this event.

Now who owns the Television rights to broadcast the USGA Sectionals?

Talk about a windfall for the USGA.

I commend the USGA, especially David Fay because he understands what is behind Michelle Wie's ambitions, why she is so popular and what is needed to be done so that golf fans, the golf organization, and Michelle all benefit. In fact, he visited Michelle and her parents in 2004 right after the women's open to discuss some ways to smoothe things out.
I see the upcoming sectionals going smoothly without a hitch, especially since the usga already noticed the large crowds at last year's pub links where she advanced to the round of 16.

One-Putt, since Bubbles is the architect of her own career and has been since she turned thirteen, since she has the business acumen to handle the finances of her far-reaching empire, and since she has mastered the arts of diplomacy and public speaking, was it necessary for her to hire her advance security team and strategically place them? Or did she risk delegating such a critical task to her agents and handlers, the ones that she and she alone hired three years ago?

Alex,
With celebrity, comes secret admirers who can then become potential stalkers. Simple as that. If I were a parent, that would be my no.1 concern. I would be scared of an incident like that of what happened to Monica Seles where she was stabbed in a tournament.

Pete you are a real gentleman. While others on this site have blasted my last post as arrogant, ignorant, or just an outright lie you, sir stuck to the facts. As I said before you make some excellent points and have encouraged me to take a less defensive or harsh stance towards Michelle Wie's accomplishments and career path. I have nothing against Michelle, in fact I wish her the very best and acknowledge that what she is doing is indeed groundbreaking stuff. I just feel that her coranation as the "future of golf" has come a little too easily and a little too quickly. In other words for all her accomplishments there have been more near misses and dissapointments. As for her impact on the game and on young women that is undeniable and she should be commended for, up to this point proving to be a strong role model and ambassador of the game. There are some things that I still believe to be true about Michelle; she should have won by now on the LPGA; she has not yet conquered her nerves come crunch time; she will not be a threat to win or a factor on the PGA Tour; her mouth is alarmingly small, especially when she's not smiling. I'm just kidding, commenting on her physical appearence was childish and mean spirited and for that I apologize to anyone I may have offended. As far as the comments about my life, my family and my appearence they were made to combat the common cry of Wie fans that anyone who does not think she is the best thing since sliced bread is just bitter or jealous. I make no apologies for having a wonderful family, financial security and dimples. Pete I have a great deal of respect for your opinions and the careful and thoughtful way that you present them. I would much rather be having this discussion at the local pub over a pint, Cheers! Just for the record, I'm actually a very modest individual, if I do say so myself.

some said what Wies are doing is publicity stunt. even if critics were right, they still lose the arguments. hey, Wie won no matter how you look at the issue. 1.she won tens of millions by doing publicity stunt. 2.she got many chances to play in many tournament without winning 3.more importantly, she is proving the critics wrong by playing well in all cornors of the globe

mrsmallrain, What is your opinion of the recent hike in the price of fish in Bangladesh?

Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
One-Putt, since Bubbles is the architect of her own career and has been since she turned thirteen, since she has the business acumen to handle the finances of her far-reaching empire, and since she has mastered the arts of diplomacy and public speaking, was it necessary for her to hire her advance security team and strategically place them? Or did she risk delegating such a critical task to her agents and handlers, the ones that she and she alone hired three years ago?
05/18/06 @ 08:13

Alex, sometimes you absolutley astound me with the stupid drivel you can come up with.

Why not just go and watch and stop being such a large pain in the posterior. If there was a Jerk of the year Award, you'd be a shoo in as a winner.

Now be a nice lttle guy and FRO!!!

"Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
mrsmallrain, What is your opinion of the recent hike in the price of fish in Bangladesh?"

I have a comment on that subject Alex. It depends on the season and what type of fish are available. The price changes between 10 to 60 Taka per kilo during the course of a year on Milkfish for example.

Al Gore will blame this rise in price on the Bush administration as he takes his success at inventing the internet on to conquer global warming.

Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
One-Putt, since Bubbles is the architect of her own career and has been since she turned thirteen, since she has the business acumen to handle the finances of her far-reaching empire, and since she has mastered the arts of diplomacy and public speaking, was it necessary for her to hire her advance security team and strategically place them? Or did she risk delegating such a critical task to her agents and handlers, the ones that she and she alone hired three years ago?

Ah the life of a Golf Superstar, she couldn't possibly handle all those things herself Alex. She has people to take care of these trivial chores. William Morris handles most of the tasks you list in order to protect one of their most important clients.

Now really Alex how would you expect Michelle to study for her AP exams in math and history, if she was burdened with running her court and the responsibilities associated with being a Golf Princess.

Surely you jest.

Well done Michell! Great Achievement.
You ll definitely qualify for the tournament too.
Best Wihes from
All womens.

Michelle could have a very busy June if she makes it thru the sectional to play at Winged Foot. June 5th 36 hole sectional, the very next day she shows up for the McDonalds LPGA Championship. If she somehow makes it thru the sectional ahe would play the U.S. Open the following week. Two weeks later she plays in the U.S. Women's Open.

Get ready for the MW Network coming to a cable provider near you.

This must be vacation time down at the home. First we had mrsmallrain and now Mitchel. They're everywhere!

One-putt: If it did (MW Network) - I would watch it - I already had to "bump" up my satellite three levels so I could get the golf channel, just so I could watch the events MW was in (that were not carried by ESPN)!

"Comment from: toto [Visitor]
One-putt: If it did (MW Network) - I would watch it - I already had to "bump" up my satellite three levels so I could get the golf channel, just so I could watch the events MW was in (that were not carried by ESPN)!"

If she pulls off a win somehow in June, look for the Golf Channel or ESPN to spin off another network Toto: The WM....

By the way Toto, you wouldn't be from Kansas would you?

One-Putt:

That's what I do so enjoy about your blogs: they are so perceptive - yes, I USED to be from Kansas - I now reside, relunctantly, in Florida but, ah, hard to give up all of your roots :}

The chances of MW even getting into the Open, as much as I would really like to see it, are, admittedly, slim to none, with proably more emphasis on none, however, it would really be great and it does present an wonderful scenario - both opens, wow!

yeah, i know - probably

We just might be underestinating Michelle's ability to finish in the top 20 at Canoe Brook. There may be fifty PGA professionals showing up for sectionals, but over the last two years Michelle might have finished ahead of them in the field at one event or another.

I though Karrie Webb's career was waning until she holed a wedge at the Kraft and started a whole new career.

Golf involves some skill and a whole lot of luck. When you fire your irons on line at the target strange things happen.

One-Putt - A bit of perspective please. Even Tiger Woods failed to qualify for the US Open until he was 19. He tried and failed in the sectionals at 16 and 17. Not sure if he entered at 18, no mention of that year in his bio.

If Wie does get through, it would be rather startling (in a good way).

One-putt: I was watching Kraft when MW hit the shot on the 16th(?) then immediately Karrie holed out on the 18th - the look on MW's face probably mirrored mine - talk about high-to-low -- then she came within a pitch of snatching victory back. Yes, luck does play a part - but, then, I read (or heard, or something) where luck is when opportunity meets preparation. I have to say that Karrie deserved that one - and, as much as I would have wanted MW to win, Lorena showed me something that day, too.

MikeW re: your post above

Some additional perspective, from the age of 13 to the age of 15 Michelle's PGA Tour statistics are about 3.5 years ahead of Tiger's. That is to say at 15 her stats were better than Tiger at 18, but not so good as Tiger at 19.

So at 16, if she continues the trend, she should make it to the US Open, but not make the cut there. (At age 19, Tiger withdrew at the end of the second day with a total of +19 to par.)

Or...she may not...savor the anticipation.

Toto, I also watched the Kraft tournament. I was rooting for Michelle to pull it out and she was definitely in position to do it. But when Karrie holed out from the fairway not once but for the second time in that tournament I knew Karrie was destined to win.

Alex, the link above is a great picture of Michelle in Korea with her security detail. These men are big and experts in Taekwondo. I don't think she hired those goons; it's part of the royal treatment.

KNP (Korean National Police) in the photo.

What seems incongruous to me is the fact that nearly all you Wie fans think that Michelle has little or no chance to make it at Canoe Brook. I mean, she is a professional and according to most bloggers on this site, she has the game, the determination, the indomitable spirit, the strength, the intelligence, all the essentials to be competitive with the very best on the PGA tour. For these reasons she is the best thing for golf to come along in many a moon. That's why she gets and deserves as many sponsors' exemptions allowable. In fact, she should get more. Why is it then that you Wie Warriors hedge your bets when it comes to the June 6 showdown in NJ? Suddenly you would all be happy if she just plays well ahd enjoys herself, has some fun and learns along the way? After all, one can't expect too much from Bubbles. She's only 16. Sure.

ALEX--At just 16 Michelle Wie is competitive with the very best on the LPGA Tour. She was ranked no 2 in the Rolex rankings and dropped off only because she no longer meets the 15 event minimum. We argue she should be allowed more LPGA sponsors exemptions. As far as the PGA is concerned, she does not come close to the maximum allowed.

Few of us think Michelle Wie will ever be competitive with THE VERY BEST on the PGA. She would like Top 10 in a tournament, I doubt she has her eyes on Top 10 on the PGA money list. Right now she probably should be a long shot to make the Open this year--but she will probably improve, and I will confidently predict that she will make the Open in the future. Indeed, before the sectionals pick any one 16 year old boy and I will predict that Michelle Wie will make the Open before he does. I may losem but I think I am making a good bet.

Some people have set the bar much higher for Michelle than other female golfers and it is hard to understand why?

A blind man could see that Michelle has done very well on the LPGA tour since she first started as a 12 year old in 2002. Her performance in LPGA major championships and other tournaments has been outstanding.

She appeared in 22 events and garnered 9 top ten finishes. If you extact the 3 cuts she missed in 2002 and the one cut in 2003 Michelle has ended up in the top ten after weekend play in nine out of eighteen events she appeared or fifty percent of the times she played a complete event.

Now find how many golfers male or female end up in the top ten, fifty percent of the times they tee it up in a professional golf tournament.

It ain't a long list believe me.

extact = extract

Since the start of 2005 Wie is Top 3 in 3 out of 5 Women's Pro Majors--and also Top 3 in 3 out of 5 in lesser LPGA events. That is medalling or a podium finish 60% of the time.

"Comment from: Jim COULTHARD [Visitor]
Since the start of 2005 Wie is Top 3 in 3 out of 5 Women's Pro Majors--and also Top 3 in 3 out of 5 in lesser LPGA events. That is medalling or a podium finish 60% of the time."

That doesn't mean an awful lot to the high handicappers hanging out here Jim. My index is less than four and it impresses the hell out of me.

More nice pics of MW from Korea:

Michelle Wie having fun dancing



Somebody call the Gucci people

Alex
Still wasting your time on these bloggs.
I thought you said no more about 6 months ago.
I honestly cannot understand why such an intelligent guy as you wastes time on this blog. Can you explain?
Do you get your kicks from taking the piss out of other.
It must be nice to be so superior. Not

"Laughing at someone else is an excellent way of learning how to laugh at oneself; and questioning what seem to be the absurd beliefs of another group is a good way of recognizing the potential absurdity of many of one's own cherished beliefs." Vidal, Gore.
Alex. Is this true?
Alan M

One thing missing from this discussion is a erspective on how MW can work her way onto the PGA Tour. To me, the answer is very simple: play as many PGA and EPGA tournaments as possible in select number of types of layouts and against a varied group of players.

The notion that she should first dominate junior golf and then dominate the LPGA and then and only then try for the PGA is simpletonian at best. Hey Michael Campbell, please, stick to golf and not to strategy or tactics. At this point in her development, playing AJGA tournaments will hurt rather than help her. What about LPGA events? Run of the mill events won't really help her too much. Courses are too easy: too short, no rough, too wide, and greens too easy. MW should, however, play in top flight LPGA events: majors and other top events.

No, the only way she will continue to develop is to play at events at or above her level. This means Nationwwide events on up. ow will know she is playing at her level? When she is making 50%+ cuts, sneaking into top 20 and perhaps top 10 on ocassion. BY this standard, she is currently playing at a level above the LPGA. BEfore you doubt me, look at her record in the LPGA majors 9which include performances when she was 13 and 14. She has clearly earned her #2 ranking.

So herein lies the dilemma for a woman golfer. She is at a level that is above the LPGA player and below the PGA player. Solution, play as many sponsor exemptions at the PGA and EPGA as she can and play in a max of 8 LPGA events a year, all at the top tournaments. Her current schedule is still too heavily weighted to LPGA events.

Side note: Currently Tiger has 48 PGA victories and 9 Int'l Zvictories; Phil has 29 PGA victories and 1 Int'l victory; Vijay 25 pGA and 22 Int'l wins. But...if you were to weight them in terms of strength of field and prestige, Tiger's dominance would be even more obvious. Tiger ONLY plays the tough tournaments. Phil and Vijay often play the lesser PGA events to tune up or to rack up victories/points.

OK, back to MW. What I recommend above pertains only to the objective of MW developing as a golfer. If she instead wishes to maximize her hardware, then play the weaker events on the LPGA, a la Phil and Vijay. If she wishes to rack of titles, then play the lesser events. If she wished to rewrite the history books her and now, then she should haev stayed in junior and amateur golf. If she wishes to make as much money as possible, then all I can say is that her PGA quest has made her 10 times as marketable as even the top PLGA players. But if she wants to develop her game to be as good as possible, then she NEEDS 2/3 of tournament golf to be with the PGA and EPGA and for her LPGA events to remain the majors and elite tournaments.

The WORST thing she can do is to listen to boneheads such as Chris Baldwin and alike and stick to the LPGA...her game will SUFFER. Two exceptions. One, if she gets hurt or in a rut, then playing a lesser event will help build confidence (time-tested method). Two, if the LPGA starts upgrading the level of courses they play (and the tees & greens), then the LPGA can help develop her game.

Final note: Annika was a great golfer before Colonial. But after she played Colonial she has been unbelievable (hopefully without steroids as she is looking rather manly in physique ever since), last few weeks excepted. And Annika herself has repeatedly said how great Colonial has been for her game.

So Michelle, the only question before you is what kind of golfer do you want to be? Personally, as a purist, I hope she chooses the path of becoming the best golfer she can be, yet with some minimum number of LPGA tournaments to help the LPGA learn how it needs to set its bar higher for women's golf.

One thing missing from this discussion is a perspective on how MW can work her way onto the PGA Tour. To me, the answer is very simple: play as many PGA and EPGA tournaments as possible in select number of types of layouts and against a varied group of players.

The notion that she should first dominate junior golf and then dominate the LPGA and then and only then try for the PGA is simpletonian at best. Hey Michael Campbell, please, stick to golf and not to strategy or tactics. At this point in her development, playing AJGA tournaments will hurt rather than help her. What about LPGA events? Run of the mill events won't really help her too much. Courses are too easy: too short, no rough, too wide, and greens too easy. MW should, however, play in top flight LPGA events: majors and other top events.

No, the only way she will continue to develop is to play at events at or above her level. This means Nationwwide events on up. ow will know she is playing at her level? When she is making 50%+ cuts, sneaking into top 20 and perhaps top 10 on ocassion. BY this standard, she is currently playing at a level above the LPGA. BEfore you doubt me, look at her record in the LPGA majors 9which include performances when she was 13 and 14. She has clearly earned her #2 ranking.

So herein lies the dilemma for a woman golfer. She is at a level that is above the LPGA player and below the PGA player. Solution, play as many sponsor exemptions at the PGA and EPGA as she can and play in a max of 8 LPGA events a year, all at the top tournaments. Her current schedule is still too heavily weighted to LPGA events.

Side note: Currently Tiger has 48 PGA victories and 9 Int'l victories; Phil has 29 PGA victories and 1 Int'l victory; Vijay 25 pGA and 22 Int'l wins. But...if you were to weight them in terms of strength of field and prestige, Tiger's dominance would be even more obvious. Tiger ONLY plays the tough tournaments. Phil and Vijay often play the lesser PGA events to tune up or to rack up victories/points.

OK, back to MW. what I recommended above pertain only to the objective of MW developing as a golfer. If she instead wishes to maximize her hardware, then play the weaker events on the LPGA, a la Phil and Vijay. If she wishes to rack of titles, then play the lesser events. If she wished to rewrite the history books her and now, then she should haev stayed in junior and amateur golf. If she wishes to make as much money as possible, then all I can say is that her PGA quest has made her 10 times as marketable as even the top PLGA players. But if she wants to develop her game to be as good as possible, then she NEEDS 2/3 of tournament golf to be with the PGA and EPGA and for her LPGA events to remain the majors and elite tournaments.

The WORST thing she can do is to listen to boneheads such as Chris Baldwin and alike and stick to the LPGA...her game will SUFFER. Two exceptions. One, if she gets hurt or in a rut, then playing a lesser event will help build confidence (time-tested method). Two, if the LPGA starts upgrading the level of courses they play (and the tees & greens), then the LPGA can help develop her game.

Final note: Annika was a great golfer before Colonial. But after she played Colonial she has been unbelievable (hopefully without steroids as she is looking rather manly in physique ever since), last few weeks excepted. And Annika herself has repeatedly said how great Colonial has been for her game.

So Michelle, the only question before you is what kind of golfer do you want to be? Personally, as a purist, I hope she chooses the path of becoming the best golfer she can be, yet with some minimum number of LPGA tournaments to help the LPGA learn how it needs to set its bar higher for women's golf.

Ford, your take on Michelle Wie's small mouth won't wash on people with a keen sense of beauty. Here's another guy's musings:

You're 16, you're beautiful & you're right

Pete, The scenario that you've laid out fot Miss Wie would be quite demanding. Maybe One-Putt can explain how she will pull it off AND be able to graduate from Stanford summa cum laude at the same time. And with advanced placement classes to boot. It should be quite a trick. What will happen to her career as a supermodel? All the while, of course, she will be winning many LPGA tournaments as well as contending and possibly winning on the PGA and Euro tours. Dream on, Wie Warriors!

Brian, Nothing is wrong with sharing a dream about your favorite matinee idol, whether it be Paris Hilton, Brittany Spears, or Michelle Wie, as long as you realize it's a dream. Paris will never be Mother Teresa, Brittany won't ever be Katherine Hepburn, and Michelle will never be Ben Hogan. The first two don't have the talent, and the last one has neither the talent nor the proper gender. I compare Bubbles to male golfers because that is what her fans and she want her to be compare to.

You forgot a few things Alex:

First, she has pulled it off so far Alex and has only added a couple of events over her 2005 schedule. This looks like a schedule that will work for her on into college. Why join a tour and hitch yourself to their wagon Alex?

Second, being a Supermodel was never one of Michelle's goals, it is just a byproduct of her Nike contract and her new contract with a Korean clothier. Since she recieves more money than a Supermodel to wear their rags, I guess the title fits Alex. Hey when you are over six foot and beautiful, you can make anything look good.

Third, advanced placement classes are "high school" classes Alex and I never stated she would be "Summa Cum Laude" of her graduating class, just that she would graduate. Perhaps she will have bestowed upon her the title "most likely to succeed" by her classmates.

Fourth, based on her performances in the events she plays in Alex on the LPGA tour I think we can all assume she will win more than a few in the future.

Annika played in her first U.S. Women's Open in 1992 taking low amateur honors at 24 over par in a tie for 63rd place. Annika was 22 years old at the time. Three years later in 1995 at the age of 25 she one her first of several U.S. Open titles. So what would you have said Alex about Annika in 1992? I imagine the same things you are saying about Michelle right now. The difference is Alex, Michelle's worst showing at a U.S. Women's Open was a tie for 39th place when she was thirteen years old and appearing in her first Open also. Now I don't know which planet you live on Alex originally, but on this planet Michelle "done real good" so far. Annika was nine years senior in age to Michelle and could not equal her performance.

Based on Michelle's past performances here are my predictions for the rest of the season:

Michelle will finish in the top five in all three remaining LPGA Majors this season. Lorena turns 25 and will win her first major. Her golf mojo is just too strong now.

Michelle will make history and be above the cut line in at least two of her remaining men's events and finish in the upper half of the order in one appearance.

Michelle will make history as the first non-member of a tour to earn playing professional golf over a million dollars in one year, this year.

I also predict Michelle will return to Punahou for her senior year in the fall and be listed as "the most likely to succeed" in her senior yearbook.

After all I am the Nostradamus of the Golf Blogs. :-)

One-Putt, found several more pics of MW from Korea:

1. Michelle
2. Footloose
3. and fancy-free
4. Hey, that's illegal
5. Keep an eye out for Alex
6. Somebody call the Gucci people
7. May the best man win
8. Simple Simon says:
9. Lift your right foot up
10. Who wants to go to the bathroom?
11. Signed, sealed, delivered
12. Having a Kodak moment

Wayne can we safely say she looks like a Superstar in Korea?

Wayne and One-Putt, Be careful of all the ogling of Bubbles, you might be accused of lewd and lascivious behavior. Remember, you Wie nuts accuse us skeptics of child abuse when we criticize Bubbles.

alan m, 'ow 'ave you been, mate? I thought that the Grim Reaper may 'ave come fer ye. 'ow's yer Mum? Are ye still 'angin' round the local? I 'ope ye 'ave a nice weekend.

Even a hard heart like you Alex has to admit she is a lovely young lady who displays class in everything she does.

World Renowned Philanthropist

Worldwide Corporate Spokeswoman

World Class golfer on any Continent

Loving devoted daughter

Supermodel good looks with a warm and ?bubbly? personality

Renowned globe trotter who speaks four languages

Well able to handle a demanding professional career while maintaining excellent grades in her studies

Alex I just can't think of a finer role model for the young women of today to emulate than a down-to-earth Superstar like Michelle Wie.

Alex,
YEs, it will be demanding, but nothing worthwhile is easy. For this reason, running the table in junior tournaments is not worthwhile for her at this stage in her development. I was in Hawaii when she advanced in the all-male Manoa Cup at age 12. Amazing. She cannot and should not look back.

