According to Golfweek, Wie has mailed in the application that is the first step in her quest to join the Ladies golf tour on a full-time basis.
Michelle Wie's latest move is one most folks can agree on: As first reported by Golfweek she's headed to LPGA Qualifying School.I agree with Leadbetter, Wie's future is on the ladies tour, not competing against the men.The application deadline is 5:30 p.m. Sept. 9, and multiple sources confirmed with Golfweek last week that Wie's check was in the mail.
Wie, who turns 19 on Oct. 11, has been spotted in Rancho Mirage, Calif., gearing up for the first sectional qualifier, Sept. 16-19 at Mission Hills Country Club, a course where she has enjoyed much success.
In four appearances at Mission Hills for the Kraft Nabisco Championship, Wie's worst finish is a tie for 14th in 2005. She finished T-9 in '03, fourth in '04, and tied for third in '06, when she played in the final group as an eighth-grader.
"I think reality set in," said Wie's swing coach, David Leadbetter, when reached by phone Sept. 9. "She needs to play more tournaments. And not make those tournaments PGA Tour events. ...
Rancho Mirage is only the first step to Michelle getting a LPGA Tour card, a second and final qualifier takes place in Daytona Beach Florida this December. I'm betting Michelle gets full LPGA privileges for 2009.
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Comments (3)
Bill,My opinion is... (Below threshold)1. Posted by nehemiah | September 9, 2008 6:39 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Bill,
My opinion is that Wie has shortened/tightened her swing too much. Some element of rhythm as you see in Sam Snead, Ernie, or Couples is actually a good thing. She's still a good player overall in the women's game, but I don't think at this time that she can even be considered one of the top women players. Maybe she should regain her amateur status, finish Stanford, become a Republican, and rather follow in the footsteps of Sarah Palin -- she may do better on that path.
1. Posted by nehemiah | September 9, 2008 6:39 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on September 9, 2008 18:39
2. Posted by DaveD | September 9, 2008 7:52 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I agree Bill. I think this is a very appropriate step to help her gain/regain respect. I guess many of us agree this young lady has a lot of potential and she has been side tracked by the circus atmosphere created by her parents. Maybe Leadbetter had a serious talk with them - her parents - and it finally sunk in. I am hoping this young lady will realize her potential now and I hope her parents have apologized to her.
2. Posted by DaveD | September 9, 2008 7:52 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on September 9, 2008 19:52
3. Posted by Jeff | September 14, 2008 12:12 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I think she should go back to her first coach, her swing was better, more control, higher ball flight. Leadbetter again has turn a good player into a average amateur golfer. She should call up her old coach and ask for help. Tell her parents thanks for the help but I'm going to try this on my own, and last but not least FIRE Leadbetter and crew. Leadbetter has not and never will take the blame for making players worse than when they started with him. Look at your stats
3. Posted by Jeff | September 14, 2008 12:12 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on September 14, 2008 12:12