According to Wie, Nicklaus "out-drove me twice." According to Nicklaus, Wie is "absolutely terrific."

He went into detail about the power of her swing and "wonderful wedge game." His final words to her were "just keep your head square on your shoulders."

"I hope she finishes her education and does the things she needs to do to be a normal human being," Nicklaus said. "If she's a normal human being, then she's got the chance to be an exceptional athlete. If it goes the other way, then you don't know what's going to happen."

Wie's other teammates were amateurs Denny Lynch and Geoff Fedurek, who are affiliated with Wendy's, and Caleb Chan, who bought Wailea Golf Club in October.

She definitely contributed, hitting two approaches and a bunker shot within a foot. Wie was so happy with her approach shot on the fourth she clapped for herself. On the last hole (No. 9), she hit an odd-looking bump-run-and-bite shot that came up the hill low, landed on the green, bounced a few times, then bit and rolled back to six inches of the hole.

"Less than half a shot," was how Wie described it.

She characterized Nicklaus, who has won 20 majors, as a "golf legend." Then she smiled and said most of his legendary exploits came "JUST before I was born." The "Big Wiesy" is more familiar with Ernie "Big Easy" Els, whom she played a practice round with 11 days ago.

"Ernie, of course, he's more younger, obviously," Wie said. "But they are the same in that they're both very nice and enjoyable to be around and play with."

Chan enjoyed playing with Wie.

"I love how fluid her swing is," Chan said. "The movement and tempo are just beautiful to watch."

Getting Wie to talk about her time with Nicklaus was not as beautiful, through no fault of Wie's. An ESPN representative kept her from the media several minutes, then took her away again after about two minutes of questions. After more negotiations, with the Wie family and Wailea trying to help the situation, Wie was eventually allowed to finish.

"That was so strange," she said.

Wie will play in the Hawai'i Pearl Open beginning Friday at Pearl Country Club.

"I'm a little sad," Wie said. "It's (Punahou) carnival week and I'm supposed to work."

• Ishii's team best at Pro-Am: The skins players may be in the World Golf Hall of Fame, but they couldn't beat Hawai'i's David Ishii.

Ishii's team won the Pro-Am, shooting a best-ball score of 10-under 26 yesterday. Amateurs Mike Clair, Jaime Shennan, Bob Lloyd and Dave Williams had a 31 Friday when they played with Tom Watson.

When it was over, Ishii got his amateurs to autograph his Champions Skins cap. He also got a few signatures from the gallery, and got Michelle Wie to sign his hospitality badge.

SHORT PUTTS: This was the fourth year Wailea hosted the senior skins. The resort and ESPN are committed to one more year, but Wendy's only had a one-year contract as title sponsor. ... Tournament proceeds go to the Maui County Boy Scouts, Maui Junior Golf, Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum and Bailey House Museum. ... The nine autographed photos of World Golf Hall of Fame members Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Hale Irwin and Tom Watson, shot last week off Hualalai's 18th tee, raised more than $16,000 for Big Island charities. The photos, shot by New York photographer Jules Alexander, were sold on auction through the PGA Tour Web site. Another set of 10 will be on sale on eBay in the near future.