How Michelle Wie's Golf Career Got RUINED By Doing This... 

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She wasn’t “beating most pros on the tour.” She got into 2-3 men’s events and finished last in two of them.

I played with Michelle in the Mamala Open at Hickman AFB Hi in 2002. She was twelve yrs old and she was in Championship flight. I was an active duty airman with a 5 handicap and in first flight. I told my friends that a 12 yr old girl was not going to beat me from the championship tees. Yikes. Glad I didn’t make any wagers. I shot 75 in howling Kona winds placing second in first flight. Michele shot 74. She finished middle of the pack in Championship flight. We never spoke during the entire round. Her father was her caddie and neither spoke to anyone in our group. Michelle couldn’t out drive me, but she could hit a 4 iron closer to the pin than I could with a wedge. Her 74 should have been a 68 if she could putt, but she was terrible on the greens. She three putted inside ten feet twice and never made a putt outside 8 feet. I was convinced she could make the PGA tour after that tournament. She was only 12 yrs old and shooting even par or better from the tips! Imagine how good she will be when she learns how to putt and stops listening to her father. That said, I will always be a fan of Michelle.

They had her completing against men as a teenager. That was a mistake. She should have been allowed to play the game naturally as a child. Greedy, ambitious adults made decisions for her. Too much pressure for a kid, no matter how talented she is.

I think her decision to attend Stanford and earn her degree while she was already a pro and not eligible for NCAA golf had a lot to do with limiting her professional success. Was very busy with school during the prime years of her career. But, i have never heard her say she regretted that decision.

Career got ruined??? Michele is prob one of the most liked and celebrated LPGA stars, an analyst, worth millions, huge personal brand and has had a superb legacy.

It should be mentioned - she was brought into those tournaments through sponsors' exemptions. She was pushed into them too early. She should have entered the LPGA, like Lydia Ko, and been invited into the PGA after succeeding there.

I was so happy to watch Michelle win the US OPen...she finally had a major win...with all her other victories...this solidified her as a great golfer! She put up with a lot of distractions, but kept coming back...very resilient....always a favorite of mine.

I don't see her life as ruined. She still had a fairy tale story and life.

Downfall? Shes lived a far better life than 99 percent of the population. People are ridiculous

Golf is a crazy hard game. Many have their most success when they are young. Johnny Miller was the absolute best golfer for about 4 years when he was in his 20's. Often it is really hard to pinpoint exactly what causes a great golfer to falter. Michelle had a lot of freak unfortunate injuries. IMO the things she did when she was under 19 did not cause her to falter in her late 20's. I think a big part was that women's golf was completely dominated by the Korean women emerging after Si Ri Pak won the US Open in 1999. Koreans are known to be relentlessly dedicated from a very young age being driven to practice and dedicate their lives to golf. So a lot of American golfers besides Michelle faded from the top 20. Its really not how long you stay at the top but how high you go in your best moments, as they say in golf you never own greatness you are just renting it. Michelle won the US Women's Open and the US Women's Amateur Public links, She graduated from Stanford University and she had a baby... she is a success story.

She had so much talent and I loved watching her play. Now she's married to the son of one of my sports hero's growing up, Jerry West. This is so great and I wish them all the luck and love in the world. If she ever comes to Oklahoma, she needs to bring hubby and kids with her and all of us play a nice round of fun golf, my treat. This is not a tragic story. It's a fairytale with the princess wedding the prince. So cool and thank you Michelle.

Same thing happened to Lydia Ko. When she seemed to be winning every tournament her parents, who were very involved in her career, changed her coaches, caddie and equipment. It took several years for her to return to her winning ways and even then it was not at the superior level she once performed at.

Everyone I know who trained under David leadbetter says he messed up all of their swings

I love and respect Michelle Wie! Wish her nothing but the very best life.

A perfect example of what NOT to do if you have a child prodigy

It’s unfair for outsiders to speculate on what happened to her, because it’s just speculation. Unlike some teenage phenoms that ended in tragedy, she won a major, is set financially in life and seems to have found happiness in her life. Congrats!

She always held herself beautifully as a person. Just a great woman! Couldn't win golf tournaments as they predicted she would, and thats generally a kiss of death. But she always represented herself, family and the game with great pride. Love her!!

She was absolutely brilliant and achieved a massive amount. But of course, to see this side of things you have to put it into perspective. A child prodigy, easy to think that when she grew into a woman she was gonna win everything in sight. It didn't quite work out but she won some great tournaments and had a major to her name. Many blessings for this golfing goddess of a woman!

When you are young and talented there is no pressure...when you become an adult and have to perform against the best players in the world week in and week out with expectations that you should dominate things get much more pressure filled. Only the great ones (Jack, Tiger, et al) go one to have dominant adult pro careers.

