Michelle Wie Blog

Another disappointing weekend for Michelle Wie. After Saturday’s round putting her in contention on the leaderboard, she had a miniature meltdown at the end of round 4 on Sunday. Just one shot off the lead going into the 16th hole Michelle bogeyed two of the last three holes to knock her out of any chance of picking up her first win, and in  a major no less.

It’s hard to tell if last week’s failed qualification in the men’s U.S. Open affected her mentally in the final holes of the McDonald’s tournament, but one had to wonder as she missed some terrific opportunities to either tie for the lead or gain it altogether.  Yes, it is just a matter of time before Michelle gets her first win on the LPGA tour. She continually places in the top five against the ladies, and is arguably one of the top five women players in the world.

When Michelle does get that first win, you know that she will pick up the confidence she needs to stay focused in the final holes of these kinds of high-pressure tournaments. And when she gets that first win, one has to think that she will dominate women’s golf for many years to come.

The LPGA championship starts today at Bulle Rock golf course in Maryland.  The course is 6488 yards long and is a par 72. Last year Annika  Sorenstam became the first woman to win the tournament three years in a row, edging Michelle Wie for the win. Annika has been winless in seven starts this year however. The winner of this one takes home a paltry $270,000, with a purse being a total of  $1.8 million. Geez, when it comes to the difference between men and women in professional golf, the pay is not even close. Michelle Wie has been doing better financially just showing up and picking up $1 million, rather than winning. After her failed attempt last week to qualify for the men’s U.S. Open, it will be interesting to see how she does in this event.  The expectations are getting higher and higher, but that’s to be expected when you are 16 and attempt to beat the best golfers in the world.  The tournament will be carried on the golf channel.