Vets Get Testy with Wie

Just a quick note to point out an interesting story coming out of the U.S. Women's Open. Veteran Danielle Ammacappane may have shoved, pushed or brushed past (depending on who's telling the story) Michelle Wie in the first round, then chewed her out in the scorer's tent following the round, over what Ammacappane felt were breaches of etiquette. The other member of the group, Tracy Hanson, did not defend Wie. Following Friday's round, Ammaccapane left the final green without shaking hands with Wie, and the two did not speak. Here's the article. And here's a poll on whether Wie's dad should remain as caddie.

Far as I can tell, