The "New" Michelle Wie?

Let me start off by saying this: The Solheim Cup was pretty exciting.

There. I said it. Say what you want about women’s golf, and make all the statements you want about the future of the game. There was excitement in the air, and the fans loved it. I was glued to the TV for pretty much the entire week, but especially during the singles matches yesterday.

And this was a tournament you may want to remember.

One of the main reasons why you may want to remember this year’s installment is because of the breakout performance by Michelle Wie.

We all know the backstory behind Wie. She came into the LPGA as “the next big thing” and was going to save the women’s game. But it seemed as though Wie simply had too much pressure on her, and was never able to get on the right track in the early going.

But now, she’s earned her way back onto the tour, with this being her official “rookie” season. And she’s played been playing quite well as of late.

Then came the Solheim Cup. United States captain Beth Daniel made her a captain’s pick, and I bet she’s glad she did. Wie went 3-0-1 in her Solheim Cup debut, and just seemed to be in a different mental state this week than she’s been in her career. She looked like the best player on the best team.

As a matter of fact, Wie looked like she was having some fun out there. While there was clearly pressure on the U.S. players this week, Wie didn’t let that affect her. She was enjoying the experience the whole way, and you could see it on her face. It was much different than the Wie we see weekly on tour. She was the pulling her own strings. Not her parents, agent, sponsor, or anyone else.

And perhaps it was about time that those closest to her were told to back off a little bit. Her outstanding play a coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. We’ll see from here on out. I’m sure her parents love her and want her to succeed, but maybe she just needed a little space this week to savor the moment and take part in her country winning their third straight Solheim Cup.

Now the question is where Wie will go from here, and what will she take from this experience?

She said during the post-match press conference that this was the most fun she’s had on the course. So I’m hoping that she uses this to her advantage, and plays with the same type of enthusiasm every week.

She may not open up as much as she did this week, but that’s fine. I just want to see her show the same type of confidence and relax a little more when it comes to playing regular LPGA events.

While all that is well and good, she will of course be measured by the number of wins she gets on the tour. She’s still looking for that first big win, and you’ve got to think that it’s coming soon. Of course we’ve been thinking that for years and years now, but this time it feels different.

Those that didn’t watch the Solheim Cup may still feel the same way they’ve always had. Wie has always been given a hard time by certain golf fans because of her lack of wins and success on the tour, and perhaps deservedly so.

However, my feelings have totally changed, and I honestly believe she’s turned the corner after watching the events this week in Chicago. She may not have a big win on the regular tour, but this win may go down as the most important in her career, as it may be the one that pushes her into that “superstar” category.

Wie needs this.

And without question, the LPGA needs this.

I’d love to get your opinion about Wie and her future. Let me know what you expect from her in the future, and what you thought of the Solheim Cup this past weekend!