"You know the Wies, they like to make a big splash"

Steve Elling's exclusive on Michelle Wie likely entering LPGA Q-school appears to be good news, until you read this:

Wie is already in the Palm Spring area practicing for the first-stage event at Mission Hills Country Club on Sept. 16-19. The deadline for entry is Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

A source close to the Wie camp who asked not to be identified said it was unclear whether the family would make a formal announcement about Michelle's new career path.

"You know the Wies, they like to make a big splash," the source said.

Hopefully they will not make a fuss. Playing Q-school is tough enough without a media herd following your every move.

Comments

[thusgone]

how is qualifying to play professional golf full time a "new career path?" what career path did she think she was on before this?

[Phil the Author]

Is there any reason why Michelle Wie is not exempted through the first round of Q-school qualifying?

For example, doesn't the PGA tour recognize levels of accomplishment and exempt players through various stages of the Men's Q-school? So does the LPGA do this? And if so, why make Miss Wie play in every round of qualifying?

[Smails]

what level of accomplishment? getting DQ'd? Winning an amateur event in 2003?

[Some guy]

I think Phil's being sarcastic. At least, I hope he is.

[Bruce]

As a Stanford "student," has she attended more than one semester of school in the past 18 months?

[Phil the Author]

Some Guy you're evidently not just some guy... Yes I was...

[Makkyla]

Yawn!

[F. X.]

The new path would be joining the LPGA. In the past she's tended to paint a picture of someone who would compete 'above' the LPGA. No cuts in any men's events and no wins in any pro events have probably put a damper on that approach. Her parents may be many things but stupid and unrealistic they are not.

[Phil the Author]

F.X.,

Your comment that, "In the past she's tended to paint a picture of someone who would compete 'above' the LPGA. No cuts in any men's events and no wins in any pro events have probably put a damper on that approach. Her parents may be many things but stupid and unrealistic they are not..." DEFINES just how STUPID and especially UNREALISTIC both her parents and Michelle has been!

[Steven T.]

My guess is that her endorsement contracts are in jeopardy.

[BillV]

Long a critic of all things Wie, at least she is doing a commendable thing for once.

And Phil, you are off for once. She has proven that she does not do well being given things, so it's time to earn them and I say good on her for once.

She now has the option to do it her own way and it's about time.I wish her well in following the correct path. Now the media can tell us what happens, cause it ain't gonna' be no slam dunk.

[Old Tom]

If she successfully qualifies and becomes a LPGA tour regular it could be a great thing for the tour. There are some good players who can all challenge for a win at any time so it could lead to some great rivalries etc.

[thusgone]

i agree with old tom. the lpga would really benefit if wie become a member, and even moreso if she recovers her earlier form.

she is not just an interesting story, but a genuine media celebrity, and people flock to see her play, even to play badly. i have been to a couple of lpga events where wie, even as she was missing the cut, had by far the biggest galleries and most extensive local media coverage.

[Dick Mahoon]

I also believe Michelle would be a great addition to the tour especially if she came through the demands of the tough Q school. The tour needs her for not only her 'celebrity' but she could also be a translator.

She speaks Korean doesn't she?

DM