Rule 88: did Michelle Wie withdraw to avoid year suspension on LPGA tour?
OK, I have no idea what really happened because I didn't see it. But ESPN's Eric Adelson's account of the events leading up to Michelle Wie's withdrawal due to "wrist" injury is very suggestive:
"The somewhat obscure Rule of 88 states that a nonmember who shoots 88 is forced to withdraw and subsequently banned from LPGA co-sponsored events for the remainder of the calendar season. Wie said later that she never considered the possibility, but soon after her score ballooned to 12-over on the par-72 course, her parents began consulting with each other and William Morris manager Greg Nared, who had a cell phone to his ear. Chris Higgs, the LPGA chief operations officer, soon drove up in a cart and spoke with Nared. Higgs had been talking about the Rule of 88 in the media tent, but he said he came out to Wie's rope line for "no particular reason."
"Wie's score climbed to 14-over, and then, after Wie finished up on the seventh hole, Nared spoke to her briefly before she announced, "We're not going to play anymore."
So dear readers was it smart for Wie to withdraw? Do you think the LPGA wanted to protect its marquee player from a year suspension from the LPGA tour?
Labels: wie
63 Comments:
You are right...you don't have a clue what the truth is. Neither does any other pundit. The only one that really knows is Wie. If her wrist was injured and causing her to play poorly, she did the right thing to withdrawal. Not because of any silly 88 rule. But, because she could have really added to any damage already done.
Wie is an utter disgrace. How can she withdraw from this tournament and in almost the same breath talk of playing next week.She and her father have proven themselves CHEATS. For the integrity of this game she should face some form of punishment for this farce
Why was it that no one asked her if it was her right or left wrist that she "tweaked"?
She should NOT be allowed to play next week. But in the bigger picture, she shouldn't be playing in any women's (or men's) tournaments as a child. Shame on her parents and all the other hanger-onners.
She did have a previous wrist injury that kept her out for several months, so it's not completely unbelievable that her wrist was in pain. This was her first time back. Maybe she should've stopped after the front 9.
Wie pulling out is the biggest JOKE and DISGRACE I've ever seen in being around golf for almost 30 years. WTF? Not to be cynical, but it's surely a sign of the times when an over-hyped spoiled brat and her overbearing stage father are able to put their own interests over and above those of the game and the LPGA Tour. She should be banned.
What a sham Wie is. Spoiled and self serving little girl. Her parents have a lot of responsibility for that. If things don't go her way she has a hard time dealing with it. She definitley is developing an image problem!
Poor little Michelle...not. This little girl is definitely developing an image problem. When things don't go her way she just uses excuses, excuses, excuses....what a shame.
Wie was wise to withdraw before even getting close to the rule. Know the rules and they can help you. What are you saying, that Phil should be banned because he hurt himself? There are plenty of prima donnas on the pga tour but we don't seem to mind them being rude or abrasive. Michelle is young and needs to get it together, but she is not a cheat. She definitely needs to get her father out of the picture.
What an utter load of crap that last post is. "Know the rules and they can help you"?? It's hard to imagine a more rationalizing dumbass than you. She "wasn't close"?? She was 14 over with two holes left and potentially looking at a 2 stroke penalty for her idiot father coaching her during the round. Get a freakin cue.
I think Rule 88 is stupid, anyway. Lots of LPGA players have hit in the 80s. Since Michelle is not a full time member, that's the only reason the Rule came into play.
Basically, I think LPGA Commish Carole Bivens had a huge anxiety attack as she saw one of her marquee players potentially banned the LPGA for 1 year. Bivens would have almost certainly have had to waive that rule for Wie, if Bivens wants the LPGA to make any money this year. So I think some lieutenant was sent to the Wie camp to make Rule 88 known to them, and "wink, wink" let the Wie camp do whatever it wanted to do with that info.
Michelle Wie is a sign of the degeneracy of the times. Everyone is looking for a female Messiah to save golf or car racing or anything else. It used to be you had to accomplish something to be a celebrity. Why anyone roots for her is beyond me -- her arrogance, especially the continued acceptance of undeserved exemptions on the mens tour is beyond belief. I'll take Nancy Lopez any day.
WOW all U negative PEEPS, see a window to pounce and you flock...very sad! She is young & probably pushed more because of her parents BUT she will learn & be around for a long time...
so all U peeps who want to bash her, when she comes back and she will, just turn it off finish ur 12 pack & complain about someone else!! Cuz that's ALL you DO!
Ok...Big Bob...whatever. When you start sounding off and passing judgement on people again - and you will - I'mm be sure to ignore your moronic ass.
