Michelle Wie | USHandicap Classic

Mark Del Vecchio Professional Champion
Go to Last Reply 197 Views 29 Replies 1 Like
After Michelle Wie's low round of the day put her in second place, I started thinking. Having just graduated from Stanford, she's really only just become a full time golfer for the first time in her life. Unlike Paula Creamer or Morgan Pressel or Lexi Thompson, she attended a real high school, and then a very academically tough university, not as a scholarship athlete, but as a regular student. She played on the LPGA Tour as a summer job basically. So, will she become more consistent, and finally challenge the Asians and Europeans regularly, or did she just have a good day yesterday?
MikeNomgi Professional Champion
# 16 7/8/2012 10:13:08 AM
I think she should have skipped college and focused on being a professional golfer. She did ... and her focus sucked so much that she ended up in Stanford. Her entire career arc is the prime example of why kids need to grow up before they try to make their way in the adult world. I don't blame her one bit for going to Stanford because it was the first right thing she did since turning pro. I hope Speith stays at Texas however long it takes him to grow up, so that he won't suck like Wie sucked joining the tour as an infant. Yeah, she needed Stanford all right. That major in communications will make her gazillions when her playing career is over. Maybe Lebron should have stayed in high school, too, right? The degree has nothing to do with what I'm talking about, and if you could use your little gray cells for more than half a second, you'd not only understand that but acknowledge it. You're not capable of either, however, because apparently you're in a drunken stupor or drug-induced haze, for now you're comparing LeBron's NBA career to Wie's golf career. uhhhh ... this debate is over ... i win. :) As far as Lexi; yeah; I think she should do the same thing; why not? She is talented enough; she could go to school; or maybe just travel; or whatever; why should she miss out on her younger years; why should she not experience what a normal teenager/young adult would and just have some fun? Learn from some real life experiences and become a well rounded adult and I am willing to bet a better player in the end....Plenty of time for a golf carreer; money; fame; etc. etc. Did you ever stop and consider that perhaps Lexi IS doing what she wants to do? She could travel??? Really? She has probably traveled more than 99.9% of 17 year-olds. Why do you think she's not having fun? Real life experiences? She's traveling the world and learning about how other cultures live. How would she pay for the "travel" you'd like her to do without golf? What makes you think she's not going to be a well-rounded adult by the time she's 22? Because she didn't hang out at the mall and get in trouble with the other kids? Yeah, that'll make her a better player all right.
Scola1234 Professional Champion
# 17 7/8/2012 3:18:04 PM
I think she should have skipped college and focused on being a professional golfer. She did ... and her focus sucked so much that she ended up in Stanford. Her entire career arc is the prime example of why kids need to grow up before they try to make their way in the adult world. I don't blame her one bit for going to Stanford because it was the first right thing she did since turning pro. I hope Speith stays at Texas however long it takes him to grow up, so that he won't suck like Wie sucked joining the tour as an infant. Yeah, she needed Stanford all right. That major in communications will make her gazillions when her playing career is over. Maybe Lebron should have stayed in high school, too, right? The degree has nothing to do with what I'm talking about, and if you could use your little gray cells for more than half a second, you'd not only understand that but acknowledge it. You're not capable of either, however, because apparently you're in a drunken stupor or drug-induced haze, for now you're comparing LeBron's NBA career to Wie's golf career. uhhhh ... this debate is over ... i win. :) As far as Lexi; yeah; I think she should do the same thing; why not? She is talented enough; she could go to school; or maybe just travel; or whatever; why should she miss out on her younger years; why should she not experience what a normal teenager/young adult would and just have some fun? Learn from some real life experiences and become a well rounded adult and I am willing to bet a better player in the end....Plenty of time for a golf carreer; money; fame; etc. etc. Did you ever stop and consider that perhaps Lexi IS doing what she wants to do? She could travel??? Really? She has probably traveled more than 99.9% of 17 year-olds. Why do you think she's not having fun? Real life experiences? She's traveling the world and learning