Lehman still big fan of the 'Big Wiesy'

By Ann Miller
Advertiser Staff Writer

Tom Lehman has been keeping an eye on the girl he named "Big Wiesy" three years ago, when Michelle Wie was all of 12 years old. Lehman still calls Wie's pass at the ball "a flawless golf swing," and still hopes "nobody gets in her way because she doesn't need a whole lot of coaching."

Tom Lehman, who gave Michelle Wie her nickname, says she's a "natural." Advertiser library photo

That first impression remains intact. "She has a natural ability that you rarely ever see swing a golf club," Lehman said. "So there's no need for her to make any changes at all except in the matter of perfecting what she has.

"Let her play. She's like a thoroughbred. Let her run."

He also spoke about Wie's remarkable comfort level on the men's tour, and the fact that "she doesn't step on anybody's toes. She's respectful."

Lehman believes the feeling is mutual.

"I think there's a great deal of respect for her talent," he said. "I think she proved to everybody last year that being that she lives here, that she deserves a spot in the field. I think everybody pulls for her. That's probably the most important thing. I think everybody out here is pulling for her."

The Wie family says Michelle's 2005 schedule is under construction. She is planning to play in the Hawai'i Pearl Open (Feb. 4 to 6) and LPGA's SBS Open at Turtle Bay (Feb. 24 to 26).

Wie's last victory came in the 2003 U.S. Women's Public Links. She fell in the final last year, but even without a 2004 victory felt she improved.

"Even though I didn't win anything I think I played better," said Wie, who returns to 10th grade tomorrow. "In 2003 I was pretty erratic. I didn't know what was going to happen, didn't know what to expect. I was just out there playing. Last year I really found out what I could work on, so even though I didn't play as well I felt like my game was a lot better."

Reach Ann Miller at amiller@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8043.