Golfgal Golf news and commentary from a business woman’s perspective.
We all know, there are no guarantees in life. And…there are even fewer in golf. Certainly Michelle Wie learned that lesson the hard way, living in a world of unrealistic expectations, and dare I say, exploitation, by adults who were supposed to take care of her.
But Michelle was not alone. Others paid dearly for jumping on the gravy train – banking on Michelle like that she was the next card at the blackjack table – coaches, caddies, agents – greed drove them to her and greed busted them.
Michelle Wie experienced more highs and lows as a teenager than most of us face in a lifetime. Her story is fascinating and has recently been chronicled by journalist and author, Eric Adelson in “The Sure Thing – The Making and Unmaking of Golf Phenom Michelle Wie”
The story is not a new one, but Adelson, who first interviewed Michelle when she was only 10, does an excellent job of compiling what we already know of Michelle’s life in a well written, compelling story, and adds to it some very interesting comments and insights from those closest to her.
I really enjoyed The Sure Thing, but I must admit I experienced every emotion possible as I read it – love, hate, excitement, frustration, hope, dispair, joy and fury. I had trouble reading it at times, but also had trouble putting it down.
I wondered if Eric Adelson felt the same way as he was writing it. I also wondered how he felt now about Michelle’s future, given her recent successes at Q school, on the LPGA and being chosen as a captain’s pick at the Solheim Cup. Luckily I was able to talk to Eric this week and get those answers:
I am excited about Michelle’s future and I hope that she shows everyone who thought she was a has-been that her story did not end in 2007…that in fact, her life and legacy are just beginning at the ripe old age of 19.
Golfgal
Photos of Michelle © Photogolfe… Dreamstime.com
