Michelle Wie’s First LPGA Victory

photo credit: Keith Allison   The LPGA desperately needed Michelle Wie’s first LPGA victory at the Lorena Ochoa Invitational, in Guadalajara, Mexico, as much as she did.  At the age of 16, Wie became an instant millionaire when she turned pro and received a huge endorsement from Nike.  Now at age 20, Wie’s career has taken many turns, mostly downward.  

Last year (2008), Wie had to go back to Q school to re-qualify for the LPGA tour.  After one disappointment after another, Wie finally got to kiss an LPGA trophy.  This bodes well for the LPGA Tour, which has had sinking ratings and poor attendance at tournament events.

“I didn’t think I would cry but I did.  It was everything I expected and more,” she said.  “It’s been long overdue,” Wie exclaimed.