LPGA Members Not Happy With Michelle Wie

Michelle Wie withdrew from the GInn Memorial last week, citing a wrist injury. But given that Wie was 14-over through 16 holes at the time she withdrew, a lot of people think the wrist was just a convenient excuse, and that Wie's real reason was that she was afraid she would shoot an 88 or higher, which would automatically disqualify her from future LPGA events.

It turns out that "a lot of people" includes multiple players interviewed by Golf World, although those people wouldn't speak on the record. Overall, it sounds like most LPGA players dislike what they see as preferential treatment for Wie, while at the same time understanding the financial realities that make that preferential treatment necessary.

A common sentiment among players is that the LPGA is over a barrel with Wie, wanting the attention she brings and willing to make compromises to gain her participation and hopefully her membership. "I think obviously the LPGA is protecting the LPGA," Sherri Steinhauer, a 22-year veteran, said when asked about the discussion between Higgs and Nared. "She's a draw for the LPGA, and that's where that comes in."

Wie is nothing close to America's best female golfer, but she's by far America's most popular female golfer. And as long as she's the latter, the LPGA will cater to her needs, even if she never becomes the former.