Some good advice for wonderkid Michelle Wie

Some good advice for wonderkid Michelle Wie Michelle Wie's' much-publicised quest for golfing immortality continues this summer when she makes one of her increasingly-regular appearances alongside the professionals at the Weetabix Women's British Open. The appearance of the 15-year-old American wonderkid at Royal Birkdale between July 28 and 31 represents a huge boost to the Championship. It gives the British golfing public a great chance to watch someone who Arnold Palmer regards as one of the most exciting golfers to emerge in years. But is also does nothing to dispel fears that Wie is currently too focussed on the professional game for her own good. "Michelle will change the scene without question," Palmer proclaimed after watching the Hawaiian in action a couple of years ago. "She's probably going to influence the game as much as Tiger, maybe more. She's going to attract people that even Tiger didn't attract, young people, both boys and girls, families. It's going to be exciting to see how she develops." Whatever one's views about those particular comments, there is no doubting the fact that Wie has made a huge impact since bursting onto the scene three years ago. Back in 2003, at the tender age of just 13, Wie created a considerable stir when she secured a berth in the final group in her first appearance in one of the women's Majors. Later that same year, she became the youngest ever winner of the US Women's Amateur Public Links Championship. Subsequently, she has made nine cuts out of 10 on the US LPGA Tour, and has also played with distinction in two appearances on the US PGA Tour, the first of those coming in the Sony Open at start of 2004 when a second round 68 left her at even par 140, a tantalising one shot outside the qualification mark. Wie is clearly an incredible prospect but, in one sense at least, she does not live up to her superstar billing. A few years ago, Tiger Woods heralded his arrival onto the scene by winning three US Boys' and three US Amateur titles before deciding to turn professional at the age of 19. In contrast, however, Wie would seem to be concentrating her energies, not on garnering amateur titles, but on increasing her profile via a series of well-publicised sorties against the professionals. To date, it would be fair to say, results have been mixed. She has performed admirably. She has attracted a host of potential sponsors, ready to lavish untold riches on her. But she is not learning the art of winning regularly and that is something that troubles Woods, as well as many other onlookers, too. "I think it is good to play against people who are better than you," Woods said last year when asked to comment on Wie's schedule. "You do learn that way. But I also adhere to the philosophy that you need to play and win. You have to learn the art of winning. My Dad was a big believer in that and I think that's what she (Wie) needs to do." For what it is worth, I also share Woods' misgivings about Wie's chosen career path and, to back up that argument, would cite the example of her compatriot, Ty Tryon, who would seem to have lost his way after succumbing to the lure of the pro game while only 17. Tryon, like Wie, was a bone fide child prodigy. At the age of 16, he became the second youngest player to make a cut at a PGA Tour event when he finished tied 39th at the 2001 Honda Classic. Later that year, he became the youngest player ever to qualify for the US PGA Tour when he closed with a 65 to earn his card at the Qualifying School. Subsequently, however, he has struggled, casting doubts about his decision to turn pro at such a tender age. In 2002, partly as a result of contracting mononucleosis, Tryon made just £5,000 on the US PGA Tour. The following year, playing with a medical exemption, he won £80,000 but still lost his Tour card and last season he dropped even further, amassing a mere £6,000 in 22 appearances on the Nationwide Tour. Life has been tough for Tryon, so perhaps it is no surprise that he appears to have lost the zest for life he displayed as a precocious young amateur. Last month, he did win his first professional title, collecting a cheque for £6,500 at a lowly Hooters Tour event, but even then he struggled to show much enthusiasm. "What am I supposed to do," he asked when queried about the lack of excitement he was showing? "Jump in the air? Maybe I will if I win next week. If a win a few more, then maybe I will." Of course, Wie might well be totally different. She might be so talented that she can afford to learn her trade while committing so much time to competing among the professionals. That said, if I was her, I suspect I would listen to Tiger Woods when he is handing out free advice. After all, he doesn't do it often. But, when he does, he tends to be right.