LOLOL Thanks and I can't wait for you PASS JUDGEMENT on Wie or another pro that has a bad day.
ooops I guess they aren't people--LOLOL
Great to hear that you condone CHEATING, Bob. Guess you're one of those moral relativists who feels that all behavior should be condoned. Moron.
Cheating? what are you talking about. There's no rule against withdrawing. Mickelson and Zach Johnson did it yesterday, too.
Michelle Wie is certainly the most fascinating female golfer out there. Even more so after this event. She transcends golf. That's why she gets exemptions and sponsorships and such.
It's important to attract new fans to the game to keep ticket sales up. I understand how golf purists would take offense, but I don't think they're being realistic about the business of golf and the celebutopia world of today. Personally I'd rather watch Michelle Wie than Nancy Lopez any day of the week. Or weekend. Damn.
Pulling out on 16 when you're 14 over par, facing a two stroke penalty, and after consulting with your agent about the "88 rule" is unethical at best and cheating at worst. This girl and her family are a sham.
Wow, Patricia...another moral relativist and apologist for unethical behavior. So let's get this straight...only "golf purists" would find Michelle Wie's reprehensible behavior wrong because it's big business and they're too curmudgeonly to appreciate her celebrity? What a freakin indefensible joke.
Cheating or GOOD paid consultation to withdraw because of an injury.
How many times have you seen her play that bad? would you agree something was wrong(ie: injury)with her game?
Do you want her banned from the LPGA for the season? will that make u feel better
awwwwwww so SORRY she got good consultation to withdraw so she can be back for another day....
sorry "golf purists"
Ummm can you define "golf purists"?
you seem to think you are? I know I am NOT and do not profess to be one...I am a GOLF FAN !
but are you saying that Patricia is not?
I am really thinking u may need a HUG? is it OK if I give you a HUG
Seeing your blog I'd say you'd probably prefer to put your head between my legs than give me a hug...lol
Bob the schmuck, how old are you 12? "Peeps"..."finish your 12-pack"? idiot...anyways Wie is a sham. Playing with the men was a joke, she can't even play with women. Granted it isn't quite her fault that she was overhyped, but she could certainly do things to help her image, like not whine, like shove her father out of the picture, and hmm not play with the men, who she obviously cannot play with. Star treatment has finally reached the LPGA just like it has poisoned the NBA game. She's a freakin' joke.
The media has tried to paint Michelle as being incredibly superior to the other women on the LPGA. However, having watched the women play, it's obvious that Michelle is simply one of a number of very good, up-and-coming young players. And, Michelle's Thursday train wreck is scary. She's looking a lot like David Duval these days -- tons of talent but something vital is missing in M's golf game.
"but are you saying that Patricia is not?"
That's what I'm saying. Patricia is some New Age, lefty, pseudo golf fan who it seems feels that golf needs to "evolve" and become more enlightened (like she is). Typical.
put your head between my legs than give me a hug...lol
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
wow, is that ur "GOLF Purist" definition ..... idiot! Hard to give a definition if you're a fool huh with a negative mindset? but that's ok keep replying with more senseless negative crap.
and "PEEPS" is that a word used by 12 year olds...wow, they must be cool!
WIE: I treat her as an up & coming golfer. YES, media has blown her out of proportion but because the media has over hyped her doesn't mean I have to buy into it as YOU have...
I won't call her a sham, joke or a cheat... but you can if that makes you feel better.
All you moral authorities out there who think they can judge others can kiss Michell's ass. She has nothing to prove to anybody, especially those who think she is unethical or cheeting.
It has always been my experience that those who tries to judge others on ethical behaviors are the worse offenders themselves when nobody is looking.
Very Well said!!
Degenercy
Messiah.
Good grief!
If it was Tiger instead of Wie, all you wennie Tiger-sucks would be sending flowers, cards, telegrams, cold cuts and probably a have church mass and invade a country.
The only thing I see here is a whole lot of speculation. Something so wacky, Rosie's The View would love it.
You guys should stick to the only thing you know...talking about Tiger Woods!
Well said except for one question; Who's "Michell"? Is Michell a "cheeter"?
Moron.
"have church mass and invade a country"
Don't look now but another one of them left wing loons is in da house!
If for one second if you try to look past your stodgy, morally superior attitude, you'd see a different picture or someone else's perspective.
Bob was right. Your mother should've given you more hugs when you were growing up.
D
lol @ bwahaha.
The only problem I have with this whole thing is the dishonesty of the explanation.
