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“I’m not really interested in sports psychology. It makes me feel like a crazy person.”
Nickname:
The Big Wiesy, The Big Queasy
Hometown:
Honolulu, Hawaii
Assets:
Big, Beautiful, Toothy Smile
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Vices:
Caddie turnover, inappropriate golfing clothes
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Hobbies:
Getting degrees from Stanford
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Introduction
Michelle Sung Wie is an American professional golfer. In 2006, she was named “one of the 100 people who shape our world” by Time Magazine. Since September 2007, Michelle has been a student of Stanford University, but has yet to change her major to “World Shaping.”
Life story
Born in Honolulu to Korean-born parents, Wie began playing golf at the age of four. She has said that "[t]he first time I grabbed a golf club, I knew that I'd do it for the rest of my life." Her parents also “knew” as well, if by “knowing” you mean, “making her take a lot of lessons.”
From 2002-4, Michelle had an amazing amateur career that saw her win the Hawaii State Open Women’s Division by thirteen shots over LPGA player Cindy Rarick, and became the youngest player to qualify for an LPGA event. And thus, the jealousy and fear-based derision among her adult golfing peers began!
In 2004, Wie became the fourth female, and youngest player ever, to play in a PGA Tour event at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Playing on a sponsor’s exemption, she missed the cut by one stroke. The egos of many a golfing male were gently massaged.
A week before her 16th birthday, Wie announced in Hawaii that she was turning professional, reportedly signing sponsorship contracts with Nike and Sony worth more than US$10,000,000 per year. At the same time she announced a pledge of US$500,000 for Hurricane Katrina relief. She did not receive a beignet named after her in return. But she felt good.
Wie cannot officially become a member of the LPGA Tour until her 18th birthday, unless she petitions for an exception. The LPGA’s rule still states, “If you can buy a gun and vote, you can join the LPGA.” Wie plans to do all three things on her 18th, and top it off with a celebratory round of golf.
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