LOL!! No she won't be going to Stanford and earning summa cum laude (btw, something Stanford does not award), but should she decide to attend Stanford, I am sure the admissions committee would make certain allowances. But if she does get in, don;t expect the world--cut her some slack. The Chris Baldwins of the world will predictably write, "MW does not deserve to be at Stanford. She only occasionally breaks the median of the grad distribution. She should instead have first gone to a junior college and learned to dominate there. After that, she can try out a Cal State and perhaps a UC. Only when she has a 4.0 in electrical engineering and can compete for the Rhodes should she attempt to go to Stanford. And even then, she should expect resentment and bitterness from all those students who have more talent but cannot land that second-round interview at Goldman Sachs..."

Please, focus people, focus...if MW wants to develop as a golfer she HAS to play tougher courses under pressure. And in this day and age, that means against men--and the better ones at that. If she is so fortunate to attend Stanford, then BRAVO and give her the slack she deserves and the space she will need. And please, don't expect her to do more than fit in there. After all the attention she now gets, she might enjoy ebing in the middle of the pack...

I am doubtful that Michelle Wie will become a full time student at Stanford. For now she has a reasonably normal life as a high school student at Punahou because she is at home and has friends that date back to her childhood. At Stanford she would never have a chance to be just another freshman--and as a pro she cannot even play with the golf team.

But if she does attend college, classes in public speaking, drama etc. would make more sense than business. She can hire an MBA, she doesn't need to be one. Also classes in the dramatic arts would probably allow her to fit in as just another student to a greater extent than other areas--even if it is not too much.

What would Michelle get to experience at Stanford? A lot that she won't find in a golf course. First of all she would not be the only celebrity to have gone to Stanford. Some high profile alumni: Chelsea Clinton, Condy Rice, the Google founders, Sun Micro systems founder, Yahoo founders, and the list goes on and on. Just to think that you may run into classmates which will decide the future of American society would be a unique experience which will benefit her both as a person and as a golf pro. Even if Michelle attends part-time ie: two classes per semester; she still would benefit. Her short term golf career may suffer, but in the long run it will help her as a person. Thus the LPGA may need to wait some six more years before Michelle will become a full time member.

Let me toss some chum into the board waters and see if you can help me out?

What is the biggest complaint against the US tours by International Players and some US players who like to play overseas?

I believe it is the minimum number of events they are required to play for the tour and the fact they must get permission from the PGA/LPGA to play outside the tour.

This permission to play in another tour comes at a price some players are not willing to pay. The player will have to commit to play another event on the PGA/LPGA tour over the minimum. For Ernie Els, Reief Goosen, Henrik Swenson, Greg Norman and a host of other International Players this may not be an acceptable trade off and they are considering jumping off the Tour Chuck Wagon and playing from outside the tours.

Now toss Michelle Wie into the mix who not only wants to play International events along with regular tour events without respect to gender or tour. Michelle may becoming quite the heart breaker as she grows up, but the PGA/LPGA are hoping she does not become known as a tour breaker. Remember Ernie Els is a close friend and has been mentoring Michelle for a few years now. He advised her to turn Pro when she did and I would say he is now "stirring the pot".

So her are some more predictions for Michelle over the next five years:

Michelle will attend and graduate from Punahou.

She will not join a tour and play anywhere she can get into the field.

The LPGA will vote to increase sponsors exemptions for players outside the tour. The pressure will come from event sponsors, broadcasters and the public who want to see Michelle play. ADT, State Farm and Rolex will also demand that players from outside the PGA/LPGA tour are included in the rankings, with money earned in any of the tours events counted.

Michelle will attend Stanford and major in economics. Why you might ask? Because she said she would and it makes business sense. Michelle's sponsors would be willing partners in "The Education of Miss Wie". Remember college students and their parents buy tons of Sony and Nike gear. This will also limit her exposure and keep the mystery in play for the public. It will ultimately provide an excuse for not joining a "tour".

Michelle will continue to make history and change the world of professional golf as we know it today.

She is the Cold Fusion of professional golf and the catalyst of change. Her Google web hits are up over a million from two weeks ago while rising to over over 3,000 news hits. Believe me there will be some server crashes when she plays in June.

So come on Alex, give me your best shot old friend.

Reief Goosen = Retief Goosen

So her are some more = So here are some more

Note:

Greg Norman although not actively playing on the tour was included because of his war with the PGA on this subjevt.

One-Putt, One important facet of 16 year old Michelle's life that you Wie-nuts are loathe to touch upon is that she has yet, at least to my knowledge, been smitten by romance, you know, Dan Cupid, Eros, etc. What's that you say? BJ and Bo won't allow such a diversion? Her career will leave no time for such trivialities? Her schedule will be far too hectic; Mother Nature won't have a chance to interfere with Bubbles' march towards immortality? Yeah, right.

Once again, going to college will allow Michelle to date and find someone compatible. Besides how many high school boys are over 6 feet tall in her high school? Maybe a couple in the basketball team? Tall girls date tall guys; it's a matter of fact.

Candace Polski, Like another American, one much more widely known than me, who resides in a large white residence in our nation's capital,I don't believe that one's opinions should be influenced by current trends or what is popular at the time. Just as I don't think that grunge rock music is or will ever be equal or superior to the classics or even to the swing and jazz of the forties no matter how many teenyboppers think so, I don't believe Bubbles will ever be anywhere near as good as all the thousands of male pros past, present ,and future. If and when she does prove me wrong, I'll readily admit it. CP, when I need your advice, I'll ask for it. Why do you insist on practicing clinical psychology without a license?

"Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
One-Putt, One important facet of 16 year old Michelle's life that you Wie-nuts are loathe to touch upon is that she has yet, at least to my knowledge, been smitten by romance, you know, Dan Cupid, Eros, etc. What's that you say? BJ and Bo won't allow such a diversion? Her career will leave no time for such trivialities? Her schedule will be far too hectic; Mother Nature won't have a chance to interfere with Bubbles' march towards immortality? Yeah, right."

I don't know Alex maybe she has a few things to accomplish right now Alex. She has spent a lot of time with adults since she was twelve years old and perhaps has difficulty relating to young boys, she did say after all she thinks boys are silly.

Don't worry Alex I'm sure Michelle is not a lesbian or a high school trollup. It might surprise you to know that Korean women tend to marry later in life at an average age of 25. They want to attend college and work for awhile as they check the stock for a mate. I wouldn't expect you to understand Alex, it is a cultural thing.

Here is a litlle tidbit from another blog that gives a first hand account of what happened on the 17th hole at the US Open qualifier:

http://www.mylpga.com/boards/showthread.php?t=975

Pete, it does get frustrating to hear the misinformed and knee-jerk reactions we hear from people like Baldwin, Limbaugh and Campbell whenever Michelle tees it up with the men. Michelle's handlers know that playing against the men as much as possible can only make her game better.

One-Putt, it would be ludicrous for the LPGA not to increase Michelle's exemptions for next year. The LPGA should be more flexible in this regard, especially when that player shows the capability to handle that need. And you're right when you said that sponsors and fans alike would be exerting the pressure to make this a reality.

"Comment from: Wayne [Visitor] ·

One-Putt, it would be ludicrous for the LPGA not to increase Michelle's exemptions for next year. The LPGA should be more flexible in this regard, especially when that player shows the capability to handle that need. And you're right when you said that sponsors and fans alike would be exerting the pressure to make this a reality."

Tournament Sponsors want Michelle in the field in men's and women's events. It is quite simple really, revenues are up across the board when she plays and their out-of-pocket expenses are lower. Ginn and SBS as sponsors were quite miffed at the LPGA when they didn't offer up a couple more exemptions for Michelle. Yes it would be ludicrous Wayne if the LPGA continues to "bite the hand that feeds them".

Nancy Lopez might have had a network broadcast her orange juice event if Michelle were in the field.

CP, I have a license to practice in four jurisdictions, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and the District of Columbia. As to your question, "Who said I am practicing without a license?", I say it now and without trepidation. If you were certified in any specialty, you would have said what it is and not asked rhetorical questions. As for your fee of $750, I consider it a mere pittance since that would have to include all your worldly goods.

Since when did you need a license to practice golf? Is that an East of the Mississippi deal?

We don't need no license to practice out West. If you have the dough, just tee it up and let it go.

I am confused - "$750, I consider it a mere pittance since that would have to include all your wordly goods" makes no sense. Try that thought again, it didn't come out right the first time.

Licensed in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and DC to do what? You don't bother to mention that yourself, Dear Alex.

As for my professional qualifications and my assets, they are what they are, whether you believe it or not. I am quite certain I exceed you in one regard, and I am at worst a near equal in the other. But you won't believe that either. Immaterial to me, I only mentioned anything about myself because you asked.

As for my counsel to you, I never expected you to actually listen, but I thought I should try. You do very little of either (listening or trying to help). Come to think of it, you are probably a surgeon. Cut first, ask questions later.

Ah, but now you are getting me to say nasty things. Good night Alex, and sleep well. I am sure you will, as it's your time of day. As Simon and Garfunkel once said, "Hello darkness my old friend." And we'll all see you back here, harping away tomorrow.

Candace Polski, Your first words in your most recent post were right on the money. You are confused, a condition which you share with your fellow Wie-wee's. You have confused Bubbles with the comic book character, Superwoman. You have assigned to her qualities, abilities and a limitless future that no one else has ever had or ever will have. Now, there is nothing wrong with fantasizing as long as one reaizes that it is fantasizing. But you Wie-nuts seem to actually believe these fantasies. From my experiences, these pipedreams usually diminish after age fifteen. I assume that most Wie Warriors are past that age, at least chronologically. CP, I like being one of the last Wie skeptics posting here. It's sort of like being a voice of sanity in a crowd raving maniacs. This way, Chris Baldwin can take a well-earned break from the Wie wars. As most other posters here know, I am attorney of the corporate variety with 30 years active experience. My degrees are BS, LL.B, and JD, all from the University of Michigan. Please respond in kind, Dr. Polski.

LOL, this topic is still going.

Alex is a really funny guy. I am glad that he is now recognising Bubbles talent. Having probably realised that she is a fastastic player, he has now decided to grasp at straws and predict her to consentrate more on boys.

Alex, when I was a younger I too found members of the opposite gender and was certainly distracted from golf. Every player goes through this. However, please don't pin your hopes on this.
Even if she had a bad result or two, it is not a permanent condition. Let me tell you, in golf if you don't take it completely seriously there is no hiding place.

If Michelle were in a football team, bad performances could be masked by the overall quality of the team, but in golf, there is nobody going to carry your mistakes.
So basically, if you are distracted too much, you get immediate feedback, there is no hiding place and no kidding yourself.

That is why I think there is absolutely no chance of boys affecting her game.

Just one question Alex. Why is it you think it should affect her more than others.
I think it will be the same for her as any player, but given her clear ambitions, I think she will stay pretty well focused on her goals and her golf.

Oooh, I have a degree too! Everyone should list their college edjumacation qualifications to post on these here boards.

By the way, I'm just curious. What do both sides of the Wie fence think should be her GOAL this year; win an LPGA event or make the cut at a PGA event? I think we all agree she's capable of doing both, but most of the "discussion" revolves around what would represent "success".

Alex,
You have just caused a 10% drop in alumni giving to Old Blue.

You call yourself a "Wie skeptic." But I ask you, you are skeptical at what? From a purely objective standpoint, she has been without doubt, the world's best ever 13, 14, and 15 year old golfer, male or female. At 16 and beyond she will have stiff competition. Tiger won the first of three US Amateurs at 16. But at this point, her record for her age has been remarkable. Being skeptical over her accomplishments up until now shows more than anything how far Univ. of Michigan has fallen in prestige than any logical critique of MW's performance up until now.

Are you skeptical of her ability to play with the boys? Again, maybe less mickey mouse and more statistics at Michigan would have helped. She is taller than the average PGA player. This should enable her to preserve her swing arc and clubhead head spped quite nicely going forward. While she regularly hits 300 yd drives, they say she has another 20 ayards or so in her, given current equipment. This drivign ability is probably in the 40th percentile of PGA players. She is fairly limber and neither a smoker, drinker, or partier. this should enable the peak of her career to last longer than the average Tour player. She is less likely to pull macho crap on the course. Probably 1-2 strokes per round. By all accounts, she is pretty intelligent. Punahou is an excellent school and she would likely fit right in with an Ivy League crowd (sorry, this does not include UM). So she is unlikely to make dramatically foolish jock mistakes in handling her finances. By playing tougher PGA courses, she is finally starting to miss greens on the right side and avoid dreaded three putts. Had she stayued in junior golf, she would have masters the large flat greens and would be hopeless on PGA undulations...less and less the case. Finally, for a 16 yeard olfd Korean girl, she is remarkable confident in public. She is far less of a manufactured good than Tiger was at the same age. Good for her. SO quite frankly, the girl is fare more likely to gain on her peers and age-group than fall by the way side. Her numbers are genuine, gathered from all the toughest women's tournaments and men's pro events. Her female rivals, such as Morgan Pressel, spent a year too long in junior golf and filled up her Bottom line, over the next few years, there is no reason to get skeptical over her prospects. During the next few years, I think it is quite reasonable to expect a coupld of top 25's, journeyman numbers for sure, but there are millions of golfers worldwide who would give their right nut for a a top 25 finish in a PGA event. Beyond that would be beyond comprehension.


How about from 25-35? This will be tough, as it has been for any players. Look at Sergio Garcia. As his body changes, so too must the mechanics of his swing. Undoubtedly, MW will face similar challanges. It is inevitable, male or female. She has two other issues to deal with: physical maturity and future motherhood. On the former, one never knows what Mother DNA has in store for us. A girl I grew up with had 40+ Double D's in 7th grade. Poor thing. Others are a flat as a board and can stay that way forever. On the latter, just look at Juli Inskter, one of my favorite golfers. So freakin' tough. The match-tough mind of a Steffi Graf. But there is condiderable evidence that suggests that female athletes get stronger after childbirth. FInally, there is motivation. She will be worth nine figures within 10 years time. Does she have the hunger of Tiger? Nope and no else has as well. But I can see her career hitting rough spots during this period. Although her lows should be balanced otu witheven higher heights as her experience will probably give her a few victories on its own. However, by the time she is 30, she will have to many that all the current hype was in hindsight reasonable. A top 25 or two her would also be erasonable to expect.

Beyond 40? Who cares. By that stage it is frosting on the cake.


So no reason to be skeptical...

Dr. Pete
Logic University

I tell you, it just doesn't get any better than this! If I can generate this much raving lunacy by my up-til-now innocuous posts, I guess I'll just have to continue; maybe I'll become as hyperbolic as the Wie-wee's. Pete, I'm not from the grammar and usage police, so don't be offended, but your spelling and punctuation seem to have taken a vacation. Maybe you don't know the difference between skepticism and disdain. As I've said repeatedly, Miss Wie is a terrific talent, thoroughly capable of being a force on the LPGA tour for many years to come. That shows my respect for her natural and developing ability. I am skeptical of her ability to accomplish more than 20% of the rest of the grandiose scenario that you've laid out for her in your last post.

Pete said:
At 16 and beyond she will have stiff competition. Tiger won the first of three US Amateurs at 16.
*****************************************

Pete,
At 16, Tiger won a BOYS US Amateur which is just for under 18's and really isn't comparable to what Michelle has achieved.
At 17, he won the BOYS US Amateur again, but he could only reach the last 32 of the MENS event.
At age 15, Michelle reached the last 8 of the MENS us amateur publinx. So she definetely ahead of where he was at 17 years of age.

At 18, Tiger won his first MENS us amateur and that was his first really really big achievement.
3 boys amateurs in a row, before that were very good, but they were just against BOYS. The MENS Amateur was a huge deal.

Hey Norman welcome back to the Punch (Alex) and Judy (Candace) Show. So how did you do on the Euro tour my friend and will you be teeing it up with Michelle at the Omega Masters in September?

Comment from: Norman [Visitor]
Pete said:
At 16 and beyond she will have stiff competition. Tiger won the first of three US Amateurs at 16.
*****************************************

Pete,
At 16, Tiger won a BOYS US Amateur which is just for under 18's and really isn't comparable to what Michelle has achieved.
At 17, he won the BOYS US Amateur again, but he could only reach the last 32 of the MENS event.
At age 15, Michelle reached the last 8 of the MENS us amateur publinx. So she definetely ahead of where he was at 17 years of age.

At 18, Tiger won his first MENS us amateur and that was his first really really big achievement.
3 boys amateurs in a row, before that were very good, but they were just against BOYS. The MENS Amateur was a huge deal.

Michelle started rewriting the history of women's golf at ten years old Norman and it is just beginning:

AGE 10:
Shoots 9-under-par 64 at Olomana from 5,400 yards.
At 10 years, 9 months, 24 days, is youngest to qualify for USGA amateur event (U.S. Women's Public Links), loses in first round.

AGE 11:
Becomes youngest to win Jennie K. Invitational (by nine shots) and Hawaii State Women's Stroke Play (by two). Also becomes first woman to qualify for match play at the 93rd Manoa Cup, loses in first round.

AGE 12:
Shoots 83 with 10 penalty strokes ? in rain and 30-plus mph winds ? in Takefuji Classic at Waikoloa Beach to become youngest to Monday qualify for LPGA event. Misses cut.
Wins first-round Manoa Cup match, then loses to Del-Marc Fujita in second round on second extra hole.
At U.S. Women's Public Links, becomes youngest semifinalist in history of USGA-run amateur tournaments. Wins Hawaii State Open Women's Division by 13 shots over LPGA pro Cindy Rarick.

AGE 13:
Shoots 1-over 73 to tie for 47th at Sony Open qualifying, beating 49 men.
Ties for ninth at Kraft Nabisco Championship, an LPGA major.
Youngest to make cut at LPGA event, the Kraft Nabisco Championship (third-round 66 equals low amateur score for LPGA major).
Youngest in 108-year history of U.S. Golf Association to win an adult USGA event, the 2003 Women's Amateur Public Links Championship.
Youngest to make cut at U.S. Women Open (2003). Youngest to win Hawaii State Open Women's Division.

AGE 14:
Youngest to play in PGA Tour event, the 2004 Sony Open in Hawaii.
First female to shoot in the 60s in a PGA Tour event (2-under-par 68 in 2004 Sony Open in Hawaii).
Youngest U.S. Curtis Cup player (2004), wins both singles matches.
Youngest to win Laureus World Sports Academy Award (Newcomer of the Year).

AGE 15:
First amateur to compete in LPGA Championship (finishes second to Annika Sorenstam)
First female to qualify for adult male U.S. Golf Association championship, the U.S. Amateur Public Links (defeats three men and reaches quarterfinals).

AGE 16:
First woman to make the cut in a top-tier men's professional golf event since 1945. First woman to complete all rounds and finish a men's event.
First woman to advance past regional to a sectional qualifications event for the United States Open Championship. She also took Medalist Honors for her regional qualifier creating another first for women in the history of golf.

To the Wie Bashers this means nothing for Michelle should have been beating up on little girls in amateur junior golf matches instead of beating adult women/men and making history.

Yes Wie Bashers when you finish ahead of someone at a event you "beat" them at that event. Michelle has never ducked the toughest competition available male or female and that is the rub. When you tee it up against the best golfers available on the planet each time you enter a tournament as a teenager winning is nearly impossible.

Michelle is a big girl now and winning becomes very possible in the near future.

One-Putt, You said recently that maybe you had gone over the edge. I don't believe there is any doubt. Bubbles is teeing it up with the best golfers on the planet every time she plays? That recent qualifier in Hawaii had 40 world beaters that included, besides Michelle, another teenage girl and a 14 year old boy(who also made it to NJ) and the rest of the field most of whom aren't listed in the phone book. And then we have that world-class field at the SK Telecom including the immortal Ty Tryon, Korean tour regular. Then there will be the star-studded lineup at the Casio. You just can't be serious.

The moment of truth starts in June. MW has to either:
a) win a LPGA major: McDonalds LPGA Championship or Women's Open or Women's British OPen.
b)win a nonmajor women's event: Evian Masters.
c)make a PGA tour cut at John Deere or Lumber classic.
d)somehow qualify into the Men's US open.
e) more than one of the above
f) none of the above

What do you guys think will happen this year?
If option f happens, then MW will need to reassess her direction; perhaps play a couple of women's tournaments in the Japanese, Korean or European LPGA just to see if she can actually deliver with the wins.

One Putt,
To answer your questions, I am doing very well and most importantly injury free.
As regards the Omega Masters the answer is yes at this stage. I don't think being grouped with Michelle Wie would be that great of a prospect though. I think it would really hurt my game.

HC2,
You are forgetting her Japanese and more importantly her European Tour event. If she makes the cut on the Euro tour that is another huge milestone. Of course if she has already made a pga cut, it wouldn't mean as much.

Wie has done well so far this year and I think she will continue to progress nicely.

"Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
One-Putt, You said recently that maybe you had gone over the edge. I don't believe there is any doubt. Bubbles is teeing it up with the best golfers on the planet every time she plays? That recent qualifier in Hawaii had 40 world beaters that included, besides Michelle, another teenage girl and a 14 year old boy(who also made it to NJ) and the rest of the field most of whom aren't listed in the phone book. And then we have that world-class field at the SK Telecom including the immortal Ty Tryon, Korean tour regular. Then there will be the star-studded lineup at the Casio. You just can't be serious."

Now you have selected words from statements Alex and have manipulated them into something else altogether. Maybe I underestimated your prowess as an attorney.

I imagine the best golfers ?available? showed up at the Sony, SK, Casio and the Hawaiian United States Open Qualifier Alex.. The field was ?Open? to Tiger, Phil and VJ and some other top players at these events minus the qualifier and I guess they just chose not to enter or were ?unavailable?.

You don?t handle litigation for the automobile industry do you Alex?

