Youngster not daunted by playing on pro tours
| • | Golf phenom looks for balance in life |
| • | Ball-striking always her strength |
| • | Wie's 2003 schedule |
| • | Ferd Lewis: Her golf game, success entering uncharted territory |
Advertiser Staff
The Advertiser posed several questions by e-mail to Michelle Wie:
Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser
Q. Did you learn anything from watching Annika Sorenstam perform and handle the pressure at the Colonial?
"I enjoy extreme media and gallery attention," Michelle Wie says. "I will be definitely nervous at the PGA Nationwide Tour Boise Open and the Canadian PGA Players Championship, but being nervous will make me more focused and to play better."
A. I learned a lot from Annika like how she handled herself under the extreme pressure in front of press and galleries.
Q. Did what you saw of Annika change your perception? Are you more eager to take up the challenge on the PGA Tour?
A. Annika made it easy to play in the PGA Tour. She showed that the best female golfer in the world can play on long courses over 7,000 yards. If she had played on long courses more often, she could have played better. Regardless of how she performed at the Colonial, I will pursue my own goal of playing in the PGA Tour after I become the best female player in the world.
Q. Annika was under extreme scrutiny at the Colonial. How would you handle such scrutiny? Are you ready for such scrutiny?
A. I enjoy extreme media and gallery attention. I will be definitely nervous at the PGA Nationwide Tour Boise Open and the Canadian PGA Players Championship, but being nervous will make me more focused to play better. I have always done this before so many times.
Q. Annika paved the way for women to play on the PGA Tour. Many writers already have targeted you as the next likely candidate to play and succeed in the PGA. How do you feel about that?
A. I told my dream of playing in the Masters and the PGA Tour during the press conference at the 2000 U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Championship. In fact, I am not surprised at all.
Q. Annika Sorenstam said the PGA was "way over her head" and playing in the PGA "was a one-time thing." From what you've said, you don't have a fear of competing with boys/men. In fact, it's your goal. Where does the confidence and fearlessness come from? Is it because of your size, driving distance, your upbringing, your youth?
A. All of my playing partners at Sony Open qualifying, Hawai'i Pearl Open and Hawai'i State Amateur Championship treated me well and were very supportive. I learn a lot from playing with top male professionals and amateurs. I listen to the loud sound coming off the driver face and tend to copy it. Male players are usually aggressive from the tee and are capable of saving pars from any type of deep trouble. Because I can hit the ball as far as most male players, it does not really matter to me whether I am playing in a PGA Tour or LPGA Tour (event). I am playing against course designers and superintendents who enjoy watching players struggle.
