Wie Won't Attempt U.S. Open Qualifying This Year

by Mulligan Stu on Apr 26, 2007 10:59 PM EDT

The deadline for applying to take part in U.S. Open local qualifying has come and gone, and the USGA received 8,544 applications.

None of them was from Michelle Wie. You might recall that last year Wie advanced out of local qualifying, then created a media buzzstorm at the sectional qualifier when she managed to stay in contention for much of the day. She wound up finishing 59th in a field of 153 (if my memory is correct, the Top 20 from that qualifier advanced into the U.S. Open).

Why has Team Wie decided against trying again this year, after Wie said last year she'd definitely be back? Good question:

Family spokesman Jesse Derris of New York-based Ken Sunshine Consultants declined to give a reason for Wie's decision.

"I wish I could be more specific, but we're not going to talk about it," Derris said in a telephone interview.

Beth Gast, a spokeswoman for Nike Inc., one of Wie's primary sponsors, said the Beaverton, Ore.-based company doesn't dictate the scheduling of its athletes. Greg Nared, Wie's agent, didn't immediately return a phone message left at his office or respond to an e-mail.

If you're thinking it's because the Wies realized she could never make it, think again. Last year's effort didn't prove that Wie can't make it through U.S. Open qualifying, it proved that if things break right she most definitely can.

It may be that the qualifying dates conflicted with other tournaments Wie plans to play. It may be that that Wie has decided to avoid any high-profile, U.S. men's events this year.

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Wie skipping US Open qualies

FINALLY - a good decision from Wie. That's one in a row - let's hope she keeps it going.

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Apr 28, 2007 10:40 PM EDT reply actions

Wie able to qualify for US Open ??

Stu - If Wie ever learns to play on that 5" course between the ears, she might have a small chance to get through qualifying. However, she has shown no signs of improvement in that area...yet.

Hoping for lucky bounces and breaks can't replace solid course managment and some sort of ability to hit a fairway when it is needed.

Last point - the men's game is getting deeper and deeper every year. Michelle is going to be buried even further as the men improve and care less about being nice to the girl.

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Apr 28, 2007 10:49 PM EDT reply actions