I Did It My Way – Michelle Wie’s US Open Triumph
By. Keely Levins and Tyler Atwood
PINEHURST, N.C. — Winning the US open in the LPGA is arguably the most daunting task in the whole game of women’s golf. Michelle Wie, having just graduated from Stanford and being the child prodigy that she was could have created more pressure going into the final day of competition. Wie had always shown glimmers of immense talent and potential, but when she decided to leave for college instead of going pro full time this sent shockwaves through the LPGA. People said she was washed up and would never be able to come back to the form they expected of her. The sheer independence Wie showed in doing what she thought was right and getting her degree shows how great of a golfer she will soon become, because with independence comes confidence and with confidence comes success.
As Michelle Wie was finishing off her U.S. Women’s Open victory at Pinehurst No. 2, we asked some of her peers what it would mean if Wie fulfilled the expectations placed on her as a teen prodigy and won a major title, both for herself and for the LPGA Tour.
Stacy Lewis: “That’s a long journey for a kid. It’s a lot for a kid to go through. She’s been through the ups and the downs, and going to college I think was the best thing she ever did. She kind of became her own independent person. That’s what you’re seeing out there. You’re seeing her personality, she’s having fun, she’s taken ownership of her game. So being her friend and watching her over the last few years, it’s a great thing to see.”
Lexi Thompson: “I think that [Michelle winning] would mean a lot of things for women’s golf. I think it will grow women’s golf a lot. Michelle is playing so great right now. It was a matter of time before she got her first major.”
Juli Inkster: “She’s worked really hard. She took a lot of bashing early on and she just persevered, and I would love to see her win.”
Stephanie Meadow: “Obviously, it’s great. It’s great to see her playing well. I think she draws a lot of people to the sport. So the more people we can get out here the better.”
Meg Mallon, who as captain picked Wie for the 2013 U.S. Solheim Cup: “I have to say that I’m just happy for Michelle! She is a special player and she’s stayed focused on her goals that got her here today. She is happy and settled in her life and therefore ready for success. The tour is in a good place, and she will be able to shine a bigger light on all the other great players out there.”
S² Tip
With independence comes confidence and with confidence comes success.
Success Story
Congratulations to UCLA’s Alison Lee for winning the 2014 NCAA Women’s Annika Award for the best college women’s golfer. Lee a rising sophomore won the award by being voted upon by her fellow players, coaches and media members. Lee won three times last season and helped the United States capture the Curtis Cup!
In Another’s Words…
“True independence and freedom can only exist in doing what’s right.”
– Brigham Young