Wie Bit of History

Michelle Wie, who won her first professional tournament last weekend, was once coached by Gary Gilchrist, who was the director of golf at IMG Academies in Bradenton. On occasion, he would caddie for Wie when her father wasn’t available.

About six years ago, she played in a 36-hole U.S. Women’s Open final qualifier at Heathrow in Orlando. Her dad was the caddie.

I walked with Gilchrist for much of the qualifying, and she rallied on the final 18 to get into a three-person playoff.  On the first playoff hole, she hit a 6-iron to within about 4 feet of the hole and made the birdie to win the playoff.

Also in the field that day were Paula Creamer and Morgan Pressel, now stars on the LPGA Tour. If last weekend was any indication, Creamer, Pressel and the rest of the LPGA Tour will have to contend with Wie. She is capable of being the Tiger Woods of the LPGA.