Comment from: hc2 [Visitor]
The moment of truth starts in June. MW has to either:
a) win a LPGA major: McDonalds LPGA Championship or Women's Open or Women's British OPen.
b)win a nonmajor women's event: Evian Masters.
c)make a PGA tour cut at John Deere or Lumber classic.
d)somehow qualify into the Men's US open.
e) more than one of the above
f) none of the above

What do you guys think will happen this year?
If option f happens, then MW will need to reassess her direction; perhaps play a couple of women's tournaments in the Japanese, Korean or European LPGA just to see if she can actually deliver with the wins.


a) Win a LPGA major: McDonalds LPGA Championship or Women's Open or Women's British Open.

There is an outside chance at the Weetabix because the course sets up well for her game, but Lorena is a better bet right now or Karrie who is riding high to win majors. I predicted a top 5 finish for Michelle in all the majors.

b) Win a non-major women's event: Evian Masters.

Lorena was tied with Michelle at this event last year and is playing outstanding golf right now. The Evian is played before the Weetabix so I would give Michelle a better chance on the links course.

c) Make a PGA tour cut at John Deere or Lumber classic.

The Deere for sure and not a chance for the 84 Lumber.

d) Somehow qualify into the Men's US open.

Not this year, there are just too many guys shooting in the mid sixties who will be in the field. .

What do you guys think will happen this year?
If option f happens, then MW will need to reassess her direction; perhaps play a couple of women's tournaments in the Japanese, Korean or European LPGA just to see if she can actually deliver with the wins.

No way since she would have to use valuable LPGA exemptions to play. Remember all the tours are tied together on the ladies tour.

It all depends how you measure success for a sixteen year old golfer. A second or third in an LPGA Championship is nothing to be ashamed of and displays a potential to win in the future. Natalie Gulbis has played on the LPGA tour since 2003 and how many wns does she have to her credit.....NONE. Has hse had a successful LPGA career.......YES. She is always high on the LPGA money list. Will she ever win...I don't think anyone cares.

"Comment from: Norman [Visitor]
One Putt,
To answer your questions, I am doing very well and most importantly injury free.
As regards the Omega Masters the answer is yes at this stage. I don't think being grouped with Michelle Wie would be that great of a prospect though. I think it would really hurt my game."

That is wonderful news Norman I'm glad your feeling well. So how do you think attendance will look at the Omega this year and do you think Sergio can defend his title?

Playing with Michelle could be a bit distracting with the large gallery that follows her around. You guys are not used to large crowds at golf events on the Continent. I noticed attendance is much better in the UK and Ireland. With Michelle and Paula in the field at the Evian attendance was up sixty percent over the year before. This may be the case at the Omega. That beautiful little resort town may never be the same after the Wie Tsunami comes ashore. :-)

Best of luck to you friend and hit them long and in the short stuff.

One-Putt, I think hc2 has an excellent idea concerning Bubbles' ongoing quest for a "W". Trying for victory on the Japan, Korea, and Euro LPGA tours might be just what she needs to get off the schneid. And if that doesn't work, maybe she will try the annual Ramadan skins' game in Outer Mongolia. Of course, Vijay, Phil, Tiger and Ernie won't be there even though they could be, but the best available golfers will be competing. That is, provided they can get time off from their goat and yak herding duties.

Only four percent of the Mongolian population is Muslim Alex and Ramadan is not widely celebrated. You must have the tournament confused with The Big Break XX that is scheduled to start in Ulaanbaatar after completion of Mongolias' first golf course.

Perhaps next year Michelle will be playing a men's event in China, Mongolias neighbor on three sides and former occupier until 1921.

Norman and One-Putt--You are so right on Tiger...damn I am getting old...

Alex, when I get tired, I am barely legible...hopefully you can me more slack than you give MW.

Grandiose? Hardly...optimistic,yes. I don;t think a couple of top 25 PGA finishes is terribly unreasonably given how well she has competed thus far.

"Comment from: Pete [Visitor]
Norman and One-Putt--You are so right on Tiger...damn I am getting old...

Alex, when I get tired, I am barely legible...hopefully you can me more slack than you give MW.

Grandiose? Hardly...optimistic,yes. I don;t think a couple of top 25 PGA finishes is terribly unreasonably given how well she has competed thus far."

I've never heard a Wie fan deny that Tiger is one of the greatest players to tee up a golf ball ever. We watched Tiger develop into the superb player he is today before our very eyes and it was a great trip that we all enjoyed.

This is the journey Wie fans are on now as they watch Michelle develop her potential as a player. Maybe she will never have a PGA top 25 in her life, but she will play some competition rounds against some of the finest golfers and gain bucket loads of experience along the way. Most people love to root for the underdog and hope they break through in the end.

Michelle's experience playing in PGA fields will help help her dominate the women's field in the future. Tiger changed the men's game forever and Wie fans can see Michelle doing the same for the women's game in the future. Michelle needs a chance to play in her chosen vocation and the LPGA restricts her ability to do just that.

So go ahead Michelle, play wherever you can for now and prepare yourself to kick some serious butt in the future. Wie fans will be patient while your game keeps developing.

One Putt said:
That is wonderful news Norman I'm glad your feeling well. So how do you think attendance will look at the Omega this year and do you think Sergio can defend his title?
***********************************

On Sergio, not very well. I think he won't win anything for the next while.

I'm glad you mention Sergio winning last year though because it raises an interesting point.

When it was announced that Michelle was entering this event, Wie critics started to bash the tournament and say it was a minor event, and lots of other rubbish.

The reality is that this is a prestigious event:
To prove that the last 3 winners were: Sergio Garcia, Luke Donald and Ernie Els. Many pga tournaments would love to be able to boast this.

Other previous winners:
Lee Westwood, Colin Montgomerie, Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal, Craid Stadler, Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam, Nick Price.

If Wie makes the cut, she can be very proud.

Pete, Yes, Bubbles has proved to be a force on the PGA tour. Just look at her dramatic improvement at the Sony. In 2004, she missed the cut by one shot, but then with the added strength and maturity her score improved to missing the cut by seven strokes in 2005. While most folks won't be able to see such obvious improvement, Norman, a true Wie Warrior, has an easy explanation. Her numerous bogeys were an indication of improvement. You see, they were brought about by simple mistakes which are easily correctible, not by any flaws in her play. In 2006 she missed the cut by four strokes, but she did score seven birdies(and five bogeys) in what Wie-nuts consider to be her benchmark round in her awesome career. The nine-over-par she scored in the first round is of no consequence since the wind affected her play more than that of the other golfers, and besides, she is only a 16 year-old girl. With that kind of improvement in her PGA attempts, top 25's should be a piece of cake. Another example of how Bubbles has learned to rise to the occasion came in the recent SK Telecom, that major event on that major tour in that Pinehurst of the Orient, Incheon, Korea. MW started out the first round five shots behind the leader then in the second round improved to six shots behind, T17. But then she really turned on the heat closing to within twelve shots from the lead, T35. It's too bad that the event was rain-shortened or she would have really closed the deal.

Alex said:
One-Putt, I think hc2 has an excellent idea concerning Bubbles' ongoing quest for a "W". Trying for victory on the Japan, Korea, and Euro LPGA tours might be just what she needs to get off the schneid. And if that doesn't work, maybe she will try the annual Ramadan skins' game in Outer Mongolia. Of course, Vijay, Phil, Tiger and Ernie won't be there even though they could be, but the best available golfers will be competing. That is, provided they can get time off from their goat and yak herding duties.
*********************

If you are willing to accept a win in one of those places, then you should be willing to accept her win in the US local qualifier.

I find it hilarious that you insult her achievement of comming first there, by insulting her competition. What position do you think she should have obtained? Something better than first? Zero position maybe?

Alex,
Nobody expected her to win on the Asian Tour at this stage of her career.
A cut was the benchmark by which she would be judged.
She made the cut and that meant that it was a successful tournament.
If she had shot 80, it would still have been a successful tournament, because she made her first cut.

When Tiger made his first pga cut, he went on to shoot 77 in his 3rd round. It is perfectly understandable and normal that when a player makes their first cut, that their next round won't be quite so good.

After her 2nd round she was in a tie for 17th. When she makes her next cut, if she is in a similar position, she will have the added experience of having made a cut and it won't be such a big deal.

IO do feel sorry for you sometimes that I have to explain such basic things to you, but please don't hesitate to keep your comments coming, because I don't mind putting you straight.

One Putt said:..'A second or third in an LPGA Championship is nothing to be ashamed of and displays a potential to win in the future. '
---
One Putt, the potential for MW has already arrived, and it is now. I agree that last year was too early for her to win since she lacked the course management and maturity. But considering that she already has improved her course management, short game, and mental game down the stretch, I think it would be a disappointment if she doesn't win a tournament.
In order for her to maintain or grow her celebrity status she must win one of the following: US Women's Open, McDonald's LPGA Championship, Match Play Championship, Evian Masters, or Weetabix British Open. We are talking of the supposedly number 2 ranked Women's player in the world, and that is a reasonable expectation.

If she doesn't win this year, I predict her celebrity status will wane because the more endorsements she gets the bigger the question will be: is MW worth the hype and dollars? Nothing speaks louder than a win.

I will admit that making the US Open would be as important as winning a LPGA major since that would go into the record books. I wouldn't count the Samsung because it's not a full field event.

hc2, Your prediction that Bubbles' celebrity status will diminish if she doesn't win this year will gain you no allies on this board. Most of the staunchest Wie supporters have stated that winning is not the most important thing for Miss Wie, it may not even be secondary. Paramount is her enjoying herself, having fun, learning in the process, and feeling good about her game. As far as making it to Winged Foot, she is a pro with a wealth of talent, already fabulously wealthy and thus without a care in the world, and with no stress. She SHOULD make it if there is any substance to all the hype surrounding her. As you say, if she is an authentic number two woman in the world, she should win at least one LPGA major and possibly a few others and she should definitely make the field at Winged Foot against the capable but second-tier players at Canoe Brook.

You wouldn't count the Samsung?
But it has the 16 best players. It is a bigger win than The Fields Open for instance.

Don't worry too much about the Rlex Rankings. At the moment Michelle Wie is unranked. When she has the 15 events she needs to be in the rankings again--who knows she may not be number 2. She may be number 1. Whether she wins or not I expect her to perform well enough to take over the number one position within a couple of months.

GOOD GRIEF!!! "I LOOK LIKE A MOVIE STAR" BARFF!

And only 1 to 10 odds for Michelle Wie not to make it? A lot of people are going to jump on that one. I'm liking her chances better and better already.

Amazing about the odds, so favorable to Wie. Greg Goose on Golf channel "guaranteed" Wie will not make it. According to the odds, he could be in trouble. (he will have to wear a hoola skirt)

"Comment from: hc2 [Visitor]
If she doesn't win this year, I predict her celebrity status will wane because the more endorsements she gets the bigger the question will be: is MW worth the hype and dollars? Nothing speaks louder than a win."

You are expecting something no sixteen year old girl has ever accomplished in the history of professional golf hc2.

Good things can happen if you place yourself in a position to win a tournament. Golf is a game of what if and what you learn by the experience.

What if Karrie had not holed out her shot to the 18th green at the Kraft?

What if Lorena then decided to be more conservative on her second shot if Karrie missed?

What if Michelle had putted, rather than chip the ball?

I can't fault Michelle for going for the win with a chip. It was the shot she felt most comfortable standing over at that point in the match and in her mind it was in the hole.

The point is, did Michelle place herself in a position to tie or win the match if the what if/s happened and the answer is yes.

Alex, my bitter friend. You are trying to practice the dark arts of selective memory. Unfortunately for you, this crowd is far too sophisticated. MW continues to make measureable progress each year. She is a consistent top five player in LPGA majors. She has twice come within a stroke of making the PGA cut to making it to sectionsal at the US Open and making the cut at a Asian Tour event. Yes, she has had her hiccups, although your description of her shooting a 74 in a weather-plagued third round of a Asian Tour event is hardly the collapse you wish otehrs to believe. LOL!!

WEll, it is clear that when (not if) she makes a PGA cut and a European PGA cut and the final field at at US Open, you will be waiting to "expose" her as a fruad the moment she shoots north of 75. Again you are funny and clearly have no knowledge of golf or golf history. Sergio shot 89-83 in one his first British Open's, crying on the shoulder of Mama Garcia after his second round. Yet the guy has gone top to win something like 7 PGA events and a number of EPGA events. Two bad rounds are meaningless. However, two good rounds demonstrate that you can play.

But your courage is commndable...to write so many ill-conceived and illogical posts is impressive.

"Comment from: Norman [Visitor]
Alex,
Nobody expected her to win on the Asian Tour at this stage of her career.
A cut was the benchmark by which she would be judged.
She made the cut and that meant that it was a successful tournament.
If she had shot 80, it would still have been a successful tournament, because she made her first cut.

When Tiger made his first pga cut, he went on to shoot 77 in his 3rd round. It is perfectly understandable and normal that when a player makes their first cut, that their next round won't be quite so good.

After her 2nd round she was in a tie for 17th. When she makes her next cut, if she is in a similar position, she will have the added experience of having made a cut and it won't be such a big deal.

IO do feel sorry for you sometimes that I have to explain such basic things to you, but please don't hesitate to keep your comments coming, because I don't mind putting you straight."

I know it is not relevant since girls mature faster than boys, but how old was Tiger when he made his first professional cut? He did make the cut at the Masters as a 19 year old amateur, finishing in 41st place..

Tiger made his first cut on the PGA Tour at age 19, at the Master's. It was his 8th attempt at a PGA Tour cut. He was an amateur at the time. His first professional cut came at The Greater Milwaukee Open, Sept. 1, 1996 when he was 20.

At age 16, Michelle has attempted to make a PGA Tour cut 5 times and has not yet done so.

I think you Wie-nuts will agree that this thread has grown too long. Where you guys get the idea that I am bitter with regard to Bubbles is a mystery to me. I've said many times that she has tremendous talent and should be a force on the LPGA tour for years to come. I don't believe she has or will ever have the game to compete on the PGA tour. That is my opinion, and you fellows have yours. That doesn't mean I think she is inferior to the guys or that she has no game at all. I don't know how I can be any more clear on the subject of Bubbles. Time will tell who is closer to being correct. I'm willing to wait. In the mean time, I'll continue to be a skeptic, play devil's advocate, and have what I consider to be a little light-hearted fun. Finally,I have a few questions for you Wie Warriors. If women aren't at a distinct and natural genetic disadvantage vis-a-vis men as regards the game of golf, why do you suppose that events exist like the US Junior Girls, the US Women's Amateur, and the US Women's Open Championships? Why is there an entity like the LADIES Professional Golf Association? Do you really believe that it is possible that of all the millions of women playing golf in the world today, including Annika, Karrie, Lorena, Christie and Julie, all multiple winners on the LPGA tour, and also including all those Kim women and the other Asian ladies, only Bubbles is capable of giving the men any competition? I'll give you a clue. Bubbles can't do it either. Again, this has grown too long. See you boys and girls on something shorter. Alex

Again, Alex, you twist words to suit your purpose. You are bitter precisely because you are not willing to recognize ANYTHING Wie does as impressive, and you criticize her every move. There is plenty of room to criticize her legitimately, but you go out of your way to complain about everything she does.

As for your ridiculous Men vs. Women commentary, more shifting of the frame or reference to make your thoughts fit into the discussion by realigning the topic. I seriously doubt anyone here thinks women are the equal of men on the golf course. They have Junior, Senior, Amateur and Women's tours specifically because men aged approximately 18 to 50 are physically the most likely to be the best at golf in the world. So the other tours are restricted in their participation to generate competition at lower ability levels based on various characteristics. This is why the "if Wie can play in the Men's US Open, can a man play in the Women's US Open" argument is so stupid - there IS no "Men's" US Open. It's simply the unrestricted US Open, for the best of the best. The Women's Open is restricted to women so that there can be a (lower) level playing field among female golfers.

And that gets back to your incredibly lax logical conculsion, that because men are better than women at golf, on the whole, that no women can be better than men at golf. A truly lazy and non-sensical construct that even you know, as you type it, is ridiculous. Yet you post it here. This is why we call you bitter. You write things that even you know are logically ill-founded.

Will many women start playing on the PGA Tour all the time? No. Will there be an occassional woman who can compete on the PGA Tour over the next fifty years? Quite possibly. Compete. Not dominate, not win lots of tournaments, but compete. Make cuts, survive on tour. Maybe win a tournament or two, even, though that is a long shot. It seemed impossible five years ago, but Michelle is making it seem possible now.

And THAT'S what is so great about her story. The little girls learning the game now will consider the PGA the ultimate achievement, even though the odds of getting there are probably similar to every basketball playing five year old boy's chance of making the NBA.

If you are going to try to maintain the short side of the argument, at least bring passable logic to the table, Alex.

Candace POlski, I specifically said I am not bitter against Miss Wie or any other 16 year old female in this planet. Also, I praised Bubbles talent and potential. Did you actually read my post? Or did you just make a blind assumption? C-P, as far as logic is concerned, it is an article of faith among virtually all logicians that the surest measure of the likelihood of something occurring, is if that same something has occurred previously. There is no reason to believe that all the miracles Miss Wie's fans hope for will become reality. In fact, there is a distinct possibilty that NONE will come to fruition. This example is off topic but descriptive of my point: In July of 1969 following the landing on the moon, many people who should have known better flatly predicted that by the year 2000 space travel to the moon and beyond would be commonplace. These gushing predictions were spouted not only by politicians but also by many scientists connected with the space program. Thirty-six years later none of this has become reality, in fact, even supersonic air travel has been scrapped for economic and safety reasons. Wishing and hoping have not made it so.

John Neal said:
At age 16, Michelle has attempted to make a PGA Tour cut 5 times and has not yet done so.
*************************************

Correction John, Michelle has played on the pga tour 4 times so far, 3 times at the Sony and once at The John Deere.

She has 3 more tries to make a cut in less events than Tiger. That would be a massive achievement, given that she is so much younger than he was when he did it.

Alex said:
There is no reason to believe that all the miracles Miss Wie's fans hope for will become reality. In fact, there is a distinct possibilty that NONE will come to fruition.
***********************

Actually Alex, she has started to achieve major goals.
- first to qualify for mens usga event.
- first to make a cut in a mens asian tour event. First cut on a major mens tour in 61 years.
- first woman to pass local qualifying for the US Open.

She has already started to achieve things playing in traditionally male dominated events.

Norman, I wasn't aware that you Wie men considered those things as achieving major goals. My thought was similar to what Pete laid out; making several PGA cuts, placing in the top 25 in those events, qualifying for the US Open, winning an LPGA major and several other LPGA events, etc. Not many folks who are golf fans would look on the SK Telecom as a majot tournament or the Asian Tou as a major circuit. Same with the US Open preliminary in Hawaii. But if you think of these a "major" accomplishments, it's all right with me.

Interesting article from ESPN about Asian athletes. It just shows that when it comes to racial tolerance -- we are still behind the eight ball. Good article - click here to read.

Anything that rewrites history is a "major" accomplishment in the World of Golf Alex. It might be quite awhile before another sixteen year old girl makes it to the United States Open sectionals and after all Michelle will always be the first one to do it.

Dismissing this accomplishment out of hand seems quite petty for someone in your position.

Alex,
They are major accomplishments for a 16 year old.
If I had to go through local qualifying I would be very disappointed not to get through, but for a young girl who is attempting to be the first female to ever do it, that is a big deal.

On the Asian Tour front, again that is a big achievement because it was breaking a barrier that had not been broken in 61 years. Also, it is a major tour, even if you don't like that.

As regards those other achievements such as top 25, Michelle Wie is a fantastic qualifier, but a top25 on the pga is a little bit much to be asking of a 16 year old. A cut would be a remarkable achievement at this stage.

On the winning lpga events and majors, that could come quite soon.

Wayne, In looking back on your post about the gambling odds on Miss Wie making it through the field at Canoe Brook, my assumption is that you didn;t understand the odds. As an example, a punter would have to wager $100 on MW to qualify to win $675 for a return of $775. A bet of $1000 on MW to fail to qualify would get the bettor $100 for a return of $1100. The difference of $335 is the "juice", the "vigorish", the "edge." The odds definitely do not favor Michelle no matter how you bet it. Now, how does racial tolerance enter into this discussion?

Alex, you give Michelle Wie a slim to none chance of making it to the US Open, right? I can hardly call a 1 to 10 odds for Michelle not to qualify as having no chance at all. What odds would you give MW, please give me a number?

On racial tolerance, we could all use some and some of us more.

I hear and I forget.
I see and I remember.
I do and I understand.

-- Confucius

Let's do it!

To both Wie supporters; and Wie bashers,
I think most of you are missing the point on MW playing against the men.

Wie supporters think that MW can actually become a force in the PGA tour. Not so, smell the coffee, and wake up to reality. I am sure that is not even Michelle's goal. What is her goal in the PGA? Her goal is simply the following: to do something that no woman has done before; and at the same time bring attention to golf, and women's golf. What does that mean? It means making a PGA tour cut, and qualifying through a major. It does not mean that all women should join the PGA or men's tour. The message she is trying to send is to be an inspiration to young and old in that one can achieve and overcome obstacles provided you have the determination. For example, she is saying: yes, women can make good scientists, yes, women can make good NFL referees, or MLB trainers or astraunats. She is not saying 'women make great PGA golfers.' She has even denied that implied message when asked by reporters when she was asked if she was trying to prove something against pga players.

Wie bashers think that MW has got it all wrong, and she should win many many trophies. Wrong! Once again, her goal is to do unique things through golf, be a pioneer, be a celebrity. Yes, she will never win a PGA tournament, but does that mean she is wrong to try? No! the goal again is to try to do something no other woman has accomplished before. If she stays in the LPGA, noone will care, many trophies, little attention. That would bore Michelle to death! Will she inspire others if she wins many trophies. Not really; perhaps golf aficionados; but certainly not those outside golf.

So, there is a middle ground guys that you need to understand on this MW playing agains the men issue.

"Comment from: hc2 [Visitor]
To both Wie supporters; and Wie bashers,
I think most of you are missing the point on MW playing against the men."