about how other cultures live. How would she pay for the "travel" you'd like her to do without golf? What makes you think she's not going to be a well-rounded adult by the time she's 22? Because she didn't hang out at the mall and get in trouble with the other kids? Yeah, that'll make her a better player all right. I'm just saying; eating; sleeping and living golf from such a young age is tough and they would definitley miss out on things young people would experience..... she doesn't have to travel to do that; just something she could do besides school....I have a good example for you; Tiger Woods......practice; practice and more practice; from such a young age; as soon as he got to a certain point; and his dad wasn't around to ride him; he went a little crazy; and starting sowing some oats he didn't do when he was younger...No? Many young gifted athletes have taken a wrong turn once they hit pro and made alot of cash and have gotten in trouble once they finally got some freedom...I'm not saying either Wie or Lexi wouldn't become good people if they did drown themselves in golf; but I think they owe it to themselves to take it slow and enjoy thier young lives a little first. Why couldn't she do something like Wei did? Looks like Wei is going to be fine and still young enough to have a great carreer and make plenty of cash. Now let me go I have to go and pick up my daughter at the mall..... :)
MikeNomgi Professional Champion
# 18 7/8/2012 4:35:00 PM
I think she should have skipped college and focused on being a professional golfer. She did ... and her focus sucked so much that she ended up in Stanford. Her entire career arc is the prime example of why kids need to grow up before they try to make their way in the adult world. I don't blame her one bit for going to Stanford because it was the first right thing she did since turning pro. I hope Speith stays at Texas however long it takes him to grow up, so that he won't suck like Wie sucked joining the tour as an infant. Yeah, she needed Stanford all right. That major in communications will make her gazillions when her playing career is over. Maybe Lebron should have stayed in high school, too, right? The degree has nothing to do with what I'm talking about, and if you could use your little gray cells for more than half a second, you'd not only understand that but acknowledge it. You're not capable of either, however, because apparently you're in a drunken stupor or drug-induced haze, for now you're comparing LeBron's NBA career to Wie's golf career. uhhhh ... this debate is over ... i win. :) As far as Lexi; yeah; I think she should do the same thing; why not? She is talented enough; she could go to school; or maybe just travel; or whatever; why should she miss out on her younger years; why should she not experience what a normal teenager/young adult would and just have some fun? Learn from some real life experiences and become a well rounded adult and I am willing to bet a better player in the end....Plenty of time for a golf carreer; money; fame; etc. etc. Did you ever stop and consider that perhaps Lexi IS doing what she wants to do? She could travel??? Really? She has probably traveled more than 99.9% of 17 year-olds. Why do you think she's not having fun? Real life experiences? She's traveling the world and learning about how other cultures live. How would she pay for the "travel" you'd like her to do without golf? What makes you think she's not going to be a well-rounded adult by the time she's 22? Because she didn't hang out at the mall and get in trouble with the other kids? Yeah, that'll make her a better player all right. I'm just saying; eating; sleeping and living golf from such a young age is tough and they would definitley miss out on things young people would experience..... she doesn't have to travel to do that; just something she could do besides school....I have a good example for you; Tiger Woods......practice; practice and more practice; from such a young age; as soon as he got to a certain point; and his dad wasn't around to ride him; he went a little crazy; and starting sowing some oats he didn't do when he was younger...No? Many young gifted athletes have taken a wrong turn once they hit pro and made alot of cash and have gotten in trouble once they finally got some freedom...I'm not saying either Wie or Lexi wouldn't become good people if they did drown themselves in golf; but I think they owe it to themselves to take it slow and enjoy thier young lives a little first. Why couldn't she do something like Wei did? Looks like Wei is going to be fine and still young enough to have a great carreer and make plenty of cash. Now let me go I have to go and pick up my daughter at the mall..... :) Tony, Paula Creamer, Morgan Pressel, Christie Kerr, and Britanny Lincicome, just to name a few, seem to lead very fulfilling lives. When you have the talent these girls have, I don't know why you would want to waste it competing against a bunch of 5-handicap college girls. Now after you pick your daughter up at the mall, make sure you bring her straight to the driving range. :)
