Yes, it’s a shame Michelle Wie’s pro debut had to be spoiled by such an unseemly disqualification. A fourth-place finish in her first pro tournament would have been very impressive. But, even more impressive to me was her reaction to the DQ. True, she reacted like the typical teenager she is, by becoming emotional and crying – what teenager surrounded by that much hype would not have reacted in a similar way? – but she ultimately handled it with class, saying “I respect the rules.” She showed the maturity of someone far beyond her years. Not so for her “fans.” I’ve already ... full post »

Whether you’re a Wie Wacko or a Wie Wannabe, you have to admit she has played the system perfectly to get to where she is – $10 million richer overnight. She hasn’t played it traditionally, just in a perfect, capitalistic way. Would she be $10 richer today if she had followed the usual route up through the amateur ranks? I seriously doubt it. She’d be just another, teen, amateur phenom. Look for my full column on this theme coming out Monday. You’ll find it amusing, insightful and informative, not at all like those crazed, obsesssive, mean blogs Chris Baldwin writes. full post »

I’m betting few people are going to use the word “choke” in connection with John Daly’s missed three-footer in Sunday’s final round of the American Express Championship. He’s such a beloved character, everyone’s trying to find an excuse, including Daly himself. ("I may have pulled it, I don’t know,” Daly said afterward). Yes, you pulled it because you gagged. True, Daly had been having putting problems the whole day. Yes, he missed other short putts. But, missing a three-foot putt in a playoff with Tiger Woods – in a prestigious, international field – has to be called what it is: a choke of ... full post »

There is no other name in golf these days that causes so much controversy: Michelle Wie. The teenager is finally due to turn pro today and every golfer will have an opinion. It’s easy to see why she causes so much commotion – she has taken a different route to early stardom, and golf is a game that loves to play by the rules. When a maverick comes along, it upsets the rigid guidelines golf likes to go by. She’ll be an instant millioniare when she makes the announcement today in Hawaii. The down side for her is that she’ll be under ... full post »