Wie Might Seek Appearance Fees

When Michelle Wie turns pro, she cannot accept appearance fees to play tournaments on either the LPGA Tour or the PGA Tour, but there is no such rule for the other professional tours.

Such a loophole could bring Wie as much as $50,000 an appearance, according to insiders, but also might lead to a dangerous precedent for the LPGA, according to another highly placed source with knowledge of the situation and who did not want to be identified.

Although Wie’s plans to turn pro are not yet public, her apparent chosen representative, the William Morris Agency, has made inquiries to at least two tournaments asking how much they would pay for her to play, according to the source.

There is speculation that Wie will play in the Casio World Open on the Japan Tour, Nov. 24-27.

The appearance fee issue may be a potential trouble spot. Like speeding, it’s only against the law if you get caught, said the source, who questioned how it could be policed and likened it to “opening a can of worms.”

The specific LPGA rule governing appearance fees calls for sponsors to report to the LPGA any solicitation of an offer.

Wie turns 16 on Oct. 11, two days before she plays on a sponsor’s exemption in the $850,000 Samsung World Championship at Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert. She is expected to have announced the start of her professional career before the tournament begins.

If Wie chooses not to try to gain her LPGA Tour card at qualifying school, she could play six tournaments in 2006 on a sponsor’s exemption, in addition to playing both the U.S. Women’s Open and the Women’s British Open.

Wie also could play seven tournaments with sponsor’s exemptions on the PGA Tour, which has its own loophole as far as appearance fees for member players. Those who wish to play an event that is scheduled opposite a PGA Tour event must ask for a release from the commissioner. When granted, a player may accept a fee to play in that event.

Her potential annual endorsement income from her initial contracts has been estimated by experts at $8 million to $12 million.