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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 4:20 p.m., Saturday, June 30, 2007

Rolfing: Time for Wie to take different direction

By MARK ROLFING
Special to The Advertiser

Hawai'i's Mark Rolfing, golf analyst for NBC Sports and The Golf Channel, is at Southern Pines, N.C., site of the 2007 U.S. Women's Open. Here are his observations on Michelle Wie's withdrawal yesterday during the second round.

It was a hard day for Michelle. Her (injured left) wrist is clearly a problem.

I interviewed her at the end, and she said she's worried about (the wrist). I hope she looks at it, and takes a lot of time off. She said she couldn't hit a shot.

She only hit 4 of 21 fairways, it was a really hard time.

She basically said, "I'm not sure what I'm going to do." She should take the rest of the year off. You know, I feel sorry for her. I just hope she can regroup and figure out what to do.

There was a huge crowd (following Wie) today, which really shocked me. I would say they were surprised — astonished — because they can't believe she's doing what she's doing. They want her to do better. They're really surprised she's making these scores.

The crowd today was unbelievable. They want to watch Michelle Wie play golf.

And she can't play now.

It's horrible for me because I've been a huge supporter.

That was one of the hardest interviews I've ever had. I think she knew it was going to be hard for me. But she answered all my questions. I think she was really sad. I was really sad.

I still think its great for us in Hawai'i to have Michelle as sort of an ambassador. (But) it's hard to defend some things that are going on right now, for me.

I really think she should slow down go to school and tee off next year.

It's hard to me to admit it, but I think (fellow TV analyst) Dottie (Pepper) is probably right. She was always against having the family dictate Michelle's career.

I wanted them to do it because I thought it was the best way for Michelle to go.

It didn't work. And I'm still not sure why. Dottie may be right. I may be right. All I know is that she needs to take a new direction now.