alstaxi Legend
# 19 7/8/2012 5:18:40 PM
What a nice topic, many comments, on topic, some topics regress into name calling and personal attacks, like two year olds in a play ground. Not difficult to see why there are so many posters sharing their views on this site.
AirFed LowIndex
# 20 7/8/2012 5:52:03 PM
I agree. It takes a lot of guts to stick with a plan like that. Heavan forbid but If she ever gets injured short term or long, she'll have a backup career. Not many folks have the young wisdom to plan that far out for those life contingencies. I've thought about my career taking unintended turns; think of how you've planned for yours.
Mark Simmons Legend
# 21 7/8/2012 6:09:11 PM
Seems to me she figured out really early that the real money is in endorsements--at least for the women golfers. That would make a degree in Communications pretty handy to have if you want to maximize the pocketbook.
Don Freeman Professional Champion
# 22 7/8/2012 6:35:36 PM
It's not any of "our" business to think what may or may not be the best for any of these up and coming young golfers. Its their decision along with their parents. Just sit back and enjoy the golf everybody.
JayPet Legend
# 23 7/9/2012 7:37:03 AM
She can't putt. Only Dave Stockton student he couldn't teach to putt. I agree, she was way too young and had 2 head cases for parents. Lexi grew up in a golfing family and had better guidance. Wie was so busy trying to play against the boys, she never realized that she couldn't beat the girls. Immature!
LyinLewis Legend
# 24 7/9/2012 7:41:20 AM
I am not sure at that level you can go from a terrible putter to a great one. Her putting from what little I have seen is terrible compared to her peers. When she first started she had an advantage because she was longer than most off the tee. Now it seems more ladies on the LPGA are catching up. She will have a good career...maybe catch fire and win a major.
JayPet Legend
# 25 7/9/2012 11:13:37 AM
She can't putt. Only Dave Stockton student he couldn't teach to putt. I agree, she was way too young and had 2 head cases for parents. Lexi grew up in a golfing family and had better guidance. Wie was so busy trying to play against the boys, she never realized that she couldn't beat the girls. Immature! Either last year or early this year she was using a belly putter, but instead of putting it in her belly she held it against her left forearm with her right hand. From what I saw of her putting then it was pretty good, I can't see why she changed. You're right about that... she switched over to that method after she ditched Stockton. Short term fix, but as we see with recent play, it's too streaky and she has reverted back to bad tendencies. She's averaging 32 putts per round and 2 putts per GIR (ranked 125 and 128th respectively). Awful!! She has a lot to work on.
Duckhunter Legend
# 26 7/9/2012 1:16:59 PM
I think she should have skipped college and focused on being a professional golfer. Most of the time I think people should go to school first and then go to work. With that being said with Michelle she should have worked on her golf game first. She had the big name then now she has played herself into almost a nobody, She could have made a ton of money.
MikeNomgi Professional Champion
# 27 7/9/2012 1:42:51 PM
I think she should have skipped college and focused on being a professional golfer. Most of the time I think people should go to school first and then go to work. With that being said with Michelle she should have worked on her golf game first. She had the big name then now she has played herself into almost a nobody, She could have made a ton of money. I completely agree, Duck. Most of the time. There are always exceptions, however. There are only about 50 or so women who are going to make a very good living on the LPGA Tour. If they've got the game at 17, it makes no sense to spend four years in college full-time. There are only 25 tournaments a year. Take night or on-line courses. Eventually you'll get your degree. The potential earnings for exceptional players in four years may make them financially secure for life.
sonoflao Professional Champion
# 28 7/9/2012 2:00:32 PM
She will never be anything better then just a scratch golfer. So many International players in the field will blow her away each week. While the others in the -3 or -4 for day, she will always be in the +4 or +6. she has no focus for golf, putting is horrible, missing 3-6 footers 1/2 of the time. Bogies golfer at best!!! wish her the best of Luck! at least she has a degree to back her up.