Millionaire, Major winner, Stanford graduate, and now Married to Jerry West's son. Ruined......

The spot where she signed an incorrect scorecard due to a drop on the 3rd round that was possibly discovered after the 4th round is one reason gold is insane! Can you imagine an NBA Championship Team celebrating during their Home Town Parade and officials saying, "Well let's go back to a play during Game 2 and then overturning that play which means that the losing team for that game is awarded the victory and then the NBA Championship is changed!! Or, a fan calling in from home during an NFL Game and notifying the officials of a possible penalty that wasn't called and the refs changing the call? Please Gold come into the 21st century!!

I think she got overhyped as a teen. She may have been a phenom but not even Tiger got that much hype has a teen. After that, it became impossible to live up to the hype. She’s won a major. Which not many good golfers on the tour can say.

In the end, she managed to make a lot of money. $7.28 million in career earnings. That made retiring at a young age possible. And she's done well since her retirement, her net worth now is an estimated $20 million. She could have been the greatest female golfer ever but its not as easy as everyone thought it was. Players who can dominate like Tiger Woods are very rare. She was never that player on the LPGA tour. She had talent but seemed to underachieve. She could drive the ball 50 yards farther than most of the field but it didn't help her win. It just goes to show that talent alone isn't enough to win.

2 things held her back at the end of the day, she couldn't putt and he body failed her and injuries robbed her of her ability to compete. She struggled most of her career with putting and injuries. Possibly the 3rd factor was constantly pursuing technique over feel. But I'm so glad she won the US Open no one can ever take that away.

Nothing but best wishes for this young lady. She was always a big draw and a delight to watch.

She is built for it gifted with height and a passion for the sport. Having that 6’1” height advantage gets her to leverage her swing with a powerful wide angle swings. Tiger Woods is 6’1” and male. Let that sink in.

It is solely up to Michelle and her family to define her success. NOT hack sportswriters. And CERTAINLY NOT the LPGA marketing machine.

What this shows is how tough it is to do any sport professionally. Takes more than just talent. Right now she seems to be enjoying herself and is happy.

thanks for this story of Michelle, I followed her when she was young nice to see she is married and successful.

I've seen her in person, I can add poor attitude. She was snobbish and very cruel to the people who paid to see her.

Think she still ha a good career. Some people might just have unrealistic expectation there.

When they put Lydia Ko to be coached by Leadbetter, I thought she would go down the same path as Michelle Wie.

I enjoyed watching Michelle Wie play golf. She had some of the best forms I had seen. Right about no one leaving her alone to play her golf. When she was young it was all about how great. When got older, an eighteen or so, all stories were seemly to bring her down not stopping. I do not know about her parents, coach, or anyone else only the sporting news was enough to make anyone not play their game. Interviews were not good either. This woman could maybe have been and should have been one of the greatest golfers. I had to quit watching about her it was so sad. I was happy she found love, marriage and started a family.

Outside pressures was too much for Wie. Many critics destroyed her fire. She was bigger than Tiger for women’s golf around the world.

I wish Michelle and Johnny all the best in their family life. It's not easy to live in the spotlight and be in front of the public all the time. I hope she can further women's golf in a positive way.

Saw her play at the Lancaster CC in PA during the women's US open. Quite the talent, and stopped to sign many autographs as well.

So sad that others negatively affected her game!!! Fans loved her and still do!!

Am glad she has got it back together! She is winning in life!

She was one of my favorites. I'm glad to hear she's doing well financially and family wise. Best of luck to her in the future.

We miss Michelle! Best of luck in all her endeavors!

Congrats Michelle and Family, move on and Keep Inspiring!🍀🙌💪

To make a long story short either she or her parents decided to allow her to compete against males and she got the ever living shit kicked out of her and it ruined her psychologically. Had she never once competed against any males and just played against females and gone through the necessary stages of success she would possibly have been the most dominant female golfer of all time because she certainly had the talent. It's yet another perfect example of the need to keep the sexes COMPLETELY separate in sports.

"Keep watching the entire video to see how Michelle dealt with all the issues in her career" and that says enough right there.

I subbed just for this story. The best story told in a remarkable way. She was such a joy to watch play and she made a huge difference in women's golf. BTW, she could still pick up the sticks and win...She's just that good

Congrats you're accomplishments are simply amazing

I’m sure ESPN would be happy knowing that you ripped off their logo.

She is one of hundreds if not thousands of young teens peaking in all kinds of sports too early and most of them have not gone on to professional careers. Examples are in every sport in the world.

This is an amazing success story. God bless her and her family.