Wie can only base our opinions on what Wie hear Michelle say about her playing on the PGA tour.

Michelle's Goals:

Finish in the top ten of the PGA tour.

Play in the Master's one day.

Play in the U.S. Open someday.

Hold a PGA card.

Now maybe you think she is in it for the show hc2, but I think this girl believes she can accomplish these lofty goals.

All I can say it is going to be fun to watch her try. Who knows hc2? Stranger things have happened.

Wayne, From your post, I can see that you still don't understand the betting line and how it is set. Here is a brief tutorial: A line that says Miss Wie is 1 to 10 to miss qualifying means that the actual odds for her to QUALIFY should be 10 to 1. However, the bookie will only pay 6.75 to 1. The disparity in the two numbers is know in the trade as the "juice", or the "vigorish", or the "edge". If a bettor wishes to bet that Michelle WILL NOT qualify for the US Open, he must bet $10 for every dollar he hopes to win. If another punter wants to bet that Michelle WILL make it to Winged Foot, he will win $6.75 for every dollar that be wagers. The latter bet may seem like a good one, and indeed it will be IF she scores well and qualifies. But before you sell the farm and visit your favorite internet gambling site, consider these facts. Close to two hundred golfers with exemplary skills will be in the field at Canoe Brook. Perhaps twenty will qualify. 200 to 20 reduces to 10 to 1, probably the criterion that the wagering site used to create its line. Even if you think that Miss Wie is the playing equal of the rest of the field, your return on a bet on MW won't pay anywhere near the true odds. That is how a bookie makes his money. And if a lot of less-than-smart money comes down on MW to qualify, the line on subsequent bets could move even lower, say, 5 to 1. I don't think that the level of Miss Wie's play is quite the equal of the journeyman pros at Canoe Brook, so I think the odds on her making the final twenty or so should be about 15 to 1. But that's just me. I hope that this brief explanation clarifies the essence of sports' wagering. There is no such thing as a "good bet" when it comes to betting on sports. The "juice" is too much to overcome.

I believe I can fly, doesn't mean it's going to happen.

Grown men kissing the ass of an insignificant 16 year-old girl and her overbearing stage father is pathetic.

A guy whose blog name is Joe Cool is giving me a hard time about vanity, that's almost funny. I bet you're a real cool guy. Go back to looking at porn and popping the pimples on your back you pathetic little loser.

Jay, I see that you, similarly to Wayne, believe that the odds posted by that bookies are "favorable" to Miss Wie. I hope that my explanation will deter you from making any rash financial decisions. Betting on any sport is a bad venture, but betting on golf is perhaps the worst of all. The edge on most bets is around 15%, but close to 20-25% where Tiger Woods is concerned.

If One-Putt is right about Wie's goals, then she should be fine. And I think that One-putt is probably closer to being right about her definition of "success" than most of the Wie Warriors/Bashers, because it seems more consistent with her actions. I fully believe that she can accomplish all those things within a few years.

And did you notice the word "win" didn't appear anywhere on that list?

She's chosen the trailblazer path over the path of conquest and victory, which is entirely her right. Unless it's her father's path, then he's just an Earl-wannabe.

Alex, your actions (or other posts) do not match your simple statement that you are not bitter about Wie and the attention she receives.

As for the logician's article of faith - yes, a random walk is the best predictor of any statistic. But saying that it won't be done because it hasn't been done is both foolish and harmful. No one had ever landed on the moon in 1961 when President Kennedy said we would do so. You must set a goal for something that has not been achieved and then pursue that goal with all your might if you are to break barriers and advance the frontiers. The hurdles Wie is trying to cross are far lower than landing on the moon, yet you make it seem as though she has less chance than Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins did when they flew 200,000 miles from home in a ship powered by as much electricity as your refridgerator uses.

As others have pointed out, she has already done things that have not been done before. You don't find some of those things noteworthy, yet the things she has not done but has stated she will try to do you DO find noteworthy. And impossible, or nearly so. This is why your actions make your statement about bitterness appear false. When she does accomplish something, you dismiss it and continue to make promises of her future failures, even as you deride Wie supporters who make promises of her future successes.

What ever you think, Alex, Wie is a trailblazer and an inspiration. She already has and like will continue to prove the "logician's article of faith" is not an absolute truth, but a rule of thumb that does not apply in certain, exceptional cases.

HC2 has it right when he says that she will not dominate the PGA or win multiple majors (or tournaments at all, most likely), but she will do many things that have not been done before. And on her shoulders others will climb - and not just in the world of golf - despite people like you, Alex, standing on the sideline, telling them "you can't, you aren't good enough, you should quit, you should do other, easier things."

Again, as President Kennedy said, "we choose to do these things not because they are easy, but because they are hard." That is the road Wie has chosen. And you deride her for it.

Disagreeing with her or her choices is one thing, but your need to tear at her constantly is why I call you bitter. It serves no positive purpose in this world.

hc2 said:
Wie supporters think that MW can actually become a force in the PGA tour. Not so, smell the coffee, and wake up to reality. I am sure that is not even Michelle's goal. What is her goal in the PGA? Her goal is simply the following: to do something that no woman has done before; and at the same time bring attention to golf, and women's golf. What does that mean? It means making a PGA tour cut, and qualifying through a major. It does not mean that all women should join the PGA or men's tour.
*********************************

hc2,
You are not Michelle Wie's spokesperson.
There are a number of false assertions in what you have said.

She does want to win pga events. She has stated that she knows it is not realistic for her to win at this stage, but she wants to do as well as she can at this stage.

She has said she wants to be a pga top 10 player. That is something way beyond making a few cuts.

She wants to hold a pga tour card. She has stated this on many occasions.

So what she has been saying is far different from your opinions.

Candace Polski, Apparently you have trouble with the concept of semantics. To you, I am bitter. To my way of thinking and to that of any sensible person, I am being realistic. In any event, it's all a matter of semantics. nothing more, nothing less. Some of the trail blazing accomplishments that you ascribe to Bubbles are indeed laughable. All the "firsts" that you credit her with are trivial at best. The one I get the biggest kick out of is "Michelle was the first teenage girl to make it to the quarterfinals of the US Public Links tournament"(where she really showed 'em by getting shellacked 5 and 4) Now that will surely get her to the Hall of Fame!

Alex is not 'bitter' as Candace implied, he is simply firm on his opinion. Nothing wrong with that.
--
I will point out that MW, and her team are forgetting one important thing; and that is the danger of the rough in PGA events. I would be very afraid of Michelle trying to swing in thick rough; and hurting herself. We already saw how she tried to hack it out of the rough in the fourth round of last year's women's open, and she had trouble doing that. So, consider the British and the US Open where the rough is so thick and high, and I could see MW getting hurt trying to hack it out. And that, folks, could easily lead to an abrupt end to her golfing career.

Alex,
you really don't get it do you.

The quarter final of the publinx was a MENS field, and she was 15 years old.

By age 17, Tiger Woods best performance at a usga MENS event, was to get to the last 32.

Surely you understand the difference.
You are probably like many people and get confused as to what Tiger won and when.

Now that you have been corrected, hopefully you will admit that this was a considerable achievement to reach the quarter final stage.

Have any of you ever "dominated" something? silly neighborhood games/tournaments? trivial sports? Well MW, has dominated from day one. And everytime she has gone to play at a higher level, she eventually has dominated that level. As far as the LPGA, she has been amazing 5 top 5's in 9 events? As 13-16 years of age? As a 16-year old pro, she has competed in 3 top LPGA events: 5th (disqualified), 3rd and 3rd.

Many suggests she should have stayed playing in junior golf...a suggestion as assinine as insulting. If one has played in the final group of 3 majors, played to the qyarter's of the Men's Public Links, Made the US Open Sectionals, twice got within a a hot of making a PGA cut, why on the green earth would you ever entertain the suggestion that you belong in a tournament on 6000 yd courses with pimpled kids shooting in the 80s and 90s from the red tees??

MW is not "trying to prove anything," perhaps the stupidest comment ever to come out of Brad Faxon's mouth. Brad--how arrogant can you be? Her quest has nothing to do with you or any other overrated player. She wants to be the best women's player EVER. Period. His comments show how soft a "sport" golf truly is.

In WOmen's tennis, the top women's players practice ALL the time with Male pros. In track and field, the top women runners run against men ALL the time in workouts. But in both cases, women don;t compete in meets directly against men because the strength and power advantage of men is simply too much to overcome.

Well, in golf things are very different. Golf does not require superior physicality. Lumpy, Woosie, Charles Howell III, Kenny Perry, David Duval, etc. all have had aor continue to have excellent careers, but my female sisters and cousins would run circles around them from sun up to sun down...i.e. they are not exceptionally conditioned athletes. Not even close.

Instead, they are/were simply brilliant golfers. Great tough, excellent meachnics, limber, creative, experienced and confident. MW has all of these in spades.

Detractors forget that MW is not competing against the men in a fist fight. She is battling and will always battle against the golf course. And unless I have gone to sleep for 20 years, someone who can regularly pound 300+ drives has enough physicality to plce her withing the range of the average PGA player. What remains for MW to conquer these courses and do so during a tournament is 90% mental and only 10% physical.

I do think she has a way to go. She won't peak until her 30s. But an extra 10 yards off the tee is not gong to win her golf tournaments. It will be something far more boring: fairways and greens, but under tremendous pressure. And last time I checked, the difference between hitting a 300 yard drive into a narrow fairway and hitting a 320 yd drive into the woods has to do with mechanics and focused relaxation and not muscle or hormone.

Tournaments with morons like Brad Faxon, neandrathals like Michael Campbell, deeply jealous whingers like Paula Creamer and Morgan Pressel, loudmouthed PMS has beens like Dottie Pepper, and strkingly silent competitors like Annika Sorenstam are EXACTLY what she needs to touhgen up mentally. Why? Each of these people want to win and want to keep MW from winning and stealing the thunder and coin.

But Alex and friends...know that her challenges have little to do with golf. She has already shot in the 60s twice on the US PGA and has had several rounds under 67 at LPGA majors. No, she already has the game. What is yet to be seen is whether she has the heart and courage to win by commanding margins like Tiger did. To me, this is the drama I am looking forward to.

A closing note...I was at the US Open at Pebble the year Tiger won by 15 strokes. An interesting side note: he benefitted ENORMOUSLY from the weather-like magic, always playing under the ideal weather of the day--seriously the guy lucked out, always playing is still damp conditions and never playing with any sort of wind. But I digress...what I remember most was how freakin focused he was to not only win by as many strokes as possible, but to go bogey free on Sunday. To a fan unfamiliar with Tiger, he/she would have thought he was in a duel.

Tiger is the stud he is not because he is a better golfer, but because the guy HATES to lose to Phil and Vijay. I mean, on the course and a bit off the course, he dislikes them with a passion. This virtual "hate" fuels his competitive drive to such an extent that he seeks to CRUSH his opponents. Tiger rarely shoots a low round in a tournament...rarely at 66 or under. But when he is hot, he never shoots a bad round. He wills himself to win and lets lesser competitors wilt in the spotlight.

My question: Does Michelle have what it takes mentally to be the Tigress? Personally, I don't think so....but few ever had. To me the only question is, at what level of competitive intensity will she equilibrate? She says she wants to be the best...My response? Prove it! And step one is to tell and show all her detractors to f**k off. I think a couple of cool 67s at the Sectionals and LPGA would be a nice way to do that! The worst thing she could do is relegate herself to playing dreary second-tier LPGA events. She won;t be happy and her game and metnal outlook will suffer. No, stick to the top events, PGA and EPGA events. Kick some ass and hold not prisoners.

Signing off this blog!! From a guy who dominated the silly neighborhood events and local competitions but never knew any better to push beyond, Pete

hc2,
sorry but I am not convinced by your alledged concern for Michelle Wie.

ToddCommish, When you say that you truly believe that Miss Wie can accomplish all her goals as outlined by One-Putt within "a few years", you're asking us skeptics to believe the following: 1)That Michelle will finish either in the top ten of a PGA event, or the top ten of a PGA tour season, which ever was meant by O-P in his post. Both seem beyond the realm of possibility except to the most dogmatic Wie Warrior. 2)That Michelle will play in the Masters' "one day". Since she is a pro, and none of the amateur criteria apply, she would in fact have to perform well on the PGA tour, something very difficult if not impossible to accomplish with only limited sponsors' exemptions. There is virtually no way unless the standards are radically changed to specifically accommodate her. 3)Play in the US Open "one day". This one COULD come to fruition this year in MW's second, not first, attempt. If she shoots lights out at Canoe Brook and outscores about 90% of the field, she'll tee it up at Winged Foot and deservedly so. And if she makes the cut that would be a MAJOR miracle, and I'd be the first to congratulate her. Still, she should be at least a 10 to 1 shot to survive the sectional. 4)Hold a PGA tour card(O-P didn't say anything about KEEPING a card). This last one seems more far-fetched than the first three since it would be contingent on accomplishing great things on the PGA tour while playing in a very limited capacity. With all due respect, ToddCommish, I'd be shocked if Bubbles accomplishes even one of these four goals. Her best shot shoud be number three, playing in the US Open.P.S.Yes, I did notice no mention of a win.

"Comment from: Ford [Visitor]
I believe I can fly, doesn't mean it's going to happen.

Grown men kissing the ass of an insignificant 16 year-old girl and her overbearing stage father is pathetic.

A guy whose blog name is Joe Cool is giving me a hard time about vanity, that's almost funny. I bet you're a real cool guy. Go back to looking at porn and popping the pimples on your back you pathetic little loser."

"Pinto" you listed your major accomplishments in life and it appears the only thing lacking in your bio was any form of common sense. Michelle's web hits are up to 6,000,000 today which is 500,000 more than last week and she is not playing in any tournament, she is at home attending school. Morgan Pressel who is playing this week lists 187,000 web hits.

For a golf blogger who writes for any forum to get a response they must place the name Michelle Wie in their posting. For a sports reporter to get anything published outside of Boondock, Iowa they must drop the name of Michelle Wie into the article.

Jennifer Mario will have a "best seller" on her hands not because of who she is or her wonderful writing skills, but rather by what name is listed on the book cover.

So wehere does that place you "Pinto" or Alex and your opinions in the grand scheme of all things golf? In the minority my friend and your numbers of people who agree with you are diminishing each passing day.

The curious thing are the comments from each of the PGA/LPGA players who have played rounds with her or watched her play over the years and the level of respect they give the development of her game. These guys/gals are not pandering to anyone, just stating what they observed:

"She belongs here. Anyone who don't believe that has rocks in their head." - Laura Davies after Wie's runner-up finish at the 2005 LPGA Championship, where Wie was the only player to break par all four rounds

"She's an amazing player. There's no doubt about it. She's going to give us a lot of challenges and make us work harder." - Jennifer Rosales following 2005 LPGA SBS Open, where she won over runner-up Michelle Wie

"Annika (Sorenstam) is a champion and watching her play was awesome. She is so accomplished. I have only seen Michelle play a little, but she has all the potential in the world to be as good. You see that swing, it's so powerful and athletic, and you just know she has a great future." - Dean Wilson, who played with Sorenstam at the 2003 Colonial, following the 2004 Sony Open

"That golf swing of hers, it's the best golf swing I've ever seen in my life." - Bobby Verwey, Wie's caddie at the 2004 Sony Open. Verwey is Gary Player's newphew and a veteran caddie

"Michelle is 14. Give her a couple of years to get stronger. I mean, she can play on this tour. If she keeps working, keeps doing the right things, there's no reason why she shouldn't be out here." - Ernie Els following a practice round with Wie at the PGA Sony Open

"She probably has one of the best golf swings I've ever seen, period. She's got a lot going for her. Plus, she's tall and strong. No telling what she's going to do when she gets a little older." - Davis Love III

"There's a lot of guys who got kicked around by a 13-year-old girl." - Andy Miller, Monday qualifying medalist at 2003 PGA Sony Open, after Wie finished 47th (out of 97) with a 1-over-par 73

"You watch her swing and say, 'That's normal.' Then you realize that she's only 13 and that's ... that's unbelievable." - Vijay Singh

"When you see her hit a golf ball ... there's nothing that prepares you for it. It's just the scariest thing you've ever seen." - Fred Couples (from Golf World)

"Her poise is unbelievable. Either you've got it or you don't. And this girl's got it." - Tom Lehman (from Golf Digest)

I rest my case golf neophytes, you obviously "don't have it".

Oh by the way "Recall", I've never heard Vijay Singh kiss anyones ass and he is a grown man. He might not play in the Colonial anymore because Annika was allowed to play, but he will tee it up with Michelle at the 84 because he recognizes the skill.

Norman, Exactly where does it state that US Public LInks tournament is a "MEN'S" event? There is no proscription to a woman or girl entering, which should explain how Bubbles was in the tournament in the first place. In thet same vein, the US Open is absolutely not a "MEN'S" event and never has been. This has been said before on these boards but you Wie-nuts must not be paying attention.

A warning to all Wie skeptics: Head for the hills! The Wie Warriors have gotten out their big guns! They're attempting to intimidate us with that most formidable of weapons, THE LONG, RAMBLING POST! I suggest that we reconnoiter and regroup on a newer, shorter blog.

So now Brad Faxon is Wie Warrior public enemy number one. Brad Faxon is now branded a moron and a coward for his dissenting opinion. Brad Faxon is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet and a true gentleman in the game of golf. He is simply stating his opinion, one which outside of this golf blog has a lot of supporters. Everyone who questions Michelle Wie's career path, accomplishments and undeserved exemptions isn't a moron. We are just people with differing views. Pete if you are still out there, is it your view that Michelle has already dominated the LPGA and has had to move up to the PGA? Silly me, I was under the impression that one had to win before they could be deemed dominant. In fact if we look back a little a little further we would see that she didn't even dominate the amateurs, one Publinx title hardly qualifies for world domination. The only thing that I can see on her resume that can be construed as domination would be her win at the Jennie K. Wilson when she was 11. Congratulations, Michelle you dominated the local Hawaii golf scene, impressive. Good luck at Canoe Brook Michelle, you're going to need it. Three-Putt using politically correct qoutes from PGA players who really think that she has no business playing with them is a weak way to attempt to prove your point. I think we agree that Michelle is talented and that what she is trying to do is historic, but what we disagree on is on the significance of her current accomplishments and the likelihood of her ever reaching her goals. I think Michelle Wie's resume does not match her hype and I think her dream of winning or even truly competing on the PGA tour is unrealistic. I commend her for trying, but in the immortal words of Brad Faxon, " win a few LPGA events and come back then".

Alex, you can run, but you can't hide. Besides you can use your keyboard's End Key to move quickly down to the bottom of the page and just tap the Up Cursor Key or Page Up Key to move back up a little.

Maybe we can break the record for number of posts on a single blog in here. Who holds the record right now, Baldwin the bloggart? lol

Ford,
MW's LPGA record is exceptional. In the not to near future she will be completely dominating its courses and most assuredly its competition.

She needs the PGA courses and its tougher greens to develop as a player. She needs fields where anyone playing on Thursday can win.

Faxon misspoke, plain and simple. While he is certainly entitled to an opinion so to is everyone else. THe debate over MW is NOT about golf (how many times does one have to say this??). It is about access to a dream...for MW the dream has not been about some well-define path (the notion of having to clean up everything before moving on is patently ridiculous and empiricaly flawed--Tiger Woods won only one NCAA title and never helped Stanford to a team title--should be have stayed in school? Of course not.).

As I said, MW is chasing her dream: to be the best female golfer EVER and certainly the best she can be. As far as I am concerne she is doing EXACTLY what any competitor would do--seek out top competition in the biggest arenas. All you armchair wannabes probably do not understand that drive. Respect it...it is special, once in a lifetime. While the Faxon's of the world speak in self-righteous terms and defend their turf, they fail to see how ridiculous their position is...over a 16 year old girl that can beat the men!! HILARIOUS!!! What a sap!

Right now, MW deserves a ranking in the top three or four in the LPGA. Only took ten plus events. If the LPGA gave her her card, she would have won several tournaments by now.

History lesson on the 'ol, "where is the hardware." Well, at age 10, she was competing against the best women in Hawaii and winning. Age 12, making it to match play against the top Hawaiian amateur's. Age 13, playing in the final group at an LPGA major. and so on...

She has not bothered to win against inferior competition, but to push her self to compete at the next level. So far, she has been brilliant at it.

To the short-sighted who complained of Tiger's accolades before winning, they have all dropped out of sight...but to those that followed him early, she was diong great things 5-6 years before although only against his peers. It was not until he won on the PGA that one could say that he was doign great against the best. Yet MW has not bothered with her peers and has tried to compete with the best. She has done that quite effectively.

Honestly, so dense...

"I think Michelle Wie's resume does not match her hype..."
--LOL!!! 99.9999% of registered MALE golfers would give their right nut for her resume...LOL!! You are funny...Barring injury or mishap, she will be worth a billion US$ some day soon.


"...I think her dream of...even truly competing on the PGA tour is unrealistic..." LOL!! She has ALREADY done that at age 14, amigo!!

Don't you get it? She is already competitive enough to hold her own...at 14, 15, 16 years old. Bloody amazing, something Tiger would not do at the same age...

Winning a small LPGA tour event will do little for her development as a player...but I can hear you now, "But it was not even a major...let her win the LPGA Grand Slam before trying out for the PGA...or...let her earn her tour card and compete on the weekend for a title before she can 'truly compete'..." Well, I guess that excludes a good 50% of the PGA...

Sorry, hombre, but you just don;t get "it." That is why MW is worth nearly $50 million already, playing in PGA, EPGA events and playing in a bloody US Open Sectional at 16 and you are bitching about her qualifications!! LOL!! Get a life dude...later

Wayne, Do you understand my explanation of the betting odds? Please don't berate me , I'm trying to be helpful. I've got to get out of here. Did you see Pete's last post? He's brought out the heavy artillery! Forget ten's of millions, Bubbbles' net worth will soon be a BILLion on the Wie-wee futures market!