Professional Champion

197 Views 29 Replies 1 Like

After Michelle Wie's low round of the day put her in second place, I started thinking. Having just graduated from Stanford, she's really only just become a full time golfer for the first time in her life. Unlike Paula Creamer or Morgan Pressel or Lexi Thompson, she attended a real high school, and then a very academically tough university, not as a scholarship athlete, but as a regular student. She played on the LPGA Tour as a summer job basically. So, will she become more consistent, and finally challenge the Asians and Europeans regularly, or did she just have a good day yesterday?

MikeNomgi

Professional Champion

# 16 7/8/2012 10:13:08 AM

I think she should have skipped college and focused on being a professional golfer.

She did ... and her focus sucked so much that she ended up in Stanford.

Her entire career arc is the prime example of why kids need to grow up before they try to make their way in the adult world.

I don't blame her one bit for going to Stanford because it was the first right thing she did since turning pro. I hope Speith stays at Texas however long it takes him to grow up, so that he won't suck like Wie sucked joining the tour as an infant.

Yeah, she needed Stanford all right. That major in communications will make her gazillions when her playing career is over. Maybe Lebron should have stayed in high school, too, right?

The degree has nothing to do with what I'm talking about, and if you could use your little gray cells for more than half a second, you'd not only understand that but acknowledge it. You're not capable of either, however, because apparently you're in a drunken stupor or drug-induced haze, for now you're comparing LeBron's NBA career to Wie's golf career.

uhhhh ... this debate is over ... i win. :)

As far as Lexi; yeah; I think she should do the same thing; why not? She is talented enough; she could go to school; or maybe just travel; or whatever; why should she miss out on her younger years; why should she not experience what a normal teenager/young adult would and just have some fun? Learn from some real life experiences and become a well rounded adult and I am willing to bet a better player in the end....Plenty of time for a golf carreer; money; fame; etc. etc.

Did you ever stop and consider that perhaps Lexi IS doing what she wants to do? She could travel??? Really? She has probably traveled more than 99.9% of 17 year-olds. Why do you think she's not having fun? Real life experiences? She's traveling the world and learning about how other cultures live. How would she pay for the "travel" you'd like her to do without golf? What makes you think she's not going to be a well-rounded adult by the time she's 22? Because she didn't hang out at the mall and get in trouble with the other kids? Yeah, that'll make her a better player all right.

Scola1234

Professional Champion

# 17 7/8/2012 3:18:04 PM

I think she should have skipped college and focused on being a professional golfer.

She did ... and her focus sucked so much that she ended up in Stanford.

Her entire career arc is the prime example of why kids need to grow up before they try to make their way in the adult world.

I don't blame her one bit for going to Stanford because it was the first right thing she did since turning pro. I hope Speith stays at Texas however long it takes him to grow up, so that he won't suck like Wie sucked joining the tour as an infant.

Yeah, she needed Stanford all right. That major in communications will make her gazillions when her playing career is over. Maybe Lebron should have stayed in high school, too, right?

The degree has nothing to do with what I'm talking about, and if you could use your little gray cells for more than half a second, you'd not only understand that but acknowledge it. You're not capable of either, however, because apparently you're in a drunken stupor or drug-induced haze, for now you're comparing LeBron's NBA career to Wie's golf career.

uhhhh ... this debate is over ... i win. :)

As far as Lexi; yeah; I think she should do the same thing; why not? She is talented enough; she could go to school; or maybe just travel; or whatever; why should she miss out on her younger years; why should she not experience what a normal teenager/young adult would and just have some fun? Learn from some real life experiences and become a well rounded adult and I am willing to bet a better player in the end....Plenty of time for a golf carreer; money; fame; etc. etc.

Did you ever stop and consider that perhaps Lexi IS doing what she wants to do? She could travel??? Really? She has probably traveled more than 99.9% of 17 year-olds. Why do you think she's not having fun? Real life experiences? She's traveling the world and learning about how other cultures live. How would she pay for the "travel" you'd like her to do without golf? What makes you think she's not going to be a well-rounded adult by the time she's 22? Because she didn't hang out at the mall and get in trouble with the other kids? Yeah, that'll make her a better player all right.

