One of the problems the LPGA faces is the lack of Americans at the top of the women’s game.  Stacy Lewis won the 2012 LPGA Player of the Year but she was the first American to win the award since 1994.

Ms. Lewis was the only American player in the Top-10 of the 2012 LPGA money list and there were only seven Americans in the Top-25.  

Lexi Thompson failed to win in 2012 but is only 17 years old and has a very bright future in front of her. Paula Creamer, Christie Kerr, Morgan Pressel, and Natalie Gulbis have not been able to compete with the host of Asian and European players that dominate the LPGA Tour.

It was expected that Michelle Wie would become a force on the LPGA in 2012 after she graduated from Stanford last spring.  Instead she only had one top-10 finish and earned $158,546.  She finished No. 64 on the LPGA money list and fell to No. 58 in the world rankings.

Her stats tell a woeful story. She ranks No. 10 in driving distance, but No. 341 in driving accuracy. Her putting numbers are even worse.

She ranks No. 221 in putts per green and No. 256 in putting average. She looks completely lost on the greens and appears to be afraid to even hit the ball.

Her poor putting is creating too much pressure on the rest of her game and her overall performance is suffering.

Wie’s parents decided a long time ago to chase appearance fees rather than put Michelle in situations that would help learn to win. Right now she does not expect to win and it shows in her efforts on the course.

The LPGA needs Michelle Wie. A long term competitive situation involving Lexi Thompson, Stacy Lewis and Michelle Wie would spark interest in the LPGA. It would bring new fans to the women’s game and the old fans back.

Michelle had a very disappointing year in 2012. Hopefully 2013 will bring a new attitude and very different results.