Whereas once the narrative around Michelle Wie involved an ability or otherwise to endorse teenage talent, no discussion of the player can now take place without resembling a medical bulletin. This weekend’s Solheim Cup affords Wie her latest chance not only to prove doubters wrong but also to convince herself of a brighter professional future.
Since winning last year’s US Open, Wie has been afflicted by all manner of injuries. A thumb problem was relatively minor compared with more recent complaints, ranging from bursitis in her left hip to knee and ankle pain. All have been linked to the explosive golf swing which shot her to prominence in the first place. In terms of results, the 25-year-old’s 2015 has unsurprisingly been akin to a write-off.
Wie’s automatic place in the United States team to face Europe in Germany had effectively been sealed with that major triumph. Now, she is adamant the prospect of five matches in three days does not faze her despite the focus on her wellbeing.
“Before the Evian Championship [last week] I made sure I played 36 holes in one day, just to see,” Wie explained. “I talked to Juli [Inkster, the USA captain], I was: ‘You can play me as many or little as you want.’ If Juli wants me to play five matches, I’m good to go.”
While bullish now, Wie admits to the earlier doubts which will still linger with onlookers. Cortisone injections and protective casts have formed the backdrop to her season. “I’m so grateful to be here in this position right now,” Wie admitted.
“Juli and I have had a lot of talks this year. I would come back from the doctor and get a call from Juli. There are some conversations when I talked to Juli, honestly I told her: ‘I don’t know if I can play or not.’
“But the past month it really has been night and day. I played last week with no pain, knock on wood. And this week too.
“So every day I’ve been really diligent about my rehab routine. That has been my No1 priority. And I have a good routine going. I feel great as soon as I check off all of that stuff and I feel great now. I feel really good this week. I’m excited to be here. I’m just ecstatic to be here.”
Wie has slipped to 20th in the world rankings and has not recorded a single top 10 this year, completing 72 competitive holes only three times since the start of May. For now, Inbee Park and Lydia Ko have firmly stolen the women’s spotlight. Still, Inkster’s belief in Wie appears unwavering.
“I still believe that she hasn’t even scratched her surface yet,” said the captain. “Once she gets healthy and starts playing regularly, I think there’s a lot more in there that she’s going to accomplish in golf.”
Wednesday’s morning practice sessions at St Leon-Rot were overshadowed by heavy rain which is due to clear before the match proper begins . When it does, the USA are seeking to avoid a third successive loss for the first time in Solheim Cup history.
“I think because we lost the last two cups we went through so much together,” Wie added. “Winning is easy. Winning is always easy. I think losing is when you learn the most about each other, learn the most about yourself. I think that’s an opportunity where you can remember and improve.”