I'm just saying; eating; sleeping and living golf from such a young age is tough and they would definitley miss out on things young people would experience..... she doesn't have to travel to do that; just something she could do besides school....I have a good example for you; Tiger Woods......practice; practice and more practice; from such a young age; as soon as he got to a certain point; and his dad wasn't around to ride him; he went a little crazy; and starting sowing some oats he didn't do when he was younger...No? Many young gifted athletes have taken a wrong turn once they hit pro and made alot of cash and have gotten in trouble once they finally got some freedom...I'm not saying either Wie or Lexi wouldn't become good people if they did drown themselves in golf; but I think they owe it to themselves to take it slow and enjoy thier young lives a little first. Why couldn't she do something like Wei did? Looks like Wei is going to be fine and still young enough to have a great carreer and make plenty of cash. Now let me go I have to go and pick up my daughter at the mall..... :)

MikeNomgi

Professional Champion

# 18 7/8/2012 4:35:00 PM

I think she should have skipped college and focused on being a professional golfer.

She did ... and her focus sucked so much that she ended up in Stanford.

Her entire career arc is the prime example of why kids need to grow up before they try to make their way in the adult world.

I don't blame her one bit for going to Stanford because it was the first right thing she did since turning pro. I hope Speith stays at Texas however long it takes him to grow up, so that he won't suck like Wie sucked joining the tour as an infant.

Yeah, she needed Stanford all right. That major in communications will make her gazillions when her playing career is over. Maybe Lebron should have stayed in high school, too, right?

The degree has nothing to do with what I'm talking about, and if you could use your little gray cells for more than half a second, you'd not only understand that but acknowledge it. You're not capable of either, however, because apparently you're in a drunken stupor or drug-induced haze, for now you're comparing LeBron's NBA career to Wie's golf career.

uhhhh ... this debate is over ... i win. :)

As far as Lexi; yeah; I think she should do the same thing; why not? She is talented enough; she could go to school; or maybe just travel; or whatever; why should she miss out on her younger years; why should she not experience what a normal teenager/young adult would and just have some fun? Learn from some real life experiences and become a well rounded adult and I am willing to bet a better player in the end....Plenty of time for a golf carreer; money; fame; etc. etc.

Did you ever stop and consider that perhaps Lexi IS doing what she wants to do? She could travel??? Really? She has probably traveled more than 99.9% of 17 year-olds. Why do you think she's not having fun? Real life experiences? She's traveling the world and learning about how other cultures live. How would she pay for the "travel" you'd like her to do without golf? What makes you think she's not going to be a well-rounded adult by the time she's 22? Because she didn't hang out at the mall and get in trouble with the other kids? Yeah, that'll make her a better player all right.

I'm just saying; eating; sleeping and living golf from such a young age is tough and they would definitley miss out on things young people would experience..... she doesn't have to travel to do that; just something she could do besides school....I have a good example for you; Tiger Woods......practice; practice and more practice; from such a young age; as soon as he got to a certain point; and his dad wasn't around to ride him; he went a little crazy; and starting sowing some oats he didn't do when he was younger...No? Many young gifted athletes have taken a wrong turn once they hit pro and made alot of cash and have gotten in trouble once they finally got some freedom...I'm not saying either Wie or Lexi wouldn't become good people if they did drown themselves in golf; but I think they owe it to themselves to take it slow and enjoy thier young lives a little first. Why couldn't she do something like Wei did? Looks like Wei is going to be fine and still young enough to have a great carreer and make plenty of cash. Now let me go I have to go and pick up my daughter at the mall..... :)

Tony, Paula Creamer, Morgan Pressel, Christie Kerr, and Britanny Lincicome, just to name a few, seem to lead very fulfilling lives. When you have the talent these girls have, I don't know why you would want to waste it competing against a bunch of 5-handicap college girls.

