SI.com – Golf – Wie officially a pro – Wednesday October 5, 2005 3:36PM:
Officially, a pro
Wie to make pro debut Oct. 13 at Samsung event
Posted: Wednesday October 5, 2005 2:11PM; Updated: Wednesday October 5, 2005 8:22PMHONOLULU (AP) — There was no Tigeresque “Hello, world” moment.
No, Michelle Wie strode into a crowded conference room with high heels and high hopes and said what everyone already knew.
“I’m finally happy to say I’m a pro starting today,” said Wie, who turns 16 in six days. “The first time I grabbed a golf club, I knew I’d do it for the rest of my life. Some 12 years later, I’m finally turning pro, and I’m so excited.”
Wie has signed endorsement deals with Nike and Sony said to be worth $10 million a year. Her first act as a professional was to give some of it back.
She pledged $500,000 to the U.S. Golf Hurricane Relief Fund, set up by the major golf organizations.
Now that’s just awesome.
I saw her on Letterman last week, and he poked fun at the fact that she wasn’t yet old enough to even drive herself to the golf courses she played at, but when he asked her what a decent shot off of the tee was, she remarked that it was in the 315-320 range.
Wow.