Annika Doubts Wie’s Talent

Annika Sorenstam has harsh words for Michelle Wie. [Photo credit: SCOTT HALLERAN, STEFAN POSTLES / GETTY IMAGES]

In an interview for the May issue of Golf Magazine, Annika Sorenstam shared her thoughts on Michelle Wie. Golf.com senior editor Alan Bastable has the story. The most telling quote from Sorenstam, a 10-time major champion, is that she believes Wie’s talent “is not there”. WOW! Wie and Sorenstam had a bit of a spat back in 2007 when Wie, citing a wrist injury, withdrew from the Ginn Tribute Hosted by Annika, an LPGA Tour event. At the  event, Wie was in danger of shooting 88, meaning she would be off the tour, per LPGA Tour rules. Wie was spotted practicing at the US Women’s Open venue days later. At the time Annika said Wie’s withdrawal showed “a lack of class”. In the Golf Magazine story Sorenstam also states that Wie’s development as an amateur was stunted by her playing in men’s events, rather than learning to compete against women first. It should be noted that, although Sorenstam did complete in the PGA Tour’s Colonial Invitational in 2003, she had already established herself as the premiere player in women’s golf.