|
Wie sees no cons to turning pro
(China Daily)
Updated: 2005-10-13 06:12
PALM DESERT, California: Less than a week into her pro career, golf prodigy
Michelle Wie isn't seeing any cons.
The Korean-American schoolgirl celebrated her 16th birthday on Tuesday at the
Bighorn Golf Club, where she will make her pro debut on Thursday in the
US$850,000 LPGA Samsung World Championship.
"Of course it took a lot of planning, a lot of discussion, what are the cons
and what are the pros of turning pro," said Wie, who made her decision official
on October 5.
"All of a sudden, I said: 'I think I'm ready for it.' I really want to do it
and I think I made a good decision," Wie said, adding that the encouragement of
South African golfer Ernie Els had helped her see herself making the move.
"I talked to him, and he is like, 'You're ready to turn pro,'" she recalled.
"It made me feel a lot better."
The move to the pro ranks immediately transformed the high school student
into a multimillionaire.
"Just the other day, I got my first tax form," Wie said. "I was excited about
that. I know it's not something you should be excited about, but it's pretty
cool for me."
Deals with Nike and Sony will bring Wie nearly US$10 million, making her the
wealthiest woman in golf, trailing only tennis stars Maria Sharapova of Russia
and Serena Williams, a fellow American, in endorsement income.
She has even signed a representation deal with the
William Morris Agency, known for Hollywood connections rather than sporting
ones.
|
