Michelle Wie Still Doesn’t Get It

I watched the NCAA Men’s championship last night and it looked to be an exciting game right down to the last shot. I say ‘looked’ as I was doing my taxes at the same time. I’ve been playing basketball since my only shot was a two hand underhand and I’m old enough now that it’s almost all I have left. Over the years I’ve seen the rules of the game change so much I hardly recognize it anymore. To my eyes rules violations are everywhere, but not enforced. It’s rare not to see a player palm the ball, travel, or foul the opponent. I guess today’s officials are aware of a different rule book than I am.

Perhaps golf’s greatest asset is that the rules rarely change and they are enforced to the letter. Tiger doesn’t get any pass on the rules the way Michael Jordan did. (I have to note that ‘pace of play’ is the one place that golf is getting perilously close to rules slippage.)

In golf, you still have to call a rules violation on yourself, even if no one is looking. There is no forgiveness in the rules that I’m aware of, no special conditions. They always apply, even when common sense would tell you they shouldn’t. And that’s the beauty of the sport.

Last week, Michelle Wie once again ran afoul of the rules at the Kia Classic. There’s no sin in that and this time she called herself on the infraction and asked the officials for a ruling. So far so good. Unfortunately her interaction with the officials was televised to the world. Instead of stating her case and taking the officials’ ruling gracefully, she proceeded to whine about not being understood and not being treated fairly for way too long. She came across more as a 12 year old arguing with a parent over making her bed than as an adult respectful of the game and its officials.

It should be mentioned that the violation cost her around $90,000 in prize money. That’s got to hurt, but taking it like a woman is what shows you’ve moved on from some very disappointing behavior during your teenage career. I had forgiven Michelle those earlier problems and attributed most to poor parenting. Once you’re 18 you become an adult in my book. No longer can you blame anyone but yourself. All adults damage their kids in some way, even the best parents. Growing up is about recognizing that and taking complete responsibility for yourself. Michelle, acquitted herself well during the Solheim Cup, but still has some growing up to do.

Related posts:

1. Michelle Wie, Your Not A Kid Anymore!
2. Wie Wie Wie All The Way Home
3. Some Michelle Wei (and Sean O’Hair) Thoughts
4. If Only Mr. Wie Had Been Mr. Woods!
5. Is Wie Finally Growing Up?

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