Michelle Wie Apology: What Did Annika Sorenstam Say?

Two-time LPGA champion Michelle Wie said former tour pro Annika Sörenstam apologized to her following comments Sorenstam made in an interview with Golf Magazine, according to ESPN.

In a question-and-answer sit-down with Golf Magazine, the Hall of Fame golfer noted that women's golf may not be as reliant upon Wie as it was a few years back.

"There was a time when the LPGA really needed her," said Sorenstam. "Now she's one out of many."

Widely considered to be the best raw talent to ever play the game, Wie qualified for her first USGA event at the age of 10. The now 23-year-old Wie turned pro at the age of 15 in 2005 but since that time has only been able to amass two LPGA Tour victories.

Wie noted that Sorenstam reached out to her and didn't seem fazed at all by the comments made.

"I thought that was really nice of her to reach out to me. She apologized for what she said, and that's that."

While it was a friendly gesture by Sorenstam to reach out to Michelle Wie, one has to wonder if there was anything said that was so off base.

Born in Bro, Sweden, in 1970, Annika Sorenstam turned pro in 1994 and became an instant success. Third all-time in career victories with 72 including 10 Major Championships and winner of 8 LPGA Player of the Year trophies, Sorenstam has earned the right to voice an opinion.

"What I see now is that the talent that we all thought would be there is not there," Sorenstam said in the Golf Magazine interview. When asked about Wie joining the Tour at age 15 and how that decision affected her development, Sorenstam gave an apt response.

"I think she jumped in way too deep, and I think it had some tough consequences for her."

Annika Sorenstam was in no way trying to take unnecessary shots at Michelle Wie. Many will agree with the 72-time champion that turning pro at a very early age may not have been the proper choice for the young talent because of the fact that Wie could have used the time to develop her game as an amateur. Perhaps playing in a PGA Tour event was a misstep as well.

Wie earned a sponsor's exemption in 2007 to play in the PGA Tour's. Missing the cut by 14 shots, it is very possible that moment had a negative impact on her golf game and followed her back to the LPGA tournament.

There's no doubting the talent of Michelle Wie. At only 23 there is still plenty of time for her to win and become a leading face in women's golf.