Michelle Wie - Million Dollar Teen
Fifteen-year-old Michelle Wie stuck to her regular routine today by going to school - with one notable exception. She is now a multi-millionaire.
Six days before the big Wiesy turned 16, still not old enough to drive car on her own, the 6-foot prodigy turned professional. At an 8 a.m. news conference held at the Kahala Mandarin Hotel, Wie made the announcement alongside Nike Golf president Bob Wood and Sony Electronics chief marketing officer Mike Fasulo.
Wie's endorsement deals with both Nike and Sony total about $10 million, making Wie the richest female golfer and the third-highest paid female athlete in the world. With Nike, she'll get a clothing line and be equipped with their clubs and golf balls. She is represented by Hollywood agency William Morris Agency. The company usually handles entertainers, with clients like Clint Eastwood, John Travolta and Heidi Klum.
As one of her first acts as a professional golfer, Wie announced she will be donating $500,000 of her new salary to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
"So many people have lost so many things," Wie said. "As an American citizen, I felt like it was my duty to donate $500,000 to Hurricane Katrina. Every single cent will go to the people."
She was also adamant about finishing high school and going to college.
Next weekend, Wie will fly to the California desert and make her professional debut in the Samsung World Championship at Bighorn. She will also play in Japan the week of Thanksgiving at the Casio World Open. It will be her first overseas tournament against the men.
Wie is expected to play in 8 LPGA events and up to 7 PGA events next season.
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