Now after you pick your daughter up at the mall, make sure you bring her straight to the driving range. :)

alstaxi

Legend

# 19 7/8/2012 5:18:40 PM

What a nice topic, many comments, on topic, some topics regress into name calling and personal attacks, like two year olds in a play ground. Not difficult to see why there are so many posters sharing their views on this site.

AirFed

LowIndex

# 20 7/8/2012 5:52:03 PM

I agree. It takes a lot of guts to stick with a plan like that. Heavan forbid but If she ever gets injured short term or long, she'll have a backup career. Not many folks have the young wisdom to plan that far out for those life contingencies. I've thought about my career taking unintended turns; think of how you've planned for yours.

Mark Simmons

Legend

# 21 7/8/2012 6:09:11 PM

Seems to me she figured out really early that the real money is in endorsements--at least for the women golfers. That would make a degree in Communications pretty handy to have if you want to maximize the pocketbook.

Don Freeman

Professional Champion

# 22 7/8/2012 6:35:36 PM

It's not any of "our" business to think what may or may not be the best for any of these up and coming young golfers. Its their decision along with their parents. Just sit back and enjoy the golf everybody.

JayPet

Legend

# 23 7/9/2012 7:37:03 AM

She can't putt. Only Dave Stockton student he couldn't teach to putt. I agree, she was way too young and had 2 head cases for parents. Lexi grew up in a golfing family and had better guidance. Wie was so busy trying to play against the boys, she never realized that she couldn't beat the girls. Immature!

LyinLewis

Legend

# 24 7/9/2012 7:41:20 AM

I am not sure at that level you can go from a terrible putter to a great one. Her putting from what little I have seen is terrible compared to her peers. When she first started she had an advantage because she was longer than most off the tee. Now it seems more ladies on the LPGA are catching up.

She will have a good career...maybe catch fire and win a major.

JayPet

Legend

# 25 7/9/2012 11:13:37 AM

She can't putt. Only Dave Stockton student he couldn't teach to putt. I agree, she was way too young and had 2 head cases for parents. Lexi grew up in a golfing family and had better guidance. Wie was so busy trying to play against the boys, she never realized that she couldn't beat the girls. Immature!

Either last year or early this year she was using a belly putter, but instead of putting it in her belly she held it against her left forearm with her right hand. From what I saw of her putting then it was pretty good, I can't see why she changed.

You're right about that... she switched over to that method after she ditched Stockton. Short term fix, but as we see with recent play, it's too streaky and she has reverted back to bad tendencies. She's averaging 32 putts per round and 2 putts per GIR (ranked 125 and 128th respectively). Awful!! She has a lot to work on.

Duckhunter

Legend

# 26 7/9/2012 1:16:59 PM

I think she should have skipped college and focused on being a professional golfer.

Most of the time I think people should go to school first and then go to work. With that being said with Michelle she should have worked on her golf game first. She had the big name then now she has played herself into almost a nobody, She could have made a ton of money.

MikeNomgi

Professional Champion

# 27 7/9/2012 1:42:51 PM

I think she should have skipped college and focused on being a professional golfer.

Most of the time I think people should go to school first and then go to work. With that being said with Michelle she should have worked on her golf game first. She had the big name then now she has played herself into almost a nobody, She could have made a ton of money.

I completely agree, Duck. Most of the time.

There are always exceptions, however. There are only about 50 or so women who are going to make a very good living on the LPGA Tour. If they've got the game at 17, it makes no sense to spend four years in college full-time. There are only 25 tournaments a year. Take night or on-line courses. Eventually you'll get your degree. The potential earnings for exceptional players in four years may make them financially secure for life.

sonoflao

Professional Champion

# 28 7/9/2012 2:00:32 PM

She will never be anything better then just a scratch golfer. So many International players in the field will blow her away each week. While the others in the -3 or -4 for day, she will always be in the +4 or +6.
she has no focus for golf, putting is horrible, missing 3-6 footers 1/2 of the time. Bogies golfer at best!!! wish her the best of Luck!
at least she has a degree to back her up.

COMMUNITY