Chris Higgs, the LPGA chief operations officer, soon drove up in a cart and spoke with Nared. Higgs had been talking about the Rule of 88 in the media tent, but he said he came out to Wie's rope line for "no particular reason."
Oh c'mon... that does not pass the smell test. Having Wie playing means a lot of cash for the LPGA. For them to not make her aware of the rule would be absurd although the it would seem to me the LPGA members would have a legit complaint about an official helping out a non member over a rule she should know.
It would have been interesting to see how she had done had she continued. Could she play the last 2 holes in +1 or better? From her history of not being able to close out, I seriously doubt it.
June 1, 2007
Clair Peterson
Tournament Director, John Deere Classic
Silvis, Ill.
Dear Clair,
A colleague dubbed you “one of the best tournament directors in the business.” And since I find those who labor to stage quality events at the highest level to be among the game’s most dedicated and genuine types, I hoped you might listen to reason.
The time has come to pull the plug on the Michelle Wie madness on the PGA Tour.
Not because she was two holes away May 31 at the Ginn Tribute from a Michael Irvin (the former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver who wore No. 88). Not because she has failed to break 70 in her last 16 rounds, including two LPGA Tour events. Not because she finished last in consecutive weeks on the European Tour and the PGA Tour, and was next to last at the Casio World Open in Japan last year.
No, it’s time to pull the plug because it is what’s best for the game, for the Quad Cities and, most importantly, Wie.
Last week, shortly after you’d handed the Hawaiian teen that coveted sponsor exemption, you said she, “attracts a tremendous amount of interest among traditional and nontraditional golf fans, which helps broaden the game’s appeal, especially among young people.”
So do bearded ladies and third-turn pile ups, but I wouldn’t suggest circling the TPC Deere Run with a 2-mile oval nor planting a circus tent adjacent the first tee.
Wie may bring new fans out to the ballpark, but what are they learning when they get there? That mediocrity, no matter how high-minded or pure the motives, is a worthy pursuit?
Maybe Wie returned to early from a wrist injury that has sidelined her for most of 2007. Maybe the ailment was to blame for a first round at the Ginn that included a single birdie, seven pars, five bogeys, a double bogey, a triple bogey and a 10 on the par-5 third. Maybe the prospect of shooting an 88 – which, under LPGA rules for non-members like Wie, would have all but denied her access to the ladies circuit for the rest of the year – prompted her hasty withdrawal.
But while Wie wrestled with the possibility of the LPGA’s Rule 88, Clair you are now left to deal with a complicated Catch 22.
I have no doubt you are trying to do what’s best for the John Deere Classic. My fear, however, is that in your zealous pursuit of a marquee attraction you are adding to a litany of bad decisions that could likely be hurting both Wie and the John Deere.
Even within Wie’s own tightly packed camp the PGA Tour experiment is being viewed as day-old bread.
Early last month Wie’s swing coach David Leadbetter told an Australian golf writer that his star pupil was, at least temporally, going to shelve her gender bridging campaign.
“She hasn’t got any PGA Tour events planned at the moment,” Leadbetter said May 4. “She’s going to commit herself to the LPGA and play a number of events, and next year she’ll probably take up membership.”
On Tuesday at the Ginn Tribute, Wie claimed Leadbetter had been “misquoted.” But while Wie was swinging her way to a WD on Thursday, Leadbetter stood by his comments.
“It wasn’t a case of misquoting,” he said. “I pretty much said verbatim I felt she was focusing (on) LPGA at this point in time (and) she wasn’t playing any PGA Tour events, and that was the case.”
Perhaps this type of drama is a hit on Wisteria Lane, but not on the PGA Tour.
Even Tour players – who have, at least publicly, been supportive of the teen’s PGA Tour pursuits – have become Wie weary. Retief Goosen, one of the game’s most non-confrontational quotes and hardly prone to hyperbole, fired a cautionary shot.
“The players in general feel it is not right,” said Goosen, competing this week at the Wales Open. “If she qualifies to play in an event then fine, but there are youngsters and good players coming up who could have taken that spot and broken through.
“We all know with her playing in the men’s events that she is not going to get anywhere, so I’m not really sure what she is trying to achieve.”
But above all, Clair, the sponsor exemptions should end if, for no other reason, than to save Wie from herself and her handlers. Her foray into men’s golf has done little for her confidence, if not her game. In fact, for a player who was showered with Tiger-like endorsement money when she turned pro in late 2005 she is starting to sound like a lamb.
“I’m just so grateful to be out here again,” Wie said Tuesday. “My expectations is to play well . . . I’m not really sure how well I can play because I’ve been out so long.”
