It's probably just the timing, but what's happening between Michelle Wie (who just can't seem to stay out of the news) and the LPGA Tour (which would like to stay in the news, but not this way) certainly appears to be a big, In-Your-Face right now.
To recap: Wie was disqualified at the LPGA's State Farm Classic when she left the scoring area without signing her card.
Four days later, in a two-page memo from Commissioner Carolyn Bivens to LPGA members (but leaked to news agencies all over the place), Bivens explains the incident, defends the rules official and says the Associated Press misquoted the official and ran a correction.
The AP did neither, it contends, but that's not the main thrust here. Why such a memo was necessary in the first place is an issue, but then so is a potentially greater after-effect, such as, why give the impression that you're picking on Wie again when the thing is already done?
This week, the LPGA's fourth and final major of the year gets underway . . . and finds itself competing for attention with none other than Wie, who is playing the PGA Tour's Reno-Tahoe Open, opposite the Women's British Open.
Now, say what you will about Wie and her golf and her uncanny ability to upset people with her scheduling, but she does attract eyeballs and must be considered a factor both at the gate and on television.
What other female pro golfer can you say that about?
Wie hasn't made the cut in eight tournaments on the PGA Tour and she knows everyone isn't always on her side.
"There are going to be criticisms in entering this tournament, but at the same time, I'm just doing what I feel like I want to do," she said.
She's right about one thing, there are already criticisms. Here's one from pro Jay Williamson, who told the Reno Gazette-Journal that he's puzzled that Wie took a sponsor's exemption that could have gone to a PGA Tour pro.
"I know she is going to sell a lot more tickets than I will, but I would say it's surprising," Williams said. "I don't think it's a real popular decision out here."
So who will get the bigger ratings, the Women's British Open or the Reno-Tahoe Open? Stay tuned.
England calling
Meanwhile, at Sunningdale, in Berkshire, England, the last major on the LPGA Tour gets underway at the Ricoh Women's British Open, with Lorena Ochoa the defending champion.