To tell you the truth I think Michelle is hurting her game by playing in women's professional events. One week you are hitting full irons at a PGA par three and the next you are chipping in from 145 yards in an LPGA event.

You haul out a driver on a PGA par five and swing away and on the LPGA hole you hit a three wood so you won't push it thru the fairway.

Your hitting mid irons on a PGA par four and the next event a lob wedge at a LPGA event.

One week you putt on 11 to 12 plus greens on the PGA tour and the next they are barely pushing 10 on a LPGA green.

One week you play a course with rough so deep it makes a grown man wince and the next you are hitting out of fringe grass.

I really don't know how Michelle adjusts so well as it is folks. She should stop playing the Junior tour and her game will pick up steam.

For those of an analytic bent, here is a write up of the 2004 Sectional Qualifier at Canoe Brook. It shows the winners to have shot 134 and the last qualifier shot 140. Nothing in the article mentions adverse weather, so it is safe to presume the course played at its USGA rating -- 74.1 (North) + 72.8 (South) = 146.9 (4.9 stokes over the 142 par for 36 holes).

Put another way, the medalists shot 12.9 strokes under the USGA rating. The last qualifier shot 6.9 strokes under USGA rating (and had to win a shoot-out to qualify).

How does this compare to Michelle's performance in the Local Qualifier at Turtle Bay? Turtle Bay has a USGA rating of 74.4 or 2.4 strokes over 72 par for 18 holes. For 36 holes, this would be 148.8 rating vs 144 par. Therefore the Canoe Park and Turtle Bay courses are essentially equal in difficulty by the USGA's measurement.

Michelle's par 72 doubled would have been 144 for 36 holes or 4.8 under rating. By that measure she would be expected to miss qualifying at Canoe Park by 2 strokes against the 2004 standard.

However, the weather at Turtle Bay was definitely adverse. Therefore (as the USGA suggests), the USGA rating should actually be increased by a few strokes...the question then being: How many is "a few"? Here are your choices:

Weather Affect predicted score result
0 strokes 142 bye-bye
1 stroke 140 SHOOT-OUT
2 strokes 138 MAKES IT
3 strokes 136 SAFE
4 strokes 134 MEDALIST

Or in other words, if the weather at Turtle Bay affected Michelle's score by even one stroke, she only has to continue to play at that same level to have a fighting chance of making the cut.

edit: 'making the cut' should read 'qualifying'

Jennifer,
I watched 30 minutes of the Corning Classic today (all I could stand) and I have been more excited watching grass grow!! Without the top 10 players at the tournament, it really is booooring. The course is 6100 yards long and many of the "PROS" are struggling...MW breaks par on 7100 yard courses, this is something that the "Wiemongers" really do not like to hear. The jealousy from most of the LPGA players in regards to MW is really pathetic. She has been a professional only six months and has already given $800,000 to charities. The Golf Channel did a short segment that K.J. Choi was upset that he only received $350,000 in appearance fee while MW received $700,000...of course they failed to mention that she gave $300,000 to a Korean hospital for sick children. I wish MW success in the U.S. Open qualifier next month...I hope she makes it. As far as the Pressel, Pepper and Lopez and their envy for what MW is doing...who cares, I know MW could care less.

"Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
Wayne, Do you understand my explanation of the betting odds? Please don't berate me , I'm trying to be helpful. I've got to get out of here. Did you see Pete's last post? He's brought out the heavy artillery! Forget ten's of millions, Bubbbles' net worth will soon be a BILLion on the Wie-wee futures market!"

It is estimated Tiger will have earned a Billion dollars Alex by 2010 from just his golf/endorsement income. Tiger turned professional when he was twenty years old and has ten years of earnings behind him. Michelle just started earning her income from golf four years earlier than the age Tiger started.

Just for grins Alex just try to imagine that Michelle lucks out and makes it thru sectionals to play in the Open. Then imagine she has a reasonable performance in the Open and finishes slightly higher than midpoint in the order.

She would now enter the 100,000,000 dollar a year range for worldwide endorsements alone. This without ever winning a professional golf tournament.

I'm sure you would love the irony Alex.

Here is a link in case you are trying to keep up with The Golf Princess and her Worldwide Itinerary. It is so hard to keep up with a Superstar. :-)

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/assets/gif/M129169524.GIF

MW's primary detractor, loud mouthed chubsy is tied for 91st 9 shots of the lead after the first

Hey Joe Cool I thought Morgan Pressel was playing in the Corningj7? I couldn't find her on the leaderboard anywhere.

Dottie Pepper was making excuses for Morgan......"Oh this how a rookie learns when they play a course for the first time and she will learn from her mistakes". I almost gagged when I heard her spew this crap. If Morgan doesn't wake up soon she will have another free weekend to work on her game.

Morgan only scored two shots in front of fouteen year old Kristina Wong playing in her first LPGA event. Morgan ain't looking too professional out there. Come on Kristina...Beat Morgan.

In regards to Morgan not being as dominant as expected, I must say I am surprised that so many highly touted amateurs have really struggled in their game recently: remember cool girl Jane Park from the LA area? She won the women's Amateur a couple of years back, and now she is playing for UCLA. Yet, she really hasn't dominated college golf. She shot three rounds in the high 70's to be way back in the ncaa finals which have been happening the past three days. Also, I've been following on the No.1 girl junior right now, Mina Harigae and she shot 83 at the US Women's Open local qualifier to miss the sectionals. So, there you have it: a bunch of highly touted amateurs not quite measuring up as advertised. If you look back, Dorothy Delasin and Virada Nirapathpongporn also were highly touted amateurs, and yet now are mediocre players in the LPGA. By the end of this summer, we'll find out if Pressel should be lumped with Creamer or with Delasin instead.

Wayne and Jay, Do you guys as yet comprehend the line and the odds on Miss Wie making it to Winged Foot? I wouldn't ant you newbies to make any serious mistakes by betting on the wrong proposition.

Pete--You my sad little friend are truly delusional. Michelle has a nice record on the LPGA tour, but no wins which means no domination. I like your argument that Michelle has simply not bothered to win against lesser competition. So when she was busy losing in the Women's Amateur, the Publinx, and everytime she has teed it up on the LPGA tour she was simply not bothering to win. It must be part of her master plan, to dominate the world of golf by never winning anything. I outgrew the I lost because I didn't want to win when I was 5, must be nice to have built in excuses for every defeat. 99.9% percent of male golfers would like her resume are you f**kin kidding me. Wins in local junior tournaments, 0 wins on the LPGA tour, 0 cuts made on the PGA tour, 1 Asian tour cut made, and 1 semi-major amateur title...Your right, Pete, Michelle has already accomplished so much it's a wonder she continues to play at all, what with her legacy already cememted. You have mentioned in one of your previous diatribes that you wished you had followed your dreams and aimed higher as an athlete, so it would seem that you are the arm chair wannabe, living out your pathetic little sports dreams through a 16 year-old girl. Pete, next time you want to sling insults leave an address and I'll look you up. If you want to continue to debate the merits of the winless one we can do that to. One other note, judging success and worth as an athlete or a person based on financial statements is tacky and completely irrelevant. If I were to brag about how much money I have this site would explode with anger and jealousy, so why must we validate Michelle with financial statements. It actually serves to prove my point that she has done precious little to command so much money. Look forward to your reply Johnny Cakes.

Alex, we understand the odds all too well. The odds against Michelle Wie stands at 1 to 10, yet you say it should be more like 1 to 15. I stated before that a lot of people would be jumping on this proposition. To wit: even with a low payout of $100 per $1000 bet, it is much better than the $100 per $1500 you and other people think it should be.

Ford, What are you trying to do, steal my fans? Up until recently, I had the honor of being the most disliked and at times the ONLY Wie skeptic posting here. But now you've come on like Whirlaway in the stretch and have left me foundering in your wake. Oh well, I guess that I can use some stiff competition. Now, on the other hand, the competition among the Wie sycophants and butt-kissers on this blog has always been fierce. Norman, of course, was the first of the fawning admirers of Bubbles. He attempts to use cherry-picked statistics and other sophistry to temper his adulation for MW. Then along came One-Putt, at times humorous but more often vituperous in his scorn for anyone not pro-Wie. He also likes a lot of convoluted and extraneous statistics. putt4par was a flash-in-the-pan and seems to have fallen by the wayside. Candace Polski is mostly off topic in her posts, preferring to post her specialty, dispensing unwanted psychological therapy rather than sticking to the sole mission of the Wie Warriors, unflagging adulation of Queen Bubbles. Which brings us to Pete. Yes, Pete, he of the incredibly long , rambling, ranting posts. The very same Pete to whom proper spelling, punctuation, syntax,and usage are cunbersome anachronisms to be scorned and ignored. He has carried Wie fanaticism to new heights(or perhaps depths). To Pete, no amount of hyperbole or absurdity as regards the earringed one is beyond his scope. Pete, I salute you! You have retired the trophy as the Biggest Wie bootlicker in captivity!

Wayne, With all due respect, I must tell you that you absolutely DO NOT understand the odds or how a betting line is set. So, pay attention since I'm only going through this once. A bookie or an online betting site decides to post a line on MW's chances of qualifying for the US Open. He figures that the proper odds on that happening are about 10 to 1. Of course he needs an edge so he offers MW to qualify at 6.75 to 1. Anyone betting on that proposition is said to be "taking" the odds. The odds an such a bet are listed as "+675" and would yield, if successful, a return of $675 PLUS the original $100 wager. Conversely, the bookie would leave the odds on MW failing to qualify at 1 to 10. This is known as "laying" the odds and would be posted as "-1000." Such a bet at multiples of one hundred would mean wagering $1000 to win $100 PLUS the original bet. Now, suppose there is another bookie or online gambling site that figures Michelle should be more of a long shot to qualify and that those betting she won't should lay longer odds. He may then post his "don't" line at 1 to 15, and put his "do" line at 11.75 to one, thereby keeping his edge at the same amount. He might even lower his "do" line to keep his percentage on the total action. Notice the bookie takes all of his "edge" from the "do" line. For instance,in the betting line first quoted, if bettor A put down $100 on Michelle to qualify while bettor B put up $1000 that she fails and MW made it , A would win $675, while B would lose $1000, a net gain of $325 for the house. But if MW would fail, B would win $100 and A would lose $100, a net gain of NOTHING for the house. Perhaps that is why the online bookie is talking up Michelle by saying in his blog that it isn't if but when she will win a PGA tour event. He WANTS you to bet that she'll qualify. Wayne, I hope that this has cleared things up for you. Since it is apparent to me that you have never made a bet of this type on golf, it would serve you well to remember these basics: When you're TAKING the odds, you want that first number to be as large as possible. When you're LAYING the odds, you want that second number to be as small as possible. And bet with your head, not with your heart. Good luck. Alex

Alan has been knocked off his lofty perch Alex? You are quick to judge who is the biggest Wie supporter of all. I believe Alan moved on to myLPGA.com where he could find a massive Wie following.

Alex you forget we are blogging and not attending a English 101 class Mr. Headmaster. We all have fat fingers at our age including you and sometimes we are between prescriptions on our reading glasses.

What is important in blogging is not how well you spell or use language when you state something. The message you convey to your fellow bloggers should be what is important.

I was wondering Alex if you have played some rounds since your hibernation period ended? Yesterday I played 36 holes on my home course ending up at even par. I was disappointed with not going lower, but the winds were up and it was a day of low fades and draws that left me scrambling for par on some holes.

My game is coming along well with my USGA index dropping to 2.2 from the 3.25 I carried a month ago.

Well shut my mouth: Morgan carded a 64 in the Corning today. What woke her up?

The Corning course is 6,062 yards which is why so many gals are going low. It's like teeing off white tees at your local muni.

JOHN NEAL Interesting analysis of Michelle Wie's chances--but it sems to me there is another factor involved. Michelle Wie was very familar with the Turtle Bay Course. She will not have that advantage in the sectionals--at least not this year.

calgolfer, It looks like your anti-Morgan post couldn't have been more ill-timed. How about that eight-under 64? Pressel rules! Chubsy rocks!

One-Putt, Alan didn't lose his preeminent position so much by relegation as by abdication. Big Al has had his day in the sun, but he too, like his compatriot putt4par seems to have run out of steam. Pete, on the other hand, is loaded for bear. He has an endless amount of Wie mania which even you cannot match. Pete is in for the long haul; the rest of you will have to muster your best to keep pace. O-P, I'm no match for you on the links. I'm a 14 handicapper. I believe I played 22 rounds last year and twice this year so far. However, next Wednesday I'll be spectating, along with my wife at the Memorial. We just heard that Woods will not be there for the first time in his career. That is a little disappounting, but the rest of the big guns will be there. This will be our fourth time at the Memorial, a real class event run by classy people.

Jim COULTHARD--that is also a good point.

In any case, it will be an interesting 36 holes no matter what happens. Those interested can find the full field, tee times and pairings here.

Alex have a great time at the Memorial and give some feedback to us next week. It is understandable why Tiger is skipping the event, but you must be disappointed. Phil is now the headliner so wear a couple of old Timex watches, one on each wrist. No telling when one of Phil's wayward shots might pay your bar tab.

Grandpa must have taken Morgan to the woodshed yesterday after her round. She really picked up her play today on the minature golf course.

What a difference a day makes, yesterday I was even for thirty six and today five over on my B course for 18. I had to put together a string of four birdies at the end to get it down to five over and stop the bleeding.

Twenty knot winds and wet fairways tore my butt up until I finally had the wind at my back coming home. I felt like Tiger with that wind behind me hitting a six iron 220 onto the green of the last par five.

"I am Tiger Woods" I thought, until I remembered the three other par fives I played at two over with the wind in my kisser. Oh well at least for four holes I was feeling it today and I'll be back out there tomorrow on the A course.

I am an addict..........

"Comment from: John Neal [Visitor]
Jim COULTHARD--that is also a good point.

In any case, it will be an interesting 36 holes no matter what happens. Those interested can find the full field, tee times and pairings here."

The Michelle Wie Network (MWN or TGC whatever you prefer) will broadcast her entire qualifying round live. Now when can anyone remember a USGA qualifying round being broadcast live? Hey it must be another First for Michelle Wie. They are calling it "The Michelle Wie Special", now ain't that special.......

I understand the Wie's have requested that Dottie Pepper be banned from covering the event. I think she will be covering the LPGA tournament in Outer Mongolia Alex was referring to.

One-Putt, We have two grounds passes for the week at the Memorial and also two passes to a corporate hospitality tent. Many folks, especially those who are even slightly infirm or unsteady, never leave the tents but prefer to watch the tournament on closed circuit big-screen television while indulging in adult beverages.(whereby they become even more infirm and unsteady). We prefer the great outdoors, getting a spot maybe fifty yards from a green so as to better view the approaching iron shots and the putting. That for about half the day and then the other half on a tee where they all use their drivers. O-P, I'm beginning to comprehend the reasoning of the Wie nuts on this board. It wasn't necessary for Bubbles to compete against other amateur girls and maybe win a tournament, she had already proven she was vastly superior to all of them by finishing as an also-ran in the events in which she did participate. What further PROOF does one need? Now, you came up with the notion that possibly Michelle should quit playing against even the women on the LPGA tour, that playing in such mundane surroundings on such pitty-pat courses is a detriment to her game. I agree. As Pete says, Miss Wie's LPGA record is outstanding, and as we all know, she could surely dominate that tour whenever she so chose. So what is left for the earringed wonder to conquer? Some will say she should try to similarly dominate the PGA tour, but I believe that that course of action would have its pitfalls. Suppose the improbable occurs. Suppose she doesn't excel on the PGA tour as expected. What then? I believe her market value, which after all is the only thing that counts, would be severely compromised. Since, as you say, she will be in the $100M per year range soon, and has done this without winning anything among the women or making a PGA cut, I say "why risk it?" Bubbles should quit playing golf all together and go on to one of the many other lucrative and rewarding careers that await her.

Brian, The ideal situation for any bookmaker is to have an equal amount bet on either side of any game , match, etc. where the vigorish is identical on both probabilities. The bookmaker under that condition is not gambling since he can only make money collecting the juice. A cautious bookie will usually "lay off" any excess action on any one side so as not to put too much of his bankroll at risk. They do this with a "hotline" telephoning system to various other bookies to equalize the action as much as possible. In the instance of the odds on Miss Wie qualifying for the US Open, the online bookie can assure that he will make money if he doesn't let the "do's" outnumber the "don't's" by more than 7 to 5, since all the juice is being extracted from the "do" side. Brian, there is no need to become testy. I am not trying to lecture you or anyone. If you don't want or need any advice or information, by all means ignore them. I am not insisting that you take my word for anything, but I would suggest that you do some research into the fundamentals of a bookmaking operation, whether the legal online type or the "other" type.

Thank you Alex for validating a statement I have made on several different blog threads. The gambling odds on any event are only very loosely based on the probabilities of victory or defeat. Rather they are exactly determined by the amounts of money that have been wagered on either side of the proposition.

In the case at hand, betCRIS and Skybet both have lines on Michelle qualifying. BetCRIS remains 6.75 to 1 (1 to 10) while Skybet is offering 8 to 1 (1 to 20). Both Books obviously believe that a much smaller group will bet against Michelle than bet for her and hence want to get a 3.25 to 4 edge on the action. If total action (exposure) is low the books will look on any possible loss as an advertising expense. If the exposure gets too large, they will simply close the line.

In the meantime, they get lots of free press. Nothing to do with the "true" odds of whether she will qualify or not.

Brian, Perhaps I didn't make it clear enough for you. You're going under the assomption that the bookmaker MUST take your action. As I stated before, an astute and cautious bookie, one who wants to make sure but small commission will try to equalize the action. If he succeeds, he won't care which option wins. Here is a scenario easily understood: The online bookie stirs up enough interest to get 140 punters to bet $100 each that MW will qualify. He also gets 100 bettors to put up $1000 that she doesn't. the ratio of do's to don't's is 7 to 5. If MW qualifies, the 140 do's will win $675 each for a total of $94,500 that the bookie would have to pay out to the winners. But the bookie would collect $100K from the one hundred don't's for a net profit of $5,500. If, on the other hand, MW fails to qualify, the one hundred don't's will each collect $100 for a payout of $10K. But the 140 do's will each lose their $100 bets. The bookie would thus collect $14K for a net profit of $4,000. That would be an ideal situaton for our friend the bookie. Remember, he doesn't HAVE to take your action.If he's being cautious, astute, and doesn't want to put his bankroll at risk, he wants to have about 40% more money on Michelle to qualify than to fail.

Alex, you're still missing my point. If you were planning to bet on the outcome of MW qualifying or not, which is the better proposition for you: the 6.75 to 1 odds that MW qualifies or the 1 to 10 odds that she doesn't? Would the 1 to 10 odds seem more attractive to you since you think it should be 1 to 15? I just thought that more people would bet on her not to qualify and you start giving me a dissertation on bookmaking.

By the way, how are you making out on your bets? Watch out for the sure thing, they usually turn out to be a fool's bet.

Alex I believe Michelle has a choice to make as she gets older which is to play full time on the PGA tour and become a journeyman player or play the women's events exclusively and become a champion. The Tours will force her to make a decision when she turns eighteen one way or the other.

During 2005 there were 107 players worldwide on the men's tours who made a million dollars plus.
Seventy-seven on the list were PGA Tour members. On the ladies official money list only six players exceeded one million dollars worldwide. All six were LPGA members.

Over the next year and a half Michelle will have to pick up her game to a new level, if she hopes to compete with the men fulltime and finish in the top 125 on the PGA Tour. Distance is not her problem as she outdrives nearly half of the top 125 PGA Tour players.

Hitting fairways and tee to green have not been Michelle's problems on either tour lately. The putter has let her down the most when it counted to make a cut or close the deal.

To win on the PGA Tour takes an average of 26 putts per round and on the LPGA Tour 27 to 28 would put her in the winners circle.

Michelle may develop the skills to be a solid journeyman player on the PGA Tour and work her way somewhere into the middle of the millionaires list. On the LPGA Tour when she gets her putting down to 27 a round she will dominate as she is the stat leader in GIR whenever she plays an LPGA course.

If Michelle progresses the way she has so far, I don't see why she can't make cuts on the PGA Tour on a consistent basis.

One-Putt, remember this quote from Danielle Ammaccapane: "You're the worst kid I've ever seen play golf. You'll never make it to the LPGA. I will make money. You will not."

Go down memory lane and read it right here.

"Comment from: Wayne [Visitor] · http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-4/1168157/Michelle.Wie.going.postal.gif
If Michelle progresses the way she has so far, I don't see why she can't make cuts on the PGA Tour on a consistent basis.

One-Putt, remember this quote from Danielle Ammaccapane: "You're the worst kid I've ever seen play golf. You'll never make it to the LPGA. I will make money. You will not."

BJ put a Korean hex on her after the 2003 incident and here are the results:

2004 Best Finish T-27th place, Total Earnings: $42,577

2005 Best Finish T-24th place, Total Earnings: $47,747

2006 Best Finish T-35th place, Total Earnings: $12,632. Missed cuts or withdrew in 6 out of 9 events this season.

Most money earned in a season on LPGA Tour 1992 when she earned $513,639.

Money Michelle Wie has donated to charity in the past 9 months $850,000. LPGA earnings in 2 events: $181,499.

I wonder if Danielle is having whine or crap salad with the Crow she is eating since 2003.

Danielle would make more if she bagged for Kmart.

Bad things happen to bad people...

I noticed Danielle had a K-Mart Logo adorning her gear in Phoenix.

She should get the wheel fixed on that shopping cart it was shaking really bad when she was pushing it down the street. Or then again maybe she could just steal a replacement.

Michelle was so traumatized by the whole incident with Danielle at the 03 Open she let it affect her game. In a positive way.......MOTIVATION!

Okay, let me be one of the few to unabashedly say that I DO have something against the Bubbles clan, and no defeat that she might suffer could be ignominious enough for my tastes.