Woods shows up at his first child’s ultrasound looking “to win,” and is never “just so grateful” to be anywhere.
There was a time, not that long ago, that Wie had the same “second sucks” mentality as Woods. When she became the youngest winner of a U.S. Golf Association championship for adults at the 2003 U.S Women’s Public Links. When she captivated the golf world in 2004 when she narrowly missed the cut at the Sony Open.
But now we see a timid player, slowed by injury and doubt, and a carnival that makes the Bronx Zoo look like the New York Library.
Hopefully, Wie rushed home to Hawaii for her high school graduation ceremony. She planned, before the quick Carolina exit, to have her friends sneak a life-sized cardboard cut-out of her into the ceremony and bring it to the stage when they announced her name.
Perhaps you should borrow the unused cut-out, prop it up on the first tee for all to see and give the sponsor exemption to someone who deserves it.
Sincerely,
Rex, a concerned golf fan
Rex, thanks for sharing those well-thought out comments.
Very well stated Rex!!
YES I am a fan of Wie but a BIGGER fan of the game both men & women's game equally...
I would love for her to FOCUS more on the LPGA win there first and then MAYBE go challenge the men...But yes compete on the LPGA for a few years FIRST & WIN and if proven step over IF that's her dream as she has stated many times.
A lot of women on tour could care less about playing with the men.
Good job Rex! makes way more sense verses calling her a joke, sham or cheat!
Does a bear wie wie in the woods?
Of course it was rule 88 that caused her to quit.
I agree with the people who say that this was a business decision for both Wie and the LPGA. The LPGA might have to file for bankruptcy if Michelle was banned.
LOL..."Rex" was an article I cut and pasted from Golf World. Wie's indeed a joke, sham, and a cheat!
Hug this, mofo.
This whole family (the wie's and the lpga) is morally bankrupt. rules dont apply when the player is foolishly backed by millions by nike , so the cash cow(wie) slaps golfs integrity in the face and says, i'm more important than the rules of the game i profess to love, right lpga?
wow, over 40 comments. you have to admit, the wie camp certainly knows how to stir up the pot - i have never seen so many comments generated for a single post before and i frequent this blog quite often.
i think that it is clear that what is on trial here is "youth". what other player has agents, the tour itself, coaches and parents making so many comments and decisions for a player - on the course during a tournament!
michelle needs to come out of the bubble and start making decisions for herself - say no to these marketing types, make it about the game, her talent and her interest and excitement about playing golf on the professional level.
she has a role model - tiger - she needs to put her head down and grind - lose the "team concept" and generate some wins where she can win - that will shut everyone up about her talent and let her move on to a career in golf.
wie can no longer afford to be handled by these idiots, the agent, daddy, tour officials, tourney heads all need to be put in the background by michelle - who is only 17 - what a sad state of events - she is a developing adolescent who is being treated like a box of soap by her handlers - her parents should be ashamed of themselves.
how could she possibly develop integrity for the game - in all her short life and career she has been taught to believe that the rules do not apply to her.
she is going to have to somehow find it in herself to say no to all these stupid, greedy people and make decisions for herself.
patricia may be a little dopey but check out her pix - she is hot!
hey patricia, i like jimmy buffett - "let's get drunk and screw"!
My speculations about Wie's Ginn Tribute controversy don't really contribute any new thoughts, so I'd like to instead make a prediction (More, a logical suggestion, really):
On, or shortly after Michelle Wie's 18th birthday, (early November, 2007, if my recollection is correct) Michelle will develop a new 'nucleus' for her pro golf effort. This nucleus will consist of herself, a caddie, a swing coach, a reputable sports psychologist, and a proper physical trainer.
Largely absent will be mammy and pappy, tour officers, and event organizers. Input from Greg Nared of the William Morris Agency, as well as Nike and Sony (sponsorship contracts) will likely continue, but only as far as contracts stipulate.
Michelle (and team) will concentrate on improving her game so that it returns to the level we (and Wie) saw in the early part of this decade.
This effort will have the passive effect of repairing her damaged image, as well. People will begin to forget about all the "whinny spoiled brat" comments, and will see a dedicated athlete with integrity.
. . . unless she really CAN'T think for herself . . . sigh . . . in which case, she'll likely fade into an undesirable footnote as a golf oddity.
Musings by Matso
Unfortunately, I do not think that Michelle has made a decision on her own ever. How could she know about "Rule 88" when she didn't even know when she was to graduate from high school. One of the worst things that happened to her was missing the cut by one stroke at the Sony when she was 14 years old. That was the start of the hype that we have with us today. The Wie camp has a big problem concerning the LPGA Championship next week. If there is a repeat performance and MW is approaching that 88, they will have a to make a difficult decision.
