The Latest on Michelle Wie

The future of American womens professional golf has never been brighter, a fact that was never more obvious than after the United States convincing triumph over a strong European team eight days ago in an electric Solheim Cup.

Heres more good news: U.S. Womens Amateur Champion Morgan Pressel and Michelle Wie will both play Solheim Cup golf for the United States in the not-too-distant future.

The fiery Pressel has also stated the Solheim Cup as one of her goals. Wies future goals have been largely misunderstood.

Which is why I contacted her father, B.J. Wie, recently wishing to know if his daughter looked forward to participating in the Solheim Cup one day. There had been growing speculation that Wie would turn pro (more on that later in this column) without joining the LPGA or PGA Tours.

The resultant freedom would allow her to play a full schedule, mostly on sponsors exemptions, without needing releases to play in overseas events that almost certainly will offer her lucrative appearance fees.

Anyway, heres what B.J. Wie had to say about Michelles future as a Solheim Cupper and her future in general:

I believe some of LPGA players and golf fans misunderstood Michelles career goal. Michelle has often stated that Michelle wants to play in the Masters and one day wants to be a member of both PGA and LPGA Tours. These are her ultimate long range career goals. Some people failed to distinguish between a short-term goal and a long-term goal..

I wish to make the record straight. Michelle will concentrate on playing LPGA tournaments and hopes to play in the Solheim Cup. It will be certainly interesting to follow whether Michelle will achieve her ultimate goal during her professional career.

Which leaves one other major question: When will Wie turn professional? Most people still believe it will be right before the LPGAs Samsung World Championship which begins in California Thursday Oct. 13, two days after Michelles 16th birthday.

Sources have told me the decision has already been made and Wie is signed sealed and delivered with an equipment and clothing contract and a deal with a management company.

But at this moment, nobody has confirmed exactly what Wie will do next month.

When I asked B.J. Wie, his answer was cautious but nonetheless interesting.

The decision on Michelles professional career is very complex and requires a highly-sophisticated strategic planning and execution, he said. All I can say to you now is that I am taking on an extremely conservative path.

Which suggests two possibilities: The Wie family has not yet decided that Samsung is the right time to turn professional. Or, it could mean she will turn pro next month but not sign all her endorsement contracts until B.J. Wie is comfortable with the language.

This story will come increasingly into focus in the coming days. Stay tuned.

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