Wrecked by her dad and Lead poison.. err.. i mean Leadbetter

I saw her at a Canadian Open in Vancouver. She was at the driving range on the Thursday before the tournament. I asked her for an autograph but she wasn't able to because both of her parents were watching over her. She must of had a crappy career being handled by those two. I have selfies with almost all of the other players but her attitude was completely different than the everyone else there.

Thank you for sharing.

I first heard of Michelle when I read about her while I was sitting on the beach reading the Maui News. Even then, I thought that she was being put under way too much pressure by her parents. Coaches have ruined lots of careers. PGA Pros start making money and hire the "best" coaches without thinking, "What problem do I need to fix?" Like many consultants, the coach will maximize his/her payday by finding all kinds of issues.

She should never have entered into men’s tournaments. Don’t become a freak show attraction, should have just dominated the women and not focus on strength and strategy to beat men.

All the best Michelle Wie you know what’s best .❤

9:43 the media was salivating over those pancakes 😅😂

Last year they had a Maxda6 concept car. One of the best looking concept cars ever but they scrapped it.

What the heck is up with the music

I had Leadbetters VHS tutorials back in the day. I am not a champion, say no more...lol.

The Media was gas lighting the public by constantly referring to her as a Super Star. I believe she averaged one win every two years. She's was a journeyman not outstanding.

Arguably, the greatest 15 year old golfer, male or female, ever. On top of the achievements mentioned in the video, she was a short put away from making the cut the first two PGA events she played at 15. If she was a better putter, she probably retires the most decorated LPGA player all-time.

I worked the Sony open for 10 years. I was on the practice putting green and driving range which were in the same area. With out a doubt Michelle's biggest problem was her father. He would yell at her from outside the ropes. I believe it was the first Sony open she played in. She had the late round that day and was on the practice putting green with David and her parents and her caddy after the round. Her father was on her so bad her mother threw him off the putting green. She putted a 100 balls from 10 feet and made maybe 10 percent. Her body language said I am tired of this shit and have had enough. She played in 2 Sony Opens and the first year missed the cut by 1 stroke and beat 40 or 50 guys. Most of the players were not help she was playing. I was standing behind Zinger who was talking with some of the guys when one of them asked Paul what he thought he would shoot this week. His answer was and I quote " one shot better than Michelle Wei I hope. It truly was a shame to watch how her father treated her. All the players referred to David as Leadworth. I still have the support Michelle Wei button that her mother was passing out.

This exceptional female met every challenge, made appropriate adjustments, and continues to be a terrific example of a wonderful person, spouse, and mother. Only positive things to say about her here.

I think the PGA thought they needed to make a circus out of their tour for more fans.

When one has a gift, one does not interrupt that person. Only intervene when somethings not right. Still an amazing gorgeous golfer.

She's a great ambassador for the LPGA, a great golf analyst, and should be on the play-by-play team of LPGA events if her motherhood allows the time.

When I met her I was shocked at what a nice person she was (I expected a prima Donna). Also, tv doesn’t do her justice… she is a goddess.

Welcome to the game of golf, and this happens often. My best comparison would be Rory (although he's had a far more successful career), as he hasn't won a Major in over a decade. When ANYONE is pushed THAT HARD as young as she & Rory were, the pressure can be overwhelming. However, feeling sorry for her... not really. She's been very successful in various other avenues. I do agree that she had the potential to be the next Tiger Woods, only on the LPGA. She hadn't accomplished enough before everyone already crowned her THE BEST.

I always wondered what happened to her. I wasn't a fan of golf but I loved watching her play and then she just faded away. But its nice to see that she's become so successful in other areas marked by a high degree of intelligence and integrity.

Giuliani was saying how the media thought. Period.

I fear that Charlie Wood's future will go down the same path, only this time it will be the media that ends his career at such a young age.

Only Michelle Wie really knows what affected her the most. However, my take on it was that the coaching definitely played a part getting her to think to much, but I also think it was the negative media of her that intitally got into her head too much. When she started to play pro, there was constant criticism of her game, technique, how her parents were handling her career, caddie issues, etc. I think all the negative criticism really rattled here confidence and mental game. On the flipside, Tiger only had positive publicity coverage from a very young age. Only when he had negative publicity of his personal problems is when you saw his game really falter. Golf is so mental that any negative chaos around you can negatively affect your game.

Man, wow I watched her win on TV, when she was winning they waited at the end and took her winning game from her, I hated that, I was so mad, I don't know nothing about golf but when a person win you can tell, please stay strong my sister, don't give up keep going, it's coming, I'm so proud of you, No matter what I will always be proud of you, because you was doing, people only can talk about it, but you did it 🎉❤😊 love you little sister stay strong 😊🎉❤

This an inspiring story what a beautyful human being

Your description of the manner in which Michelle's career was managed as a "s**t show" is spot on.

