 Wie was only 13 when she made her debut on the men's tour |
Michelle Wie will not compete in any men's tournaments in the near future, says her coach David Leadbetter. The 17-year-old American has struggled in the men's events she has played and Leadbetter feels she needs to establish herself on the women's tour first.
"My feeling is if she plays week in and week out on the LPGA, she would win eight or nine times a year," he said.
Wie, who has not played since January because of a wrist injury, is scheduled to return to action in four weeks.
She has pencilled in the LPGA's Ginn Tribute in South Carolina as her comeback event.
Leadbetter hopes her recent performances against the men have not damaged her psyche.
Wie made the cut in an event in Korea last year but finished near last in tournaments in Switzerland and Pennsylvania in September, and also struggled at the Sony Open this January.
"She's young and young players tend to blow off bad performances, but having said that, it's human nature, you don't want to be beaten up the whole time," he said.
"She's the greatest talent I've ever seen at 16, boy or girl. If she can keep going in that direction, and keep injury-free, we'll have an exciting time ahead."
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 