Anyway, you Wiemen certainly have missed your calling: you seem to have a proclivity for writing fiction. Bubbles chances of beating eggs in the US Open are between slim and none, and slim just left town. Moreover, it's ridiculous to even think that she stands any kind of realistic chance to make it past the next level of qualifying. Have you taken a gander at the competition at the site? You dopes are delusional.

"Distance is not her problem as she outdrives nearly half of the top 125 PGA Tour players."

I really don't understand the basis of the above comment. When I saw the driving stats for a PGA event Bubbles competed in, she was ranked well below one-hundred in driving distance.

DANIELLE. Danielle gave birth in 2000 at age 34 and then did a good job of coming back--but she gave birth again in 2004, which explains why she only played in 7 events. Since then she has had less success in coming back--but that seems entirely understandable to me and has nothing to do with Michelle Wie or her father.

Not being there, I don't know what was said--but it is my understanding that the issue is closed as far as the parties are concerned and it seems best to leave it that way.

Substituting numbers for generalities, Michelle's current season driving stat is 286 yards. That would tie her with Duffy Waldorf and Ted Purdy for 123rd on the current week's PGA Tour Driving Distance list.

Of the top 10 on the current week's money list, she only out-drives one--Jim Furyk. However she is within three yards of three others. She out-drove a total of 5 of the top 25. I didn't carry the analysis any further, but it would appear length is not a real problem. Granted that another 10 yards would probably help. That would put her past two-thirds of the top 25 on the money list, and move her up to 47th on the driving list...

I don't know where you found those driving stats for Bubbles; she is not on the LPGA list.

Those are here PGA Tour Statistics for 2006 available here.

You are correct, the LPGA does not publish her stats. The PGA Tour however carries them under "historical players" which actually means "not currently active on tour".

Go here for Michelle's LPGA Stats:

http://golfonline.comfluent.net/cgi.pan?golfstats

Here are a few more comments from her golfing peers:

?She is on a road I don?t think any woman has traveled, and it?s pretty cool to watch.?
?PGA player Jerry Kelly

?She wants to master the LPGA before she turns pro.?
?Michelle?s father B.J.

?Michelle is unbelievable.?
?PGA star Vijay Singh

?She?s going to be a world beater.?
?PGA player Tim Herron

?I don?t know if we?ll see a woman hit this far with such effortless action. Ever.?
?Coach Gary Gilchrist

?The power of her swing, her demeanor?there?s something special about Michelle. You can?t quite put your finger on it, but it?s there.?
?All-Time Great Barbara Romack

?The thing about her is there?s nobody to compare her to.?
?PGA star Fred Couples

?I honestly feel she?s going to be one of the Top 10 athletes of our lifetime.?
?PGA official Duke Butler

?I just hope she enjoys being a kid before she makes golf her living.?
?LPGA star Karrie Webb

?I thought she was a historic player when I saw her at age 10.?
?USGA Official Rhonda Glenn

?Some people just have it. Michelle?s got it. Just stay out of her way. Just let her go.?
?PGA veteran Tom Lehman

?On ball striking she?s already among the Top 5 out here.?
?LPGA star Patricia Meunier-Lebouc

?She?s playing at a totally different level than I did.?
?Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam

?She?s one of the most astounding players I?ve ever seen.?
?Hall of Famer Judy Rankin

"She's our Tiger Woods."
?LPGA star Laura Davies

As you look over Michelle's LPGA stats understand she was using a three iron/wood on most of the measured holes. Thus her average would be lower than when she uses a driver.

I think we owe it to the impressionable kids out there to put some kind of disclaimer about gambling. I'm going to do my part, so here's a simple truism:

GAMBLING: THE MORE YOU WIN THE MORE YOU LOSE.

Judge Smails, I agree that Bubbles has very littla chance, if any, to make it through the sectional. The Wie-nuts know it also, but it won't matter to them when she doesn't. If she ahead of even one male golfer, pro or amateur, they will view that as a remarkable achievement, a milestone in her quest fot world dominance. If she finishes absolutely dead last, they will discover that the wind, the weather or the fact that she is 16 years old ALL worked against her, but it won't matter. She will have had fun, enjoyed herself, and learned some things along the way. Two recent posts on this board show just how deeply Wie brown- nosing has inculcated itself. One-Putt says that if Bubbles only scores better than one gilfer in the Omega Masters, he will be deliriously

my error, continuation of post... deliriously happy. the only stipulation is that the man must be the hated Jean Van de Velde. And Pete, I believe, is of the opinion that not only does Miss Wie deserve to be ranked as the number two woman in the world right now, he fully expects her to be number one female golfer in the world by season's end WHETHER SHE WINS OR NOT! This should be quite a trick with Karrie and Lorena having two wins each already, Lorena an additional four seconds and Annika with a victory ,and a second. But as we Wie skeptics know all too well, Bubbles doesn't need to win anything to maintain the fawning adulation of the Wie Warriors.

I'm curious Alex, what would you consider to be a "good" finish for Michelle at Canoe Brook?

Here are my "feelings" on the subject. There are 153 possible final positions, my take is:

153--102 She did not play up to my expectations.
102--51 Good finish for a first try at sectionals.
51--qualify-1 stroke Superb finish for a first try.
Qualify GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY...

So, Alex...at what point would you be impressed?

I thought of another catchy anti-gambling slogan:

If you think you're smart enough to gamble -- you're dumb enough to lose.

I may have said that Wie should be the number one Rolex player within a couple of months even if she does not win as long as she puts up high finishes in her next 5 events. That was a prediction. It includes results prior to this year. Based just upon this year I would consider Lorena and Karrie number one and two. But give us a break. You will be ripping Michelle Wie to shreds if misses a cut like Annika did, has other low finishes, and badly blows a final round lead. A single win for Michelle would not excuse such multiple disasters for you or any other Wie critic.

John you forgot what happens if she walks away with the whole thing. Alex would keel over in the fetal position with foam coming out of his mouth, but he still would not be impressed.

Alex I've revised my statement on who Michelle needs to finish ahead of at the Omega. Go ahead and add Michael Campbell and Adam Scott to the list along with Jean. After all a teenager needs some goals in life.

Guys, After a little research, I discovered that in just about every year in the last forty, several lesser known pros, even club pros and several amateurs, actually qualified for the US Open. A few club pros as well as a few amateurs have made an occasional cut in the Open, but rarely have had a top fifty finish. Outside of their club members and their immediate families, these guys are virtually anonymous. Nobody cares because it's not that rare or even unusual. But now the Wie Warriors are going bat s**t crazy because she is going to TRY to qualify.You don't suppose her hype and publicity machine would have anything to do with it, do you? Like the Golf Channel airing something so minor. But it won't matter to the Wie-wee's if Bubbles bombs; she'll be a winner in their view if she shows up. In a strange sort of way, I'm kind of envious of you Wie-nuts. It must be great to be so easily satisfied. Bubbles doesn't have to win a thing as long as she does her best and has some fun. Oh please! Give me a break!

"In a strange sort of way, I'm kind of envious of you Wie-nuts. It must be great to be so easily satisfied." - Alex

That's the closest thing to a helpful statement you've made yet. Looking at the glass as half full does make life a better ride than looking at it as half empty and riddled with bacteria.

More free psychoanalysis for you Alex. At least you have some friends back to help you delve the darker side. Welcome, Judge Smails! I'm sure you sent girls younger than Michelle to the gas chamber - and they were probably being prosecuted by Alex.

Pete, interesting idea that the LPGA could fade away, if Wie is successful on the PGA tour. I think it would not happen, though.

Jackie was the pioneer, but there were many other great black players to walk in that door, once it was opened. Who are the other great women players who can play the PGA tour? IMO, they don't exist. As of now, there is one, and one only.

The Negro Leagues were already on par with major league baseball. No women's golf league is. The LPGA is safe, at least for now.

Sorry Alex if you can't recognize history in the making. You might as well get used to Michelle making history in the World of Golf for decades to come.

The problem with Wie Critics is they are dealing with something they have nothing to compare it with. Michelle Wie is already unique in the annals of Professional Golf. Wie Critics expect a win immediately although it has never been done by someone her age in a Women's Professional event. I have a feeling that will change soon and history will be rewritten once more by Michelle Wie.

Laura Davies the Gentle Giant put it quite succinctly when she stated, "She's our Tiger Woods."

Believe me Alex, the women in unisex shorts and frumpy shirts notice when Michelle Wie is in the field and they recognize the talent. She is a little difficult to miss when most of them are behind her on the leaderboard.

I also will point out that when the Open was contested at Bethpage Black a few years ago, a 16-year-old boy qualified for the event. I forget his last name, but his first name is "Derek." So, I suppose Bubbles is trying to follow in his footsteps; do you think she can measure up?

Interestingly, no one knows this kid's name. I guess he should see B.J. Wie for marketing advice.

Where's this 16-year-old boy now? Maybe the media were right in not hyping this boy. No potential, no hype.

Judge, the name was Derek Tolan. He qualified by winning a three person shoot-out for the second of two places awarded at the Columbine Country Club in Littleton, Colorado

At the Open, he missed the cut at +26.

However he did qualify for the US Open. As far as I know, he has not been heard from again in the world of pro golf. Perhaps someone told him he wasn't good enough to play with the pros.

Incidentally Judge, your point would be better made by citing 14 year old Tyrell Garth who qualified in 1941. Likewise, he missed the cut and was never heard from again. Perhaps he was told to go dominate the amateur ranks before playing with the big boys.

I think both lads deserve great credit for their accomplishment. To step on the first tee of any US Open has always, and always shall be a signal accomplishment in any golfing career regardless of what that person did before, or does after.

BTW Alex and for that matter Judge, I am still waiting for a definitive statement of what you think a "good" performance by Michelle would be. If it makes it easier, I'll also accept your definition of what a "bad" performance would be.
Isn't it possible for you to state a score or finishing position that would be in your opinion "laughable", "ludicrous" or "humiliating" should she not better it?

I have said that I would be "disappointed" if she finishes in the bottom 1/3 of the field, "satisfied" with a middle 1/3, "delighted" by an upper 1/3 and would "jump on Oprah's couch" if she qualified.

Care to quantify you feelings?

John Neal, I didn't mean to ignore your request,which I consider reasonable. Thank you for asking my opinion. To my way of thinking, and I am serious, Bubbles should finish no worse than 30th or a tie for that spot. Anything less should, in the opinions of even the ardent Wie fanatics, be considered a disappointment and a failure. After all, consider her credentials. She has been a pro for the last eight months in which, according to her admirers, she has distinguished herself on the LPGA tour to the point where she should be ranked number two in the world.(number one to JIm C) She is said to be the only woman in the world who has the ability to compete on the PGA tour. Her believers trumpet that she has the game, the savvy, the strength, the clubhead speed, the hand-eye coordination, the deft touch with her short irons, she has conquered her putting yips, her course management has improved dramatically, etc. etc. And above all, she is already fabulously wealthy and therefore is under no pressure whatsoever. She can whale away with reckless abandon and let her superior natural ability take the day. Have I left anything out? Thus I think that expecting her to finish in the top 20% of a field composed of struggling, marginal pros, club pros, and several amateurs is not asking too much. She doesn't even have to qualify to meet my liberal standards. If she finishes in the middle third of the field, say 50 to 100 I will consider her on probation as far as even trying to make any inroads on the PGA tour. A bottom third finish would prove what we Wie skeptics have known all along, that Bubbles is a cute, gangly 16 year old girl with a classic golf swing who should finish school and join the LPGA tour.

Alex, you speak with a forked tongue.

I guess this is comment 270.

I haven't bothered to read all the comments, but from the last few, I am glad to note that Alex really has changed his tune.

********************
Alex said:
To my way of thinking, and I am serious, Bubbles should finish no worse than 30th or a tie for that spot.
********************

At one time, Alex argued against women playing with professional men.
Now he thinks that Michelle should certainly be near the top of a very difficult field.

And make no mistake about it Alex. This is a very difficult field. I have experience in similar situations and I certainly don't expect her to qualify.

My expectation is that a top 50 finish would be very very good for her and would signal an excellent chance of making a pga cut fairly soon.

I am also glad that Alex thought it good to look up previous qualifiers. For that 16 year old that qualified a few years ago, he certainly had an easier route than Michelle has, but it was a great achievement none the less.

The big difference is that Michelle has so many other achiements as well. There will be many one hit wonders, but Michelle has repeatedly shown how good she is.

I predict Michelle Wie will be #1 in the Rolex rankings after the Weetabix British Open. That says nothing about where she should be rated.

It would have been disappointing if Michelle Wie had failed to advance, like last year. For Michelle Wie making the sectionals butnot advancing would be par for the course. She has lived up to her seeding, we will now see if she can better her seeding.

I have never seen the rule in golf that a bottom third finish in an Open Sectional Qualifier at age 16 proves that a player is not PGA material. Is that one of golf's unwritten rules?

I expect Michelle Wie to finish school next year and join the LPGA--quite possibly when she does turn 18. I expect her to play 20 LPGA events per year--and maybe up to a dozen men's events. Regarding the latter, the LPGA will either give its blessing or look the other way.


Think about it. It is now pretty safe for someomne like Michael Camplbell to criticize Michelle Wie--as long as he kisses up to Annika and the LPGA. Michelle Wie should win first on the LPGA. and if she can dominate the LPGA like Annika has done, she will have earned the right to PGA exemptions. It is a lot less risky for Michelle Wie to go along with the program. And if she plays a smaller number of events against the men in the meantime, that will omly help her marketablity--and as an LPGA member, the marketability of the LPGA and the 20 event per year that she plays on the LPGA.

If Wie were to go directly into competition primarily against the men, it would be admitting defeat if she had to retreat to playh mostly against women. But if she can dominate the LPGA first everyone who has been kissing up to Annika will be forced to kiss up to her and just like Annika whatever she does against the men will be deemed a success BY PEOPLE LIKE NANCY LOPEZ AND MICHAEL CAMPBELL.

Norman, You misunderstood my position. Miss Wie SHOULD finish in the top 30 and ties if she is to be taken seriously. I don't say that I believe that she will. The field at Canoe Brook is 150+ golfers, about the same number as a full-field PGA event. The number of holes to be played is 36, the same number played in a PGA tournament to make the cut. You Wie Warriors see nothing amiss with Bubbles getting unearned sponsors' exemptions, saying that she is capable of making a PGA cut regardless of the strength of the field, even that she might finish top ten in a PGA event. And she would perform this magic against a full field of PGA touring pros. But then you guys change tack and say that she doesn't have a prayer of qualifying against a field of non-exempt pros, club pros, and amateurs. The question is, will she or won't she? Guys, you can't have it both ways.

Alex, We "Wie-Warriors" as you choose to call us think that Michelle is capable of making a PGA cut in the near term, though probably at an off-week event against a less than top-flight field.

Going against a full strength field such as the US Open? I don't remember many suggesting she could do that this year. In the future? Yes some, myself included, think she would be able to do that within a few years--but not likely this year.

A top ten finish is a longer term goal that some think she may one day be capable of fulfilling, but definitely not an expectation for this year.

So if I read your post correctly, you would not be impressed by anything less than a top 30 finish at Canoe Brook.

I must say that you set a higher standard for Michelle than I do, as I will begin to be impressed about 70 positions below that. But at least we now are talking solid numbers and not generalities...So let the games begin and we shall see who gets to be impressed, and who doesn't.

Alex is just a Wie Warrior in drag.

It all comes down to Michelle in the end. If she puts two rounds together in the sixties she should qualify. If she doesn't she gets more practice time for the McDonald's LPGA championship. Either way the experience will be worth it all.

Alex,

There's a matter that hasn't been addressed of late. To wit: how many Alans do these new contenders deserve? Now, while I'm not a member of the committee, I'll weigh in with my assessment.

You've mentioned that Alan has lost his edge; perhaps he's past his prime, or maybe he's just spent. Really, though, it's understandable. After all, it isn't easy maintaining the level that at one time made him the very definition of inanity. First, there's the psychological energy expended keeping reality at bay. Maintaining the the kind of dislocation from it that his assiduous efforts made possible is no facile task. And, of course, fish has to be scratched off one's menu.

As far as these new contenders go, I must say that I'm quite disappointed. There's no creativity, no artistry, no . . . no . . . je ne sais quoi. Nay, there is nothing but the repetition of platitudinous claims concerning Bubbles future exploits, the regurgitation of worn out statistics and banal analyses of her much ballyhooed track record. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but it makes for a most vapid Alan Cup competition.

Is this the best of the new guard? Are we to believe that, unlike everything else in the arena of competition, the Alan Cup's participants will deteriorate over time?

I still remember the days of George (I believe that was his name). He came to this board like gangbusters, sinking his teeth into the competition with a comprehensive map of Paula Creamer's future -- replete with numerous victories on the PGA Tour -- whose creativity at least matched its stupidity. George thrusted himself into the mix with his game face on, trained, eager, and tenacious. The current crop of pretenders couldn't even wear his dunce cap.

So, Alex, what does the future hold? I see no one with promise on the horizon.

I should have written "thrust."

Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
I should have written "thrust."

To err is human....to forgive Divine.

Alex said:
Norman, You misunderstood my position. Miss Wie SHOULD finish in the top 30 and ties if she is to be taken seriously.
*****************************

Taken seriously for what?

I don't think she will be in the top 30 because I know the strength of the field and the types of scores they are likly to produce.

She may be that good in future, but for this year she has done extremely well to get this far.

You didn't say you believed she would get top 30, but you did say it is your expectation that she should achieve it to have been successful.
I don't know of any Wie Warrier who shares your expectations. Knowing what a US Open Sectional is like, I can say that a top 50 finish would be superb, and top 70 would still be quite an achievement.

*************************
Alex said:
The number of holes to be played is 36, the same number played in a PGA tournament to make the cut. You Wie Warriors see nothing amiss with Bubbles getting unearned sponsors' exemptions, saying that she is capable of making a PGA cut regardless of the strength of the field, even that she might finish top ten in a PGA event.
***********************

Alex, poor Alex, a top 10 finish is not on the cards at this time in my opinion. It is certainly on the cards in years to come, but it is not even close at this stage. That is what you repeatedly fail to understand, Wie Warrier's make claims of what Michelle can do in the future. Then you expect these claims to be borne out immediately.

Tiger Woods got his first top 10 finish in his 17th pga event. That was at an older age. That was having the experience of being the 3 time Mens Amateur Champion, and that was as the greatest player.

I don't expect Michelle to get a top 10 as quickly as he did and neither should you.
Even if you were judging her by his standards, she would still have 13 more attempts to get that top 10.
So maybe you shouldn't be so zealous like an immature child in wanting everything now. (this sparring is fun).

By the way, I don't think she should be judged by the standards of Tiger Woods, I am simply using him as an example to show how ridiculous your expectations are.

Judge Smails, Your assessment is sad but true. Alan's stock has dipped dramatically since about two months ago when he committed the cardinal sin of actually saying something that made sense. It was so shocking that I can't remember what it was. The committee is in the process of re-naming the cup, discarding Alan's moniker for someone more inane, if it is possible to find anybody that fits the bill. Norman has his moments of cluelessness, but now he says that nobody should expect too much of Bubbles; she's just a work in progress. That makes sense so Norman didn't help his Alan rating there. As things stand with this dismal crop of wannabe's, I'd say that Jim C holds the edge, albeit a small one. His beauty about Bubbles becoming Number One in the ratings even if she doesn't win a thing deserves some praise, even if it's just honorable mention. Candace Polski, on the other hand, gets a "no rating". As they say in rural West Virginia, "I don't know if she needs a beatin' or a bath." Perhaps a long rest at the home would delay the need for a lobotomy for poor Candace. The remainder are a wretched lot without an Alan among them.

Alex,

I don't really know if it's fair to re-name the Alan Cup. After all, Jack Nicklaus no longer is the player he once was, but we still honor his accomplishments. Alan set the standard by which all other examples of abject stupidity are judged.

I think that the lofty depths he once reached shouldn't be forgotten.

NORMAN

As far as I know you are the only person posting here who might be on the bubble as far as getting into some of the men's events where Michelle Wie gets sponsor's exemptions. I could understand if you objected to sponsor's exemptions, whether they are given to Michelle Wie or anyone else. Do you have any idea why people who are notr going to be effected object so strenuously, and why exemptions for Michelle Wie seem to be the only exemptions they seem to find objectionable?

As far as the Rolex rankings are concerned, there are more points given to events in the last 13 weeks. The last time Wie appeared in the rankings she had 2 such events out of 15. In a few weeks she will have 5 out of 16 which should give her rating a significant boost. I believe a bunch of top 3's would be enough to put her up to number 1 for a while--but then her rating will drop as she goes for 2 months without an event and the points given for past events drop when the 13 week mark passes.

Jim,
On the rankings, Annika's lead is still substantial. If Annika recaptures her form and plays as I expect her to, then I think she will retain the number 1 position.

I'm glad Alex found a new playmate he can relate to and share stories together. The expectations they have for Michelle do seem extreme for someone of her age and golfing experience.

Norman and I seem satisfied with the continued progress of Michelle and can tell she is on the cusp of greatness in the game. Is Michelle a finished product who is ready to step over the line into greatness? Not quite yet on the men's tours, yet on the women's tour it will happen quite soon and catch most of the public by surprise.

In her last two LPGA starts she placed herself in a position to win instead of playing catch up in the final round.

At the 2005 Kraft she began the final round seven shots behind Annika and finished the day three shots back in second place. This years Kraft was a different story when it took a chip in and an eagle along with a bad chip on her part to take Michelle out of contention.

To a golf hacker this progress might seem meaningless as it is not a win. To a good golfer these are small victories over the Demon that rides on our shoulder every competitive round. Michelle is very close to taming her Demon.

Jim,
On the issue of sponsors exemptions.
Firstly, I won't object to sponsors exemptions because I received a number of them.

I also know exactly what sponsors exemptions are for. There are rules pertaining to some of them, but there is always a few left that can be given to pretty much anyone.

