The future

As Fred Couples has noted, you can read about Michelle all you want, but when you see her hit a golf ball, there’s nothing that can prepare you for it. She employs a neutral grip, and uses a wide backswing, a la Davis Love. Michelle stands up straight on her swing, a textbook PGA power stroke, right on plane. The explosive way she releases her hands just before impact reminds many of another precocious golfer, Sergio Garcia.

At time of going to press, a new Rolex Women’s World Golf Ranking sees Michelle Wie at world number 2. Having only competed in 16 events the system shows her strong performances over the last 13 weeks in particular. Only Michelle can truly know if she can handle the expectations and pressures that rest on her shoulders, and her comments following the Sony Open suggest that she does feel ready.