Watching Wie
With most of the top players in the world skipping the John Deere Classic in order to prepare for next week's British Open, the big story this week is Michelle Wie having a sponsor's invite and thus having her third chance to play on the PGA Tour. As this article highlights, Wie's presence turns an event that might be forgettable into must-see golf: "Ticket sales are brisk, and 93 media organizations requested credentials, an increase of about 30 percent from last year."
I will go out on a limb and make the bold prediction that Wie makes the cut on the number.
Other predictions?
10 Comments:
Wie is a great talent and so is Presell and Lang. The comment of getting something for nothing makes me wonder if this is the attitude that our youth needs to be present with. I'm sure that Presell and Lang would like to get something for nothing. If Wie's dream is to play with the men then let here go to "Q" School... Jus4golf
Wie is a great talent and so is Presell and Lang. The comment of getting something for nothing makes me wonder if this is the attitude that our youth needs to be presented with? I'm sure that Presell and Lang would like to get something for nothing and having privite jets fly them from place to place. If Wie's dream is to play with the men then let here go to "Q" School
Sounds like Wie is a pretty levelheaded kid. Also, why are people so quick to blame or accuse her for showing up at pro (PGA and LPGA) tournaments? The sponsors want her there, so they give her the exemptions. If they wanted Pressel or Lang, who are also extremely talented players, the exemptions would go to them. Rather than criticizing Wie (and I don't mean you anonymous - I'm just responding to all the stuff I read out there criticizing Wie and her parents) why not criticize the sponsors or the fans who want to see Wie play? I think it's a demand thing.
My first prediction is that some bonehead that is about 90th on the money list will complain that Wie is taking a spot from a hard working tour pro. Said pro will also complain that the galleries this week are too large for him to concentrate on his game.
My second prediction is that a whole rash of boneheads will argue that Wie needs to beat up on competition that is beneath her to learn the mystic "art of winning". I could write an entire post on how retarded this logic is.
My third prediction -- she misses the cut by 2. It's not quite her time.
Unfortunately, your predictions will come true, although I hope she makes the cut, so I can here all the new ways in which folks will criticize this kid.
Michelle Wie is a great talent and will have much success throughout her golfing career. Sponsors exemptions, I do not have a problem with but the rules of amateurism are being stretched. The acceptance of a private flight from overseas to the John Deere is excessive for her being an amateur. Are her parents and enterage flying free also? Gee as an amateur myself I can't even accept a car for a hole-in-one, I would lose my status. If the plane is paid for it is a credit for IMG when they cash in and recoup the millions they are waiting to accept once Michelle turns pro. To bad other juniors can't cash in and have some help. Tournament entries sometimes in excess of $325.00, hotel, food. Its a $1000.00 week and all they get is a trophy. Hmmm go figure.
How come no one ever talks about Paula Creamer's acceptance/use of sponsor exemptions? I believe she accepted 7 of them last year, which is the same number accepted by Wie during the same time span. Now, your comments on "amateurism" - from what you're saying it looks like amateur golf has become or is becoming like other amateur sports where the elite players are treated differently because of the shoe and equipment companies lurking in the background, influential coaches, etc.
Michelle will make the cut tomorrow.
As for amateurism rules in golf, they need to start doing it like tennis where juniors can go pro and play in limited pro events and earn prize money.
Otherwise, they need to keep letting them get gifts from sponsors. Seems fair to me and the alternative would be, Nike sending her parents checks as "donations"
So..it doesn't matter.
The rumour is that when she turns pro, she'll be worth $15m to Nike.
$15 million. No way, how about $150 million.
Do you think Nike could send me a check as a donation for my juniors golf expenses...I am going broke and need some golf welfare money.....This junior touring is costing about $20,000.00 plus a year with travel,food,lodging,lessons etc..........What is a parent to do? Hmmm I think I will make my junior work 8 hrs a day on there game, go to school and maybe he/she will have time for some teen things. Five years later my junior is on tour and life is set.But wait something has happened. There will be no more golf. My junior has nothing but a high school diploma. Lesson: Work hard, get your education, have fun living life and know, golf is great, but all good things can come to an end. Protect yourself and know you have something to fall back on.
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