I have read at least forty of the comments and most of you talking about cheating and what a disgrace she is need to get a life. Self-righteous pricks. I'm man enough to admint I would have withdrew too.
To the poster above: if that's true, then you're not a "man" as you seem to think. I'd say that would make you an unethical, cheating, selfish, asshole. Sound like you? Yeah, I thought so.
I can't wait for this week's edition of "Wie are Family" as Bubbles and her entourage make a mockery out of the McDonald's Championships.
She's turned golf into reality tv with her disappearing game and brainless excuses.
This is another disaster or car wreck story unfolding in front of us,,,,,,how can Mr Wie look at him self in the mirror, This is just another young child pushed into an adult arena!
SAD
"Michelle Wie is certainly the most fascinating female golfer out there. Even more so after this event. She transcends golf."
From a Brit perspective, I'll take Kieran Matharu any day of the week. Definitely getting there.
I don't understand the intent of the rule of 88. Seems ill conceived to me. If it's only aimed at non-members, then it serves little purpose. If someone is bad, don't invite them back. Why should Wie or anyone else be put in a position to withdraw from a tournament on a bad day just to avoid banishment from future events? After all, she has proven her ability to play well many times in the past. Why punish her or anyone else for having a single bad round? You gotta admit, however, the obscure rule has certainly added further lore to Wie's legacy...
Whether you understand the intent or not is immaterial. The point is that it's a rule on the LPGA and this clueless dipshit of a golfer and her "team" decided that they were somehow above the rules and integrity of the game and circumvented it. Wie's legacy is as a overblown joke.
Wie is a victim of poor advice and inferior management. She should be playing the LPGA only. If she proves her competancy there, she can consider taking an exemption spot on the men's tour---but not before.
"Just having a bad day" Who are you trying to convince... Someone of Wie's 'supposed talent' shooting an 88 is like us shooting a 130... Give it a rest... Only reason she withdrew was to save her from 'sitting on the pines', otherwise, she wouldnt of been hitting 'pails' of balls the very next morning with her wrist that was so sore, she 'was unable to continue' When is enough enough...
I am coming back after leg injuries and have already overshot the "88" rule in every round so far...so should I quit golf for a year and start from scratch? Considering I haven't played since last August I figure I'm doing well. I guess I am a disgrace as Michelle is...since I would be likely to not complete golf tournaments until I am completely healed. I am not sure I would be ready to handle four days - leave alone two straight days with tendonitis still there. All I say is that she and I are human - and so if anyone is critical please look in your own back yard first, ok?
Clearly this does seem fishy. But lets look at the realities here. Every one of the LPGA players is better off with Michelle Wie playing tournaments. She helps draw money and sponsors to the tour. Did this move lack integrity? Almost certainly. But Michelle is an 18 year old under the control of her parents, manger, and in this case the LPGA official who clearly did not want her to continue and risk a year away fro the tour.
To the last poster, you're a Wie worshiping, rationalizing, anal crevice.
Looking at all these posts is interesting. Whats really funny are those that ignore the obvious, of course she W/D because of the 88 rule! Now the question is, what will happen the next time she gets close to 88, phantom ankle injury maybe? Oh and BTW, Phil has more credibility in his little toe than the whole Wie family, it' called earning respect.
News Flash for you....
The 88 Rule doesn't come into play since the U.S. Open is sanctioned by the USGA and not the LPGA! Rule 88 is only bounded by LPGA tournaments. It is a mute point!
But she shouldn't have witdrew. No Character.
if michelle was just another golfer who you've never heard about u wouldnt care wut the heck she does. she didn't ask to be the poster girl for dramatic change in womens golf and she is taking a tremendous ammount of unnecessary heat due to this reputation. on top of that, how can u blame her for withdrawing in order to save her LPGA season (if that was the case)? i'm sure that most of us would have done the same thing when placed in a situation that would have a hugely negative impact on our careers. its not cheating, its smart.
Over half of the professional golfers in the PGA have NEVER WON A TOURNAMENT... EVER. So why don't you jerks go and insult those guys who've gone their entire careers without a victory and take some heat of the 17 year old girl who has only played a couple years of professional golf and who is suffering from overexposure from the media. As far as I'm concerned, Michelled has just as much a right to play as any of those guys who will probably never win.
Michelle Wie is the Britney Spears of the Golf World... minus the substance abuse and panty-free escapades.
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