Standing over six feet tall with the ability to drive a golf ball over 280 yards, Michelle Wie is one of the most impressive teenage athletes in the world today. At the age of seventeen, this professional American golfer, who competes against both men and women, has already made a tremendous impact on the sport, and she serves as an inspirational role model for many young athletes around the globe. Already compared to golfing greats such as Tiger Woods, it is widely anticipated that Michelle Wie will one day compete against legends on the PGA Tour.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Michelle Wie began learning the game of golf at just four years of age. At the age of eleven, she shot an amazing score of 64 in 18 holes at the Olomana Golf Links, one of Hawaii’s most popular courses. Following that, she became the youngest player ever to qualify for a USGA amateur championship. Remarkably, Michelle Wie made her first appearance in an LPGA major at the age of thirteen. In 2003, she became the youngest-ever winner of the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links.
Michelle Wie’s success on the golf course is matched by her success in the classroom. An exceptional student, she is scheduled to graduate from Punahou School in May of 2007, and has announced her intention to attend Stanford University in the fall. In addition to her love for the game of golf, Michelle Wie also enjoys reading, drawing, and using computers.
Since turning professional in 2005, Michelle Wie has earned significant prize money for placing in a number of challenging events. She has also set a number of golf records for her ability to qualify for major tournaments as a female and at such a young age. She is constantly striving to improve upon past performances and live up to her amazing skills. A young woman who cherishes her family, Michelle Wie acknowledges the vital role her Korean-born parents have played in her life, and continues to often use the services of her father as caddie.
Michelle Wie has come a long way since using her grandmother’s golf clubs in match play at the Women’s U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship at the age of eleven. In fact, in 2006, she was listed in Time magazine as “one of 100 people who shape our world.” And with her drive, both on the golf course and off, fans can be assured that Michelle Wie will remain in the spotlight for a long time to come. Michelle Wie is the rarest of celebrities, a young woman with an extraordinary blend of talent, beauty, athleticism, intelligence, and ambition. Standing above the tee, addressing the ball, Michelle Wie is a pleasure to root for, a champion with the heart to turn every shot into her longest drive.
Sources
The TIME 100 People Who Shape Our World 2006,” TIME, April 2006.
“Wie has already won with the fans,” Honolulu Star-Bulletin, July 6, 2005.
“Michelle Wie able to advance in men’s tourney,” Honolulu Star-Bulletin, July 13, 2005.
“Wie gets accepted to Stanford,” Yahoo Sports, December 2006.
LPGA.com
PGA.org