The sponsors are good enough to pay big money to the event. Sponsors make events, and I think it is a very small entilement for them to have these exemptions to do with as they choose.

On to the question of Why are Michelle's exemptions objected to by some people.
Well Jim, both you and I know that exemptions are given out all over the place and all of the time, and nobody could care less who they were given to until it was a female by the name of Michelle Wie.
I think, that that word "female" and you have the answer.

The reasons for this are many:
- some are afraid of a woman actually beating a man at something, or afraid of a woman beating their particular favourite player.
- some are of the opinion that women should have a certain role in society.

Basically it all boils down to fear. Human beings naturally like certainty and routine, and stability.
When someone like Michelle Wie comes along and creates new ways of thinking, and new possibilities, that generates fear and that is the whole basis of the issue.

One-Putt,
I think you are right, about her being very close to greatness on the lpga tour.

Her progress has been phenomenal. She is very close and the great thing about her is that she is so consistant, that when he level rises the next notch, I think she will be able to win many titles.

One-Putt, I think MW is ready to exorcise those demons. Everyone has feelings of self-doubt every now and then, especially when the what-ifs start rearing its ugly head. I could just picture the times she came close to making a cut when the self-destructive forces manifested itself:

a. What if they expect me to make the cut in every PGA event from now on?
b. What if the media attention stops once I make the cut?
c. What if I'm not good or competitive enough?
d. What if...

We've seen her get physically and technically stronger every year. But, her biggest improvement this year comes from her fast-maturing mental game catching up with her ability. I truly believe that her performances in Korea at the SK Telecom Open, and her medalling at the local qualifier in Hawaii to advance to the sectional qualifier for the U.S. Open are a testament to that fact.

As Yogi once said of baseball: "90% of this game is half mental."

Yes,Wayne, and as I heard it, when questioned about the other 10%, Yogi said that was Blind-stupid-luck, that's the part we need to work on harder.

Funny thing about Yogisms, the more you laugh about them, the longer you remember them...and the more they seem to make sense. For indeed the harder you practice the more often you seem to "get lucky".

Michelle has been working consisently, I expect her "luck" to improve.

Judge Smails, The recent batch of posts here by the Wie Warriors are further indication of the torpor of mediocrity into which Wie sycophancy has sunk. Some of the cliches are downright risible. In describing the future of Bubbles, we have such priceless canards as "she's on the cusp of greatness", the CUSP, no less. And "self-destructive forces manifesting themselves." Whoa, daddy, this ain't allout nuclear war! Maybe I expect too much of these Alan pretenders, just as they expect too much of Bubbles. There is a smidgeon of promise here as far as Alanisms go. What these Wie-wee's need is consistency. All too often these lightweights start trying to make common sense which, of course, has no place in Wiedom.

Alex,
I am delighted that Judge Smails has come along to have these little Alan chats with you.
Unless of course, the judge is Alex's imaginary friend!

I haven't been reading that much so maybe I missed out on the judge but has he been posting here long?
He shoulds very like Under Par.
Could it be Under Par back under a different username?
Under Par?

Alex, don't start off with "torpor of mediocrity" when you talk about cliches. That's too redundant even for a quasi-paralegal bloke such as yourself.

Alex, one more thing, you may have been thrown off by the word: destructive forces. I'm surprised you're not familiar with psychiatric terms given your vast knowledge. In that field, self-destructive forces (demons) and human nature go hand in hand. I'm sure Michelle takes full advantage of her mental coach (psychologist).

Is Wie really that good ? As of now, Ochoa, Webb, Sorenstam are certainly better than her. Wie is good, but not a dominating force. She hits long drives for sure, but the long ball hitters are not dominating the PGA field either.
Wie will probably get a win this year, but it will be a grind out with the above group plus the Korean platoon.

The reason she is so popular is because she is challenging men and her looks. Strickly from skills point of view, she needs to gain much more experience. I can see why a bunch of PGA guys said certain things, but from a commercial point of view they are wrong because Wie is so popular. They didn't take Economics 101 in college.

I would certainly like to see her pass the US open gates and see some old grumpy guys squirm, but if I had to bet my hard earned cash on the line, I would bet she doesn't make it this time.

Wasn't it just a couple of months ago that we were being told that Michelle Wie was certainly not as good as Paula Creamer and Morgan Pressel. Jay must really be trying to put the kiss of death on Lorena Karrie and Annika.

Wie is not a dominating force?? It is only now that we are going to be able to see what she does in a run of events without her school in the way. We did it with Creamer and Pressel. Cimpare head to head between Wie and Lorena, Wie and Karrie, and Wie and Annika for the next five events in which Wie plays. If those 3 are certainly better than Michelle they should be able to do well against her head to head.

Amusing, Alex. Let's recap:

Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
Ford, As you can see, it didn't take the Wie nuts very long before they unleashed personal attacks and insults on you after you had the temerity to find something amiss with Bubbles.

And your recent post:

Candace Polski, on the other hand, gets a "no rating". As they say in rural West Virginia, "I don't know if she needs a beatin' or a bath." Perhaps a long rest at the home would delay the need for a lobotomy for poor Candace.


Ah, the finest of commentary. And staying well above any "personal" attacks. Well, never fear - I am not from West Virginia, so your colorful colloquialisms don't apply to me anyway.

Meantime, keep dodging and weaving, shifting the topic and the reference points, using subtlety in language to avoid having anything stick. Wie is one of the most popular female athletes in the world right now, no matter how you slice and dice it. But I am sure that will miss you as you dodge to a new angle or topic, or define "popular" or "athlete" or "is" in some unique way.

You know, you drew reference to the current occupant of the White House when describing yourself earlier, but I think you have a lot more in common with the previous President. Slick Alex. Sounds about right.

Whoops, that got a little personal...

Candace you have really hit Alex below the belt positioning him with Bill Clinton. This may unleash a torrid backlash of unsubstantiated nonsense spewed forth from the keyboards of Alex and Judge Smells.

Make sure you smile broadly and take great satisfaction in "pulling their chain".

Candace, the former Prevaricator-in-Chief Bill Clinton has nothing on Alex. Alex can teach slick Willie a thing or two about duplicity.

Wie-wee's, Is politics rearing its ugly head? (Top that cliche, Wayne) You Wie maniacs have some good material going today. The best is that Bubbles is a dominant force in women's golf. She hasn't won anything yet, giys and gals! Don't you crackpots think that maybe, just maybe, having one or two w's in one's resume should be a criterion for being dominant? Just asking. I eagerly await the backwoods logic. Jim COULThard, what do you say?

The king of cliche is back with his trusted standby -- "but, she hasn't won yet." What's the matter Alex, cat got your tongue? How do you like them apples? Now, I can't stop. Four score and seven years ago...dang!

Candace Polski, Feel free to post any non sequiturs that come to your addled mind. At my age and in my profession, I've developed a thick skin; obtuse criticism doesn't affect me, I consider the source. You, on the other hand, have developed a thick skull which common sense has found to be impenetrable. Does it hurt to be so clueless?

Three hundred posts and counting........

One-Putt, You can stop counting as far as I'm concerned. We're driving to Columbus from Chicagoland tomorrow early AM. We should arrive at about 2:00 PM eastern. As you know, Woods won't be there for the first time in his career.(Bubbles didn't get an invite either):-) I'll give you birds an update on the tournament when we get back Monday PM. Keep the home fires burning(how's that,Wayne?), and for goodness sake, lay off that Wie koolaid!

Read all of the comments so far. A few claim that this golfer should be doing this or that to be considered good or great. That this golfer is above average against the women and a dud when challenging the men. Nothing unusual here as it could be a discussion about any pro woman golfer.

Wonder if these critics forgot that this golfer is 16 years old? And that this 16 year old golfer is a girl, not a woman nor a man?

Hmmmm... doesn't this added tidbit of information make you wanna sit up and take notice of the wonder-of-it-all?

Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
Candace Polski, Feel free to post any non sequiturs that come to your addled mind. At my age and in my profession, I've developed a thick skin; obtuse criticism doesn't affect me, I consider the source. You, on the other hand, have developed a thick skull which common sense has found to be impenetrable. Does it hurt to be so clueless?
******************************

Hey Alex "anti-Wie" dude,

If you want your messages to be read, why don't you post something relevant to Wie, or golf in general. You are posting a bunch of personal attack on others which has nothing to do with the topic.

No, AhhSoo, the fact that she is 16 doesn't impress me at all -- not ONE bit. Why? I've explained that before, and if you folks don't get it, I can't help you.

Ah Alex, you are too easy! Now I have a thick skull and no common sense? The latest change of direction - my post is a non-sequitur, and therefore you can ignore it's nasty truth about you, eh?

Well, I think I might have managed to get a little under that thick skin of yours. Seems you are a wee bit annoyed that I point out your tactics.

When Michelle wins, you and Smails (or Under Par, or whoever Smails is or was) will say that it took her too long, she's nothing special. When she makes a PGA cut, you will have a new angle to look at her and find her wanting. Heck, if she won a major (PGA major, that is) you'd probably say she should have won several by then with all the breaks and attention she receives.

Meantime, you complain about "Wie-nuts" and "Wie-fanatics" and "Wie Warriors" drinking Kool Aid and staring up at bright pink skies. And you glory in any negative detail you can bring to light about Wie or anyone who disagrees with your point of view.

Go troll the Baldwin blogs - he's due for an anti-Wie titled blog any day now. That's a great place to spew your vitriol and to prism all issues through your negative lens.

Most of the posters here look at Wie in a more constructive manner. That doesn't mean a pure white filter that shows only sunbeams and blue skies, but a discussion that focuses on what Wie just might be able to do, and why she may or may not do those things.

For instance, I think Wie could make a U.S. Open cut in the near future, if it's the right course. A Pinehurst U.S. Open would be all but impossible for her, given it's length and the difficulty holding the greens from anything other than wedge distances, however.

Others may agree or disagree with my thinking there, but with the exception of you, Alex, and the chameleon currently called Judge Smails who may or may not be a new poster (and I should give credit to Norman for being the first to draw the Under Par comparison, which I think fits to a tee), any agreement or disagreement will center around Wie and her abilities. Things like how her irons hold at middle to long distances, how she plays out of the rough, how her distance compares to some of the medium driving men who have won U.S. Opens in the past, etc.

That's a constructive discussion that allows for interesting differences in opinion without all the rantings and ravings about "Wie Wannabes" or "Wie wees" and "Wiedom". It would also lack the ridiculous comments about other posters, their intelligence, lineage, educational achievement, or any of the other pointless and inflamatory broadsides you shovel out to hide the fact that you need to change the topic or you might actually have to say something nice about someone.

But you won't go away. You will continue to wallow in your own excrimental commentary, much like a little boy who likes to fart in a car just to see how much it bothers everyone else, even though he has to endure the odor himself.

In vain, the rest of us will keep hoping you grow up and start using the toilet.

I have to agree with Judge Smells AhhSoo for a change. Michelle might still be a sophmore in high school but she plays as well or better than Annika did as a 22 year old on the LPGA tour. Her game at this point has matured far beyond her years and she is still a work in progress.

Annika Sorenstam played in her first Women's U.S. Open in 1992 as a 22 year old amateur with a T-63rd place at 24 over par.

Michelle Wie played in her first Women's U.S. Open in 2003 as a 13 year old amateur with a T-39th place at 8 over par.

Three years later as a 25 year old Annika won her first Women's U.S. Open and her journey began. She won again the next year.

As a fourteen year old Michelle finished in a tie for 13th place.

In 2005 Annika tied with Michelle in 23rd place at the U.S. Open 12 shots over par. Michelle had to card an 82 in the final round to end up even with Annika.

Fellow posters,
in a not so related issue have you been following up on the Dixie Chicks country music trio? They came out with a recent album, which has received good accolades yet it's still being boycotted by country radio stations three years after the singer had criticized the Pres for going to war.. The boycott just sounds to have a sexist overtone because male singers have said similar anti-Bush remarks yet they are not being targeted. My take is if we want to defend the first Amendment (freedom of expression) we should all buy a Dixie Chicks album; the music is surprisingly good too. The group will be interviewed by CNN's Larry King tonight.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/new-for-you/top-sellers/-/music/all/ref=m_mh_mn_ct/002-1754225-0931202

Candace Polski, Wayne must have forgotten to tell you that "brevity is the soul of wit." In your case, that would only need to be half true. And Jay, maybe it would be a good idea for you to post something chastizing Candace for villifying another poster in a LONG post while ignoring the topic. Judge, don't feel bad, these morons initially thought that I was Chris Baldwin. Keep watch on the funny farm, Judge, I'm off to the Memorial.

Comment from: hc2 [Visitor]
Fellow posters,
in a not so related issue have you been following up on the Dixie Chicks country music trio? They came out with a recent album, which has received good accolades yet it's still being boycotted by country radio stations three years after the singer had criticized the Pres for going to war.. The boycott just sounds to have a sexist overtone because male singers have said similar anti-Bush remarks yet they are not being targeted. My take is if we want to defend the first Amendment (freedom of expression) we should all buy a Dixie Chicks album; the music is surprisingly good too. The group will be interviewed by CNN's Larry King tonight.

Yeah hc2 I could make a urinal screen out of their picture off the cd just like I did for Jane Fonda some thirty-five years ago. Obviously you are not a Vet hc2 if you don't understand that we don't appreciate citizens who give aid and comfort to the enemy in a time of war. The statements of performers that don't get it only serve to embolden the enemy and prolong the war.

Bin Laden uses Vietnam as a guide for the effort to undermine support for the war against him by promoting a cut and run America.

So hc2 it comes down to one simple fact: we can either fight global terrorism as a home game or an away game, you need to choose and take sides.

Hey hc2 if we fail over there, an Islamist will be placing an IED in a mall near you.

It could be something as simple as filling a van full of propane bottles, driving thru the weak security at your local mall entrance into the center court inside. All he would need to do is open a valve and flick his Bic to enter Heaven and have 72 virgins waiting at the gate. Piss on the Dixie Hags.

Alex, sorry that you have to find out for yourself that cliches are often times unavoidable. I promise not to censure you in any way, shape or form. Just go with the flow.

Oh boy, I feel like I've really let the cat out of the bag this time. Enjoy your trip.

I wouldn't take a Dixie Chicks album if it was free. What a bunch of airheads.

One-Putt, I can follow your train of thought regarding Annika starting at 22 and Michelle starting at 13 at the women's US Open. Annika wins it 3 years later and for Michelle to match, she needs to win it this year at age 16. Well... that might happen and then you would need to agree with me and disagree with Judge Smells.

Only problem with JS & your relative time comparisons is that it does not take into consideration their ages. Annika was a 25 year old woman with all of the maturity in other areas besides golf that help to make her a complete and dominant player. Another problem with both of your analysis is that Annika was a full time golfer during those years and Michelle cannot develop any sort of rhythm playing part-time due to school and the LPGA imposed max event schedule.

That's it Alex! Dodge, bob and weave - change the topic, take a new position! Never let anything stick! Turn the tables! Now I am long winded, I am the one who should be chastised for attacking another blogger, I am not on topic, etc. You should quit your job and run for office - the Democratic Party is looking for a new teflon man willing to take a stance one day and not answer for it the next, and you fit the bill nicely.

One-Putt, the reason 16 years old matters is the question of potential. She isn't physically and mentally fully developed yet, and while that development may not improve her game, it certainly has a good chance to do so. That's why her being 16 matters when discussing her accomplishments to date - she is doing it without having fully developed her own abilities. Anything she does now, she has an excellent chance of exceeding in the coming years as she gains physical and mental capabilities that are not present in a 16 year old.

HC2, I am choosing to exercise my freedom of expression by NOT buying a Dixie Chicks album. They have the right to say what ever they want. Radio stations and individuals like One-Putt and I have the right to not like what they say and not support them as a result. I don't see buying their album to counter radio stations not playing their music as support for freedom of expression at all, other than exercising your own right to the same principal.

Comment from: AhhSoo [Visitor]
One-Putt, I can follow your train of thought regarding Annika starting at 22 and Michelle starting at 13 at the women's US Open. Annika wins it 3 years later and for Michelle to match, she needs to win it this year at age 16. Well... that might happen and then you would need to agree with me and disagree with Judge Smells.

Only problem with JS & your relative time comparisons is that it does not take into consideration their ages. Annika was a 25 year old woman with all of the maturity in other areas besides golf that help to make her a complete and dominant player. Another problem with both of your analysis is that Annika was a full time golfer during those years and Michelle cannot develop any sort of rhythm playing part-time due to school and the LPGA imposed max event schedule.

Fourteen or fifteen events a year is enough for Michelle right now. If the LPGA would wake up and give her a couple more exemptions she might play more, but I believe her schedule is full enough for a high school student.

Most people misjudge what Michelle is trying to accomplish with her limited events. Except for the hometown Hawaii tournaments every women's event she enters provides the best competition. She has raised the bar to the highest level available to her on the women's tour and done remarkably well for her age and experience.

If Michelle only wanted trophies in her case at home she would choose the lesser quality events on the LPGA tour. Michelle on the other hand likes the challenges presented to her by the best golfers she can enter a match with. It all comes down to how you measure success for a teenage golfer.

Since Alex has a habit of talking out of both sides of his mouth, on his behalf I give you my prediction for Michelle's finish at Canoe Brook:

12th -- if everything falls into place.
48th -- weather is bad and she doesn't bring her A-game.

Yes, bad weather only affects Bubbles, no one else.

For a writer, Judge Smails is fairly incompetent in his use of the English language. Bad weather AFFECTS BUBBLES?

One-Putt I'm really touched by your I'm a vet story. NOT! The terrorist Us is fighting right now were created by US in the first place and US didn't give a shit when these bastards wreaked havoc in south Asia. Read up on Khalistan. Oh regarding Vietnam, Ho chi minh begged for help from the US to get freedom from the french before turning to the commies. I guess being warrior doesn't necessarily mean understanding and reading up on what you are fighting for. So cut this right wing neocon bullshit masqueraded as patriotism and go Buy yourself a fricking clue. Here is a quiz for you numbnut and candace, tell me w/o googling, who is Zia-ul haq

Sorry, Jim, "affects" is correct in that context. You ought to make sure that you know whereof you speak before leveling criticism.

Judge, we're just trying to temporarily fill the void left by the omniscient one, Alex.

"Comment from: calgolfer [Visitor]"
One-Putt I'm really touched by your I'm a vet story. NOT!

Burp, scratch.......It ain't nuthing but a thing man.

Judge Smails--Sorry I looked at one listing of affect in my dictionary, but did not notice there was another. Nevertheless, it is quite possible that bad weather would affect some players more than others. I would think that players with greater strength would be less affected by conditions which would be more likely to leave them in the rough.

Very nice, calgolfer. One-Putt doesn't agree with your view, so you label him (and me) nine ways from Sunday. No idea who Zia-ul haq is. Never said I agreed (nor am I saying I disagree) with the Iraq War. Not worth getting into that here, and this is not the place regardless.

This is not a political blog or website - HC2 decided to make a Freedom of Speech stand in here, which is the only reason any of this comes up. And my reply is that it's not anti-Freedom of Speech to not listen to the Dixie Chicks or for radio stations to not play their records. But you don't like that, because you think everyone should share your view - otherwise they are a right wing neocon redneck grunt christian conservative lunatic Karl-Rovite. Well, we all have our opinions. And biases.

Ok, moment of truth is here.
As of 10:30 am MW is 1 under through 6. Solid start. Missed a couple of birdie putts, though...

On the 18th, her tee shot went right into two inch of rough. Her second shot with an iron landed just short and below the green. She chipped from about 40 feet and made birdie for a two under 68.

Tim McDonald must be squirming by now. He even took out my post from his blog site. I don't know what he found so offensive with this:

Old McDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O
And on his farm he had a duck, E-I-E-I-O
With a "quack, quack" here and a "quack, quack" there
Here a "quack" there a "quack"
Everywhere a "quack, quack"
Old McDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O

This has been a public service announcement. Now back to your regular programming.

I guess he doesn't have a sense of humor.

For the first 27 holes her lag putting (over 20 feet) has been good; her putts within 12 feet have been horrendous. Should have made at least four or five more birdies out of at least ten birdie chances within that range. Too bad because she's playing quite well otherwise.

One-Putt, I'm back from the Memorial where we had a wonderful tournament and a good time despite the weather. I scanned through the posts but stopped cold at the rantings of our resident imbecile and pro-Communist creep, calgolfer. He should be told that even though Candace Polski, you , and I and others engage in some spirited debate on this board, we are friendly enemies and our sparring is primarily good-natured. Whereas we are all Americans first and foremost, and we either have served in the military and/or respect the troops and their missions, calgolfer is an abject coward who hates America and would never have the courage to say any of his BS down at the local VFW. Enough of politics, I'll give my review of the Memorial later.

Comment from: Wayne [Visitor] · http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-4/1168157/Michelle.with.Sparkly.Omega.Watch.jpg
"Since Alex has a habit of talking out of both sides of his mouth, on his behalf I give you my prediction for Michelle's finish at Canoe Brook:

12th -- if everything falls into place.
48th -- weather is bad and she doesn't bring her A-game."

Well, I played a round in the area today and the weather was spot-on perfect for golf. As I figure it, Bubbles finished about 71st. You were saying?

Judge,

As the PGA figured it, she finished T58. I believe they are the official source.

Yes, and 58th is a long way from 12th, ain't it, Johnny boy?

Alex, we agree on something. Primarily, that this blog is not a political commentary. Secondarily, that calgolfer has "issues", shall we say.

As for Wie, hell of a run. You will say she once again failed to live up to "the hype." I was busy with a Stanley Cup Playoff game for the ages, but when I checked her final standing I will say that I was both disappointed and pleased: she had the qualification in site and failed on the mental edge of putting again, but in competing in a men's event she only lacked in putting, which is by far the least gender-specific element of the game.

You and Smails/UnderPar hate to hear it, but she is 16 and was within a solid putter of playing the US Open. Not even Tiger, the best to ever play the game, was this good this early. She is living up to the hype, even in coming up short at Canoe Brook.

