Wie Expected To Turn Pro WednesdayPOSTED: 8:48 am HST September 30,
2005 HONOLULU -- Michelle Wie plans to announce Wednesday she is turning professional, six days before her 16th birthday, ending an amateur career in which she spent most of her time playing against the pros.Two sources involved with her decision, both speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that Wie would make the morning announcement in Honolulu at a hotel near Waialae Country Club, where she has twice played in the Sony Open.(Discuss Wie's Career)The time was set at 8 a.m. so Wie, a junior and already a millionaire, could get to class at Punahou School.Her father, B-J Wie, had said she would not turn pro until endorsement deals were final.One of the deals is with Nike, which one source said would pay her about $4 million to $5 million a year. The other major endorsement is with Sony, which is believed to be worth close to the Nike deal.Wie will make her professional debut at the Samsung World Championship in Palm Desert, Calif., on Oct. 13. She will also play in a professional men's event in Japan in late November.Wie can play eight LPGA events on exemptions. She is expected to also play on the PGA in the Sony Open in Honolulu and possibly others. Copyright 2005 by TheHawaiiChannel.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |







