Sports Views

I wonder how Michelle Wie can win more endorsements than, say, Annika Sorenstam.

For those of us who love golf, and love to watch great golf, Mallon’s plight was appalling. How could one of the LPGA’s established, recognizable players—a past U.S. Open winner!—not have a hat or shirt sponsor? To the people who sign endorsement deal checks, I guess, it was a wise move. Who watches women’s golf, anyway? Enter Michelle Wie and her immediate $10 million in endorsement deals. Now, some LPGA veterans might be spiteful or resentful that they never made this kind of dough. The smart players, however, should be grateful: Wie’s deals pull up the market value of LPGA sponsorship across the board. More people will watch LPGA events to see Wie, boosting viewership, along with, presumably, the willingness of companies to sew their logos on shirts and hats. All of this will happen regardless of whether or not she wins immediately. As long as she continues to bomb the ball and at least makes a go at several championships (as she already has), she will continue to be a draw for the LPGA. Now, if she completely fizzles (think Jennifer Capriati in her early years), then all bets are off.

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Read more from this blogger: Michelle Wie Will Boost Women Golf