Wie relaxed about debut in paid ranks
Michelle Wie shrugged off the hype and admitted she was just “really excited” about making her professional debut in the Samsung World Championship, starting at Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert, California, tomorrow.
Celebrating her 16th birthday yesterday – less than a week since she turned professional and signed contracts with Nike and Sony worth an estimated $10m (€8.35m) – the Hawaiian youngster insisted she wasn’t feeling any extra pressure.
“I just think that playing for money will be an extra incentive,” she suggested. “I don’t think I’ll be any more nervous on the first tee.”
Wie played in 24 LPGA tournaments as an amateur, and has already had four top 10s from eight majors, including a second place in this year’s LPGA Championship and a tie for third in the Weetabix Women’s British Open.
She admitted that the British Open at Birkdale in July had been one of the highlights to date.
“It was really cold and windy the first day, playing in conditions like that was really cool,” she said.
While she says her immediate focus is to win tournaments, she maintains that the ultimate dream is to compete regularly on the PGA (men’s) Tour and become the first woman to qualify for the Masters.
“Someday, I would certainly consider going to the qualifying school,” she declared.
“If I practise hard, then maybe within the next couple of years. I want to play on the PGA Tour and be able to make cuts.”
The World Championship is made up of 20 players, headed by world number one and defending champion Annika Sorenstam. Catriona Matthew is the only British player in the field.
