What, no "free pass" like Wie in the Woman's US Open? Good for Nick! He still has the game to qualify and compete. I respect him for making the successful effort.
I also just read that Tom Kite qualified for his 31st straight U.S. Open. It's great to see golfers who have accomplished so much go through the qualifying process with everyone else to get a spot.
It's great to see golfers who have accomplished so much go through the qualifying process with everyone else to get a spot.
I agree, and this is why many fans and players are upset that Wie got a free pass into the Women's Open before coming anywhere near proving herself to the extent that players like Nick and Tom have.
It's wonderful that these two icons of the game have qualified.
Although Faldo, Kite, and many others had to qualify for the Men's US Open, they are no Michelle Wie. Maybe when they accomplish all the things that she has, they'll get a free pass too!
Good observation! Although it's not Wie's fault (who wouldn't accept an exemption?) it sets her and the USGA up for a huge "I you so" if she doesn't play well. This may be Wie's first test of real pressure. The USGA sure put their future star in the hot seat!
Leaguegolf - as usual you're absolutely right. It is not Michelle's fault, and she'd be criticized whether she accepted the invitation, or turned it down.
A tough spot for a 14 year old to be in.
I have a feeling she'll be growing up very quickly. Hopefully she and her family know what she's getting into.
But, I guess, we should all have those problems, no? Who of us wouldn't want millions thrown at us to play golf, along with fame, noteriety, travel, and everything else that goes with it?
that's a good point. michelle seems to be taking a hit for being offered a sponsors exemption but complaints should be made about the usga instead. i bet if the usga offered nick faldo, tom kite or any other golfer for that matter, an exemption into this year's us open, they would have taken it in a heartbeat. i think it's a shame that michelle is being dragged through this when the usga should be at fault.
IMO It's all about promoting woman's golf and the added revenue Wie will generate for the USGA. She's in and I hope she plays well, but I believe the USGA has gone for the quick buck at the expense of competition. It's their tournament so they can do as they wish, but "exemptions" based on potential isn't what I thought our National Woman's Open was about. Just a thought....Wie has made it clear (by word and action) that her ultimate goal is to play on the men's tour. Is woman's golf just taking advantage of Wie before she abandons competition with women altogether?
My thoughts are...GREAT job by Faldo and Kite to qualify for the Open, wouldn't be same without Tom there. That being said....the reason these guy's had to qualify is because they did not meet the criteria of being in the top 30 on the money list at the end of last year or top 10 of the money list this year or being ranked in the the top 50.
Personally I have no problem with Michelle Wie getting the exemption...the fact is one of the criteria's to make it in the Womens US Open is being in the top 30 on the money list and if Michelle was not an Amateur she would be currently in the top 20 this year. Also...everyone is so upset she got a "free pass" when even if she wins this thing she won't receive a dime! gotta say...I'll be watching the Womens Open this year.
"That being said....the reason these guy's had to qualify is because they did not meet the criteria of being in the top 30 on the money list at the end of last year or top 10 of the money list this year or being ranked in the the top 50."
You won't find Wie on any money list or ranking. What criteria did she meet? Again, it's not her fault. Why should she decline the USGA's invitation? However, Wie's "free pass" is just that, because she did not qualify. Where she would have been on the LPGA money list is irrelevent because she's not a professional. Personally, I hope she plays well. The fact that she won't make a dime doesn't change the fact that she didn't qualify. Her drawing power got her in....not her clubs.
You won't find Wie on any money list or ranking. What criteria did she meet?
Just the fact that she would be in the top 20 on the money list AND in the top 20 in world ranking is enough "criteria"
Name one other Amateur that could say that...you can't...it's never happened. I'm not trying to pick on your point of view (cause basicly it's just an opinion), but we are in a new age now and when talent is THIS far ahead of it's time, it's simple. Let her play. Why hold a grudge against the USGA...we all know their money hungry son of a guns anyway.
Hold a grudge? Nah, it's their tournament and they can do whatever they choose. I just feel the USGA's message has always stressed the spirit of fair competition and now they've gone in another direction. Does this "New Age" mean talented young players can skip the traditional, competitive, qualifying process that has made the US Open what it is? I would've respected the USGA's decision if they just said, Wie is young, she's a phenom, she will increase revenues, and she's playing. The USGA using the "she would've been in the top 30 on the money list" line is unprecedented and lame. Bottom line...we agree that it's all about the money.
The thing is every tournament has these "special" exemptions....take Annika playing on the guy's tour and Johnny Bench getting an exemption on the SrPGA tour. Now normally they give the exemptions to Pro players that barely missed qualifying, but if they see a chance to grab bucks they will (like you said "we agree that it's all about the money"). I guess I see your point about giving the wrong impression to the youngens out there, but how many more Michelle Wie's could there be?...LOL
Thanks for the debate!
June 10th, 2004, 05:17 PM
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