Some Michelle Wei (and Sean O'Hair) Thoughts

The Michelle Wei story, I admit, facinates me. Maybe because it has built-in drama, ie; the gifted prodigy gone bad due to misguided and overbearing parents. This, of course, is the same story line of gifted PGA tour player Sean O'Hair.

In some ways this occurrence is bound to happen. When you have a son or daughter with the talents of Sean O'Hair and Michelle Wei your mind must replicate the inside of a pin-ball machine. On one side you have the responsibility to look out for your child's best interests but you also have the tug of financial opportunities galore.

There is nothing wrong with seeking financial riches, hey, they come with the territory, and you would be foolish not to pursue the many opportunities afforded you.

But when the parents of Michelle Wei and father of Sean O'Hair tried to become their managers and financial partners something happened. I am not sure of the background of either sets of parents but you do need some degree of inner strength, business saavy and preparedness to deal with the onslaught and whirlwind of opportunities.

And being the parents I am sure they felt what they were doing was correct. But (and the verdict is still out on Michelle) it seems clear now it was not. Why? I believe they circumvented the natural development process these young adults need to go through.

Jack said he did not become serious about golf he said until he was 19. I am not saying this is an easy process to go through as a parent and there is no "How to deal with a future PGA/LPGA superstar" handbook as far as I know but you CAN learn from your mistakes and you can be open to advice and counsel from others who have been through this experience.

Unfortunately, the last (and most obvious) place to look is the one place they most need to - the mirror.