Love you Michelle ! I am sure she has found some happiness and solidarity

What is ESN? They are obviously affiliated with ESPN. (If they aren't they'll be sued! haha.) Michelle was an amazing young player. And her "stage mother" management didn't understand.

There were several factors that railroaded Michelle Wie into obscurity. Throughout her career, Michelle Wie faced both acclaim and scrutiny. Wie burst onto the golf scene as a young prodigy, gaining immense attention even before turning professional. The intense spotlight and high expectations placed on her shoulders at a tender age might have hindered her development. Part of the problem was self-inflicted. Wie participated in several men’s tournaments, including the PGA Tour, which sparked debates about her wanting to be someone she clearly was not. Some believed it was a brilliant move to challenge gender norms, while others felt it distracted her from focusing on the women’s tour. During her first professional event, at the 2005 LPGA Samsung World Championship Wie was disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard. Wie’s career was marked by injuries and swing adjustments. This led to inconsistent performance and fueled criticism about her commitment to the game. Being in the public eye, Wie faced gossip and rumors, which sometimes overshadowed her achievements. Her personal life and decisions were often scrutinized. In recent years, Wie has battled injuries and contemplated retirement. Her decision to step away from competitive golf has prompted discussions about her legacy and the toll of fame on young athletes. In the end, Michelle Wie’s story serves as a reminder that success isn’t always linear, and the journey often involves navigating both triumphs and tribulations. Golf, as in life, has its ups and downs.

Hawaii is proud of Michelle Wie!!!

Getting into my late 50s now and have become well aware of the fact that there is a limited amount of physical things you can do before the body starts to break down in those areas. It stands to figure that when we start kids in sports as young as we do now that physical break down will occur earlier and shorten there adult carriers.

When she was interviewed in her late teens and asked which would she rather do, play in a golf tournament or go to the mall with her friends, what answer do you suppose she gave?

0:14 what Mens league and what pro tour did she beat most pro men? She never made the cut on the PGA tour and only made one cut in a men's tournament in 2006 at the SK Telecom Open on the Asian Tour.

I am not a fan of golf, don't know the game, the rules and i don't follow the news but I have heard of Michelle Wie and what I remember hearing and thinking was there is this young Korean girl who could be as good as men. As an "outsider" to the sport who hears surface level things, those were the only thing we hear. This girl could beat guys on the tour but some years later, she still couldn't beat the top girls. Some marketing gimmick that pushes her to compete for pictures, appearances fees, something like that. I don't know anything about this sport but I am sure, if she is allowed to do her thing in her category without sponsorship nonsense, she'd win more trophies. It feels like yesterday, I didn't realised that this tall teenager girl is already a 30 something and retired from golf. Time flies.

My Condolences to you too

David Leadbetter should have been thrown in jail for what he did to her swing.

Exploited by no one. She knew what was going on and gladly excepted the sponsor exemptions, fame, and money that came her way. In the end, she just wasn’t as good as the Media and her team claimed. Somehow every one is a victim nowadays!

I sure wish she'd have lived up to what we all expected from her. She had such a great swing in her younger years.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs West

watched her play at Locust Hill once in Rochester NY. fairly closely for a handful of holes. she looked like she was miserable. sad. very talented. hope shes happy now.

Generally, it's probably risky to seriously critique genius, when they are so close to perfect at what they do. This is especially true of young athletes who are more impressionable and you can only hope they have the best coaching.

I never understood what happened to her game. I admired her. Beautiful and gifted. The pressure they put her under was egregious!

Lovely, still young for the Golfer. So many achievement.

People grow and thinking is inevitable, whether introduced internally or externally. The components of sports success are way more complicated than anyone's ability to pinpoint it and this ASSUMES, in this case, she lived for sports success. Very presumptuous. The glory is the only part we see, far from representative of the whole picture. It's simply isn't for everyone. She's the only one who truly knows if she's satisfied with how things worked out, something none of us should second-guess - in ANYONE.

There is more to life than golf

I wouldn't necessarily blame the media. Parents have the final say in what happens as they grow up. She was, and is a great ambassador for golf

Just glad she is finding happiness again after in the spot lights.

Your background music is loud, distracting and annoying.

Good for her, she’s a Mom , business woman, wife, and happy!

Her down fall was thinking she could keep up with men. Trying to compete against men and playing overly heavy stiff clubs and trying to hit men's distances, over stressed her body and mind, leading to injuries and the end.

Being young and beautiful and having a gorgious swing..... well, MLB used to bring pitchers along slowly so they would not throw their arm out. NFL quarterbacks were held back so they could gain knowledge and confidence.