The Next Tiger Woods: Michelle Wie?!?!
Posted January 15th, 2005 by Erik J. Barzeski
Wie may have missed the cut at the Sony Open, but in terms of marketability, she's a cut above the rest.
Michelle Wie has missed the cut. She finished at +9 - seven strokes back - six worse than her effort last year relative to the cut. Yet many believe she's going to be the next Tiger Woods. Not necessarily in the game of golf, but in the business of marketing.
This PGA.com article hints at it, with quotes like this: "Michelle's creating excitement because she's breaking down barriers," said Greg Nichols, general manager at Ko Olina Golf Club and a junior golf coach. "She has created a huge wave for golf."
Greg Nared, a business affairs manager for Nike, has been scouting Wie for several years. He noted that "she's good for the game because she could attract younger people and females." He was also quick to point out that Wie's South Korean heritage could broaden appeal in the Asian market.
What mega-deal awaits her when she graduates to the ranks of "professional golfer"? "Wie" can only wait and see.
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