Yes, and I suppose she's on track to be better than Woods when she's his age. I want some of what you're smoking.

Well we can all watch one pissed off Korean-American teenager take out her anger on the LPGA this week. Tomorrow will be spent working with the flat stick. She needs to dump the Nike putter for a Two-Ball. Hey it cut five strokes off the first round I played with it.

Welcome back Alex. I have to ask.....did you see Phil hole that impossible bunker shot? Where does that guy come up with those shots? That has to be included in his bag for the British Open.

One-Putt, He holed out more than one bunker shot. We did see his hole-out on 16 oh Sunday. He had a gallery of about ten thousand following him around, mostly young guys who probably drank a dozen brews each and were really loud in their support of Phil. He gave them a lot to cheer about even though he didn't win. He had a really bad break on 11 on Saturday. His third shot on the par five landed about 15 feet past the flag, then spun back PAST the pin, down the hill, off the green and into the creek. He took a double bogey seven which severely hurt his chances. He started Sunday by bogeying the first two holes, then birdieing the next two. His final round was seven birdies, five bogeys. Even his pars were typical Mickelson, missing three birdie putts from inside ten feet and sinking two pars saves from about 20 feet. But Petterrson was all business. He was Tigeresque in the way he held his pursuers at bay. His play was steady pars, holding the pack safe and locking up the win with two holes left to play.

This is the first time I will admit to MW excuse of the greens at Canoe Creek being 'tricky' as simply not valid. You just can't play tournament golf and make a meager 2 putts out of 12 tries within birdie range. I can get a regular Joe to make that many.
The problem is how she lines them up, her set up, and stroke. It doesn't matter how tricky the greens are; that's how one is supposed to adjust mid-round. So, with MW brushing aside this ongoing problem, I don't expect her to win any tournaments this year.

Alex,

How can you possibly waste time singing the praises of a second-rate talent like Mickelson when a golfer for the ages like Bubbles is walking God's green fairways?

Judge Smails, I suppose it's due to the fact that I am a sexist, racist, homophobic, carnivorous, Caucasian male chauvinist pig. Either those reasons or I have a modicum of common sense and I can see reasonably well.

"Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Alex,

How can you possibly waste time singing the praises of a second-rate talent like Mickelson when a golfer for the ages like Bubbles is walking God's green fairways?"

"Comment from: Alex [Visitor]

Do I believe that there was too much pressure on her? Hell no! To paraphrase the words of Lee Trevino, pressure is playing a round for ten dollars a hole when you only have five dollars in your pocket. In this case, I believe the immortal words of BJ Wie. He said that although she is disappointed, he is very proud of her because she played her best. I agree. Yesterday we saw Bubbles at her best. I'm also proud of her."

Well Judge it appears Alex was satisfied that Phil had played his best after his final round. He just encountered some, "really bad breaks" that kept him from winning. I'm sure Alex was equally as proud of Phil's performance as he was of Michelle's. Nobody could ever accuse of Alex setting a double standard, could they?

One-Putt, Phil was never in serious contention after the 11th on Saturday. His two bogey start on Sunday didn't help either. But so what? Nobody wins them all. In the case of Bubbles, she doesn't win any. Incidentally O-P, what do you think of Candace's assessment that Bubbles was only a solid putter from qualifying for the Open? I find that assumption somewhat questionable in light of the fact that if Earrings had saved par on all four of her bogies, she still wouldn't have qualified.

Alex,
her miserable putting within 12 feet was the key. The rest of her game was solid and if her putting was halfway decent she would have made the cut at (5 under).

This is not an acceptable excuse to dismiss it and say 'oh it's just bad luck' because I think putting is an underrated skill. It is an art that is not as easily mastered as many think. I recall the great Sam Snead being so frustrated that he even tried to putt aligned facing the hole. Goodness knows how many US Opens he would have won if he had been a better than average putter. It turned out he didn't even win one.

hc2, She wouldn't have qualified automatically at five-under. She would have been tied with five others and would have had to survive a grueling sudden death playoff. But that's the same as saying if the dog hadn't stopped to s**t, he'd have caught the rabbit. It is entirely irrelevant. She didn't qualify and she didn't even come close. Wie Warriors, these are the facts. Accept them or perish!

hc2, My mistake. Five under would nave done it. That would mean she would have had to make SIX additional putts. Now That is a stretch.

After all is said and done... Bottom line is WIE is STILL a LOSER ! ! ! DID NOT WIN....SO that is a LOSER ! ! !

Alex,
Mw had about a dozen missed birdie chances; plus if you add the par misses; well -5 was very feasible.

I've said it for a long time; MW's nemesis has always been putting; we're talking of one of those who hits it a ton; but can't make putts. She is not an average putter, she is simply bad.
To tell you the truth ever since I've seen her play the past few years, including this year, I have never seen her give it a true roll; meaning that the putt stays true to its intended line; and dies at the cup.
It was not until five 1/2 years of golfing, including lessons, that I came with a putting routine that actually works consistently for me; and I'm afraid it's gonna take MW just as much if not more. Putting is not simply stroking it, but starts even before you step on the green as you know.

The only positive I see is that she could 'figure it' out one day; but I would rather not keep my hopes up. I kind of gave up on MW to ever be a good putter; and thus to ever be consistent in contending and winning championships. I expect Lorena Ochoa, Karrie Webb, and the various Kim girls to contend for the upcoming McDonald's LPGA championship.

If there is anything that MW was able to accomplish at the Sectionals, believe it or not, is she is now getting a lot of good press from her performance: 'Oh, it's about time before she will qualify for many US Opens.' Yes, even more suckers are now falling for the hype .
Also, she suceeded in shutting down the entire golf channel website. They couldn't handle the web traffic that went their way: time to upgrade your servers people!

UnderSmails - I never said she would be better than Tiger. That's crazy. I DID say she is doing something even Tiger didn't do at this age. You complain about overhype, but given she is doing something that The Great Tigre didn't do, perhaps you can understand why people are excited.

Alex,

Wie missed the par savers that you mention plus SIX birdie putts of 12 feet or less in the morning round alone. So her putter could have netted her all the strokes she needed without going crazy and making everything inside 12 feet. In fact, she makes half of those morning putts and all of the par savers (which were all considerably less than 12 feet) and she's there.

So I think my contention is pretty solid on that point. What do you make of the fact that she had no problem with the length of the setup (granted, South was short but North wasn't) and was able to give herself that many birdie putts? Doesn't that indicate that physically she is not overmatched by the PGA course setup? Can there be any reason a man would be a better putter than a woman, on average?

Bottom line is she didn't make the cut. But it wouldn't have mattered in this blog stream anyway, you and UnderSmails would complain that the course setup favored her, or that it's not an achievement to qualify, or it doesn't mean anything unless she can make the cut, blah, blah. You guys complain when she gets an exemption, saying she should play in if she wants. Now you complain when she follows the play in route. It's all the same.

"Always look on the DARK side of life" is your paraphrased Monty Python theme song.

I agree with you hc2, I was dismayed by her lack of concern over her putting. She better be addressing that problem in practice more seriously than she did in her post-round interview. That putting was simply not good enough to get the job done, and there is no reason she shouldn't be better with the flat stick.

I disagree with you that she will not win this year. I think she will, partly because I think her putting will improve with the constant play over the summer, and partly because on the LPGA she can probably get away with one or two giveaways and still win.

"...on the LPGA she can probably get away with one or two giveaways and still win."

Hasn't happened yet.

Next tournament she will make everything from inside 12 feet, but won't have the incredible ball striking day she had Monday and everybody will cry that all she had to do was drive the ball more accurately and hit more greens in regulation. Golf is funny like that and extremely unforgiving. If you have a weakeness on a particular day it will likely be exposed. Michelle still has holes in her game, not the least of which is her startling tendency to not be able to get over the hump and make mistakes when they matter most. I believe she is not as strong mentally as all of you would like to believe and I also think that SHE would have benifited from learning to win earlier in her career, whether that would have been at the junior level, amateur level or maybe even focusing on winning on the LPGA tour. Notice how I highlighted SHE, that's because I know people will throw the names of Morgan Pressel and other highly decorated juniors at me. Michelle Wie, however is not Morgan Pressel she is far more gifted physically and blessed with much more innate talent and ability. Morgan is a fine golfer, but we all know she is not in Michelle's league. I think Michelle personally would have benifited from this type of career path and today we may be talking about how she will play at Winged Foot, and how she will add yet another women's major to her collection, instead of talking about why she failed yet again and can she finally win one on the LPGA tour.

Candace Polski, Some of you Wie Warriors are beginning to act and sound like the characters in a Monty Python skit.

I would give Michelle Wie an A+ for her post round comments regarding her putting. It was informative to know that she had not focussed on her putting in the past, but that recently she was working hard on that aspect of the game. The last thing she needs going into a Major Championship is to be down on herself because of her putting. I thought her attitude couldn't be better, even if her putting could have been. She mentioned tricky greens, and I am sure Michelle Wie expects LPGA greens to be easier than those she faces in men's competition. Lest we forget it was the putter that let Annika doiwn in her one foray against the men.

It would be interesting to know just how much of Michelle Wie's recent preparation has been focussed on the men's game and how much on the women's. It is quite possible that her recent work on putting has been focussed on the upcoming LPGA Championships and not the just concluded men's sectionals.

FORD

Michelle Wie plays the maximum number of LPGA events that she is allowed to play. Her experience playing against men was worth at lot more at Canoe Brook than winning a buch of Junior tournaments against little girls would have been. She might very well have won already on the LPGA if she had focussed all of her attention on the women's game--but if she had done that she would have had no chance against the men. If she ever does play full time on the LPGA, I believe her experience with men's golf will mke her a better golfer, and will lead to more LPGA wins for her, even if the first one may come a little later than it would have otherwise.

Good thoughts Jim. You may be right. I do disagree with the argument that she would have been wasting her time playing against "little girls". It is important to remember that she did play in a number of national junior and amateur events and she was largely unsuccessful, so the implication that she would have dominated these events and learned nothing is not accurate. Also she would have learned something very important and that is what it is like to actually win, what it's like to be the overwhelming favorite and dominate from start to finish, or perhaps what it is like to hold on to a lead for dear life when you have a lead, or comeback in dramatic fashion. Playing against the best competition in the world(the men) gives you great experience in many ways, but it does not allow her to know what it feels like to truly be succesful, or to make putts when they matter, or most importantly to win. Her forays into the men's game have apparently not helped her on the LPGA. She contends nearly everytime out, but still does not know how to close the deal. With her talent and game she should have won by now, the fact that she has not, regardless of her age shows a greater problem. I'm just trying to think of a possible reason for this failure to put it all together.

The fact is that the illustrious Bubbles hasn't dominated on ANY level at which she has competed.

In the case of Bubbles, perhaps the old adage that "necessity is the mother of invention" might hold true. Her adoring fans are always proud and happy to say how she is already fabulously wealthy, how she is doing things her own way, how the sponsors can't wait to give her exemptions, etc., etc. All this without winning anything. Note how Candace is peeved with Bubbles' flippant attitude as regards her below-average putting. CP, maybe her feeling is "so what?", "I'm still wildly popular and making a ton of money. Why do anything different? And why worry about it? My fans, my Wie Warriors, will still adore me because I have LOTS OF MONEY! I've made more in endorsements than I would have winning ten tournaments on the LPGA tour." Teenage girls and women in general have a way of thinking that way.

By the time Michelle stood on the fourth tee of the North Course she knew she was well behind the qualifying score for the open. She was disappointed not to get any birdies on the par fives save one and did what most young players would do, she pressed. Both of her playing partners selected irons for shortest hole during the round and Michelle pulled a three wood to try to make something happen. When she overswung and pulled it into a fairway bunker she felt it was over at that point and allowed it to carry over to the next two holes.

Alex is absolutely right that Michelle could have parred out the side and not qualified, she needed birdies. The shorter hitters on the PGA tour win for one reason; their performance on and around the greens. Michelle will never be a factor in a men's event until she masters this part of her game. The good news is she is young and has many golfing years ahead of her to perfect the game.

Michelle Wie said her problem was reading the greens. Even if her athletic ability never improves, it seems to me that reading greens is one area where a player mght expect to improve aftern the age of 16. This could particulary be true if she retuns to the same course year after year.

MW's putting problems are not as simple as just picking the wrong line; or being 'tricked' by the green. The caddy is there to help on reading greens.

The real problems are: a)proper alignment at set up, and b) proper stroke mechanics. My descriptions of MW around the greens: set up is too tense, stroke too robot-like(stiff). There is an absence of feel. My suggestion is for MW to visit Ben Crenshaw or Dave Stockton now!.

"Teenage girls and women in general have a way of thinking that way."

And, Alex, let's not forget that she has that sparkly watch.

I'm with you on this Brian. If you're an LPGA player, I think the players you should fear the most are Annika, Michelle, and maybe Ochoa. And if you're Annika or Ochoa, it's Michelle. But, if you're Michelle, it's Michelle (and her putter, of course).

Michelle is fearless, and that has a lot to do with knowing that you compete against the best. Not one LPGA player today can say that, not even Annika. Don't even talk about the 2003 Colonial, she wasn't there to compete.

When Annika rubbed elbows with the male PGA players, she came back as the alpha female of the LPGA. Thereafter, her added confidence and sense of superiority paved the way to her complete dominance in the LPGA. The same will hold true for Michelle, it's only a matter of time when the LPGA players crown their new alpha female.

Wow! UnderSmails and Alex both sign off on this gem:

"Teenage girls and women in general have a way of thinking that way."

You two are impressive. You sure we "think" at all? I mean, that might be giving teenage girls and women a bit much credit, no? I can't believe you guys let us vote. And don't get me started on driving a car! Just the other day, I considered wearing shoes and leaving the kitchen, but I realized I wasn't pregnant so I had to hie to my man and get busy with child rearin'.

What an offensive statement. I think you have exposed a large portion of your true problems with Michelle - she's a woman, and you don't think she should be getting so uppity.

Candace Polski, You got it, babycakes! You gals will be better off as soon as you abandon the militant feminist regime and go back to the good old days when women knew their place and men treated them accordingly by putting them on a pedestal.

oh-no, another social/political commentary; i better shut up....

"Militant feminist regime". That's me alright - just a hairy legged Bohemian burning bras in the street. I am a feminist only in the sense that it means I believe women and men should be treated equally. Read Wendy McElroy on FoxNews. That's the kind of "feminist" I am. Militant? Hardly. All who know me describe me as a conservative, and solidly so. As for Regimes, not sure one even exists. Only in your mind, as you create an enemy to help you feel better about your own problems by assigning the blame to someone (ANYONE!) but yourself.

Me? I blame Margaret Thatcher. That crazy female thought she could run a major Western power. What a loon! If not for her, I'd be happily humming in the kitchen, waiting for Alex or UnderSmails to put me on a pedestal and admire me again!

I hear you hc2...unfortunately, unlike the previously raised questions around Bush or the Dixie Chicks, this social commentary relates directly to the blog topic - namely, that Michelle competing against the men is a good thing. Alex and UnderSmails want to put Michelle on their mantle, like a delicate statue. To be looked at and admired when they see fit, but to come down from the mantle only when they deem it appropriate. Meanwhile, the rest of us are part of a militant regime because we believe women should be allowed to pursue any career or dream that men also pursue.

Good gravy, I can't believe I am actually having this discussion here. Suddenly I see why this has been such a waste of time - Alex, UnderSmails, you are misogynistic fools. The world has passed you by. Even wonderful places like Afghanistan where your parochial views were maintained by force are being routed out. You two are the kind of wackos that give conservatives a bad name.

My better half tells me not to bother with this, that the commentaries on here are worthless. If only I wasn't so uppity and listened to the wiser gender, just let myself be placed on that pedestal and didn't bother to try using that lump of grey matter inconveniently lodged inside my skull, I'd be so much happier! I think I will sign myself and our daughter up for a lobotomy, so we can live in UnderAlexSmails world and be so happy!

Candace, Brevity, my dear, brevity! Incidentally, all right is two words. All right, already?

Candace, I really don't want to put Bubbles on the mantle(sic). But since she was born and raised in a Korean family setting, which, by the way, is very paternalistic, she probably should spend a certain amount of time in the kitchen. There she could learn to prepare some Korean specialties such as poodle, chihuahua, and cocker spaniel.

Yes, Alex, brevity. Such as your posts. Turn to grammatical or spelling mistakes. Mention how paternalistic Koreans are, and how they eat dogs. Slick Alex - a true lawyer. Keep moving that target around!

Candace, I wouldn't go so far as to advocate a lobotomy for you. Your dysfunction, which I have diagnosed as an overdose of 21st century feminism, can most probably be controlled with medication. As for your daughter, she probably is salvagable without resorting to drugs which may become habit forming. Try keeping her away from MTV and she'll likely turn out all right. (That's ALL RIGHT)

I see a post from Alex, and I think of that jingle from the androgenous skit about Pat on Saturday Night Live years ago...

"Here comes misogyny. Here comes Alex!"

Yes, "21st century feminism." That lunatic fringe that believes women are people independent of their spouses.

As for "dysfunction" and other suggestions of mental disease and the treatments of mental illness...careful, Alex. You are venturing into my area of expertise. You clearly know next to nothing of psychotropic treatments. I happen to study them and related therapies, particularly as they are used in adolescents. While not a clinician, I am as versed in this area from a scientific standpoint as one can be. And just to be clear, nothing available on the market today zaps an independent thinker into a subservient slave to your wishes.

My daughter doesn't watch MTV, and I am sure she'll turn out just fine - though my definition and your definition of "fine" are clearly far apart.

Hey, Candace baby! You're the one that threw out the line about having a lobotomy. If you can't take it, don't dish it out.

Really? Reread your own posts, Alex. Your constant topic and reference changes are confusing your memory:

"Candace Polski, on the other hand, gets a "no rating". As they say in rural West Virginia, "I don't know if she needs a beatin' or a bath." Perhaps a long rest at the home would delay the need for a lobotomy for poor Candace."

More of your wonderful thoughts on women, West Virginians, and rural dwellers. And the opining on lobotomy, of course, many days ago.

Candace Polski, Here's hoping that your latest siege of PMS has subsided. I predict that today, Bubbles will score a 68, and be three strokes from the lead after two rounds. That should give all the Wie-wee's renewed hope. You'll be able to say that Woods never did that good in a major at such an early age, this proves that she can play with the boys, her market value in Bangladesh has skyrocketed, etc. All will be right in Wiedom. My most fervent hope is that Bubbles pulls off a spectacular comeback and wins the tournament. The Wie mania on this board will be absolutely priceless.

Attention all Wie Warriors: Alex strikes again! In case you haven't noticed, the peerless prognosticator, Alex, predicted earlier this morning that Bibbles would card a 68. Of course, his prediction was right on the button. If you want to take advantage of his unique clairvoyant abilities in other fields such as a trifecta at Arlington or the Powerball numbers, call 1-888-ASK-ALEX. $3.95 per call.

alex, your comment about mw preparing different dogs as korean specialty is very insensitive and racist, not to mention uncalled for. now it's more clear why you bash her more than any other visitors to this site. instead of correcting other people's grammers, maybe you should learn how to be a decent human being first.

Yeah, I guess my being so uppity MUST be PMS. Another reason women should be seen and not heard, right?

Hey, nice work on your prognostication! I love the fact that you are pseudo-rooting for Michelle now, too. So if she wins, you can say you were pulling for that all along - you wouldn't want to give anyone here a chance to say you were wrong about Wie, after all.

You are a magician, Alex. Taught by The Great William Jefferson Clinton himself. Unfortunately, your palming moves are showing.

Candace Polski, What's that you say? Women being seen and not heard? I'll tell you, most of the broads that I know could talk a dog off a meat wagon. And if you wanred to shut them up, there would only be two ways. Either cut their vocal cords or give them an envelope full of C-notes. Hey sue, you must never have been to the Far East. Dogs, specifically puppies, are considered a delicacy in many countries, especially in the rural areas. Really, they're not at all bad with the right herbs and spices. CP, I'm not joking when I say I'd like to see Bubbles win one, this one in particular. It will be a positive riot watching the praise being heaped upon the Lanky One. I mean, you Wie Warriors go bananas when she misses qualifying by FIVE strokes!

Candy Baby, You and sweet sue will have to hold the fort for the next ten days. My wife and I are off to the West Coast, Portland to be specific for a business trip mixed with a lot of pleasure. We'll be visiting our son and daughter-in-law as well as our two granddaughters in Vancouver, WA, NOT BC. They are probably anxious to receive their annual lecture on male dominance. Don't OD on that Wie koolaid. Incidentally, I made a $50 wager on Adam Scott in the US Open via the internet at 15 to 1 odds.

Oops. The odds on Adam Scott are 30 to 1. Vijay Singh is 15 to 1. Also put a half a yard on Vijay to win. See you gals and guys in ten.

No dice Alex - her flat stick did her in again. Another top-5 finish in an LPGA major. A nice showing, but she had the goods to win it and her putting let her down again. Not terribly this time - the greens were tough and everyone was having trouble with them - but the hard lip-out on 16 is precisely what she needs to stop doing. Can't yip those 3-footers.

Oh well - US Women's Open in a few weeks...another chance for you to predict Wie wins, Alex!

Re: Michelle Wie if she would just join the LPGA she could do for the ladies tour almost the same thing that Tiger did for the men'tour.There is no question that Tiger brought the PGA tour's purses up to where they are today. Michell Wei is such a draw for their events bringing in more people , television money and more sponce many times over. It seems a shame that she is wasting her time trying to make the cut on the mens tour when she could do so much for the LPGA. Sincerley, Gerald Rabinowitz

I watch pti everyday and I wanted to be a great sportscaster and commentator a few years ago cause I know I would work for espn

in all sports but I since hae decided to becom the best professional bakr ever you are cord invited to my bakery that will be la cali.

I don't know, Brook, you might want to consider becoming a writer or perhaps a champion speller.