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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, July 25, 2005

Wie has no hints on pro future

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Michelle Wie
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Michelle Wie says "she really" doesn't know when she'll turn professional, according to an interview posted on the LPGA Web site following her final round Saturday at the Evian Masters.

The questions were posed by Paul Rovnak and the transcripts were posted on www.lpga.com.

Here were some of the questions:

Q. When are you going to turn professional then, because you could be making a lot of money?

Wie. "I don't know."

Q. You don't know or you don't want to tell us?

Wie. "I really don't know."

Q. What would you spend the money on if you had it?

"I really like shopping so I think I might do that to the extreme. I don't know. I'll see when it comes."

Wie, a 15-year-old from Honolulu, finished second in the Evian Masters in France.

It was Wie's third runner-up finish in just six LPGA tournaments this season.

Had Wie been a professional, she would have pocketed more than $212,000 for the Evian Masters, bringing her total of money turned down this year to more than $527,000.

When Wie will turn professional has become a hot topic.

The Orlando Sentinel reported last week that Golfweek magazine, in its July 23 issue, reported that rumors indicated that the Oct. 13 to 16 LPGA Samsung World Championship is "going to be Wie's professional debut."

The Sentinel also reported the magazine saying that Wie was in line to sign a multi-year deal with Nike in the $10 million range.

The Samsung tournament will begin two days after Wie's 16th birthday on Oct. 11.

The Advertiser has been unable to reach Wie for comment.

However, the Golf Channel reported last week that it spoke off-camera with Wie's father, BJ, who said, "no official" decision has been reached, but the topic has been under discussion.

The channel also reported that Samsung wanted Wie as a spokeswoman.

Wie next plays at the Weetabix Women's British Open, starting Thursday. That would be Wie's last LPGA tournament until the Samsung in October.