Wie Fallin': Media Says Golf Prodigy's Image Taking A Swoon

Wie Facing Criticism For Recent Actions

With recent events involving golfer Michelle Wie, including her withdrawing from the LPGA Ginn Tribute last week after being 14-over par through 16 holes and event sponsors complaining about her demeanor during the event's pro-am, many are writing about the young star’s current image. In Philadelphia, Joe Logan writes under the header, “Golf’s Golden Girl Is Tarnished.” Logan: “Much of Wie’s luster is already gone, along with the buzz she used to bring to a tournament,” including this week's major, the McDonald's LPGA Championship (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 6/7). In Phoenix, John Davis writes under the header, “Wie’s Image Hurting Now,” and notes blogs “suggest that her list of detractors is growing” (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 6/7). USA TODAY’s Christine Brennan writes under the header, “Wie’s Handlers Dropped The Ball.” When Annika Sorenstam "is on your case, take it as a big hint that your career is in a free fall. … It’s stunning, really, how poorly things now are going for one of the greatest female talents to play the game” (USA TODAY, 6/7). ESPN.com’s Ron Sirak notes the PGA Tour’s increased popularity and purses during Tiger Woods’ career and writes Wie has a “special talent that could lead [the LPGA] to new riches as well. The difference is Wie is holding the tour and its players at arm’s length while she rakes in the dough with the other arm” (ESPN.com, 6/6).