For Michelle Wie, fame and fortune didn’t come so much through accomplishment as it did through promise. So after receiving lucrative endorsement deals and sponsor exemptions into LPGA (and even PGA) events without ever winning a pro tournament, Wie felt a backlash.
When Wie was named as an add-on to the United States team for the Solheim Cup, skeptics chalked up the selection to her drawing power. But closer inspection suggests this invitation was deserved.
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After an unspectacular, but solid rookie season on the LPGA Tour, in which she ranks in the top five in putting, rounds under par, and driving distance, Wie has the credentials, especially in an event that favors her length and unmatched ability in a risk-reward format.
“I’ve said all along I want the hottest players I could get coming into the event, and she’s definitely one of the hottest,” said U.S. captain Beth Daniel. “She definitely deserved it.”
When the Solheim Cup begins Friday at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill., Wie not only has an opportunity to help the U.S. win for the third straight time, she can take another step toward rebuilding her image.
“It’s been so exciting,” said Wie. “I really haven’t seen so many people in the practice round before. The bleachers are filled on a Tuesday, so I can’t imagine what Friday will be like.”
From all indications, Wie is fitting in with her teammates. It helps that they don’t have to go through Wie’s omnipresent parents, B.J. and Bo, who have been barred from the locker room and the team’s living quarters.
“It’s nice that people have been able to get to know Michelle and can see her for who she is,” said teammate Christina Kim. “[She’s] an incredible human being with a huge heart and one of the most fun-loving, free-spirited people you will ever meet.”
For all Wie has been through, it’s easy to forget her youth. At age 19 years, 10 months, Wie will be the second youngest player in Solheim Cup history.
“Just getting to know these girls and being all in the same house and having the putting green right outside our front door has just been so great,” said Wie. “Too have all these extra activities has been such a fun time.”
Solheim Cup Notes
» The U.S. leads Europe in the biennial competition, 7-3.
» The U.S. is undefeated in five Solheim Cups played in America.
» Retired Annika Sorenstam (22-11-4) has the most wins in Solheim Cup history.
Who to watch
U.S.
Paula Creamer
With a 5-1-4 record in her two Solheim appearances (both U.S. victories), the “Pink Panther” has been an American mainstay with her reliable fairways-and-greens repertoire.
Juli Inkster
With a 14-8-5 record, Inkster is America’s most successful Solheim player. She was undefeated (2-0-2) in 2007 when she and Creamer (2-0-3) led the U.S. to a 16-12 victory in Halmstad, Sweden.
Cristie Kerr
A major champion this year (Nabisco), but Kerr never would win a popularity contest on the tour. Could her prickly personality be the cause of her undistinguished 7-9-1 Solheim record?
Europe
Suzann Pettersen
Norwegian workout queen has the gunboats and the Nordic bloodlines to match departed Annika Sorenstam. Now can she lead the team? Her Solheim Cup record (8-3-5) says yes.
Catriona Matthew
Early this month, she captured her first major (Women’s British Open) 10 weeks after giving birth to her second child. The 39-year-old Scot has a 9-6-2 record in Solheim competition.
Laura Davies
At 45, the long-hitting, gambling Brit barely resembles her former self, falling to No. 90 in the world. But she has a 21-16-4 record and is the only player to compete in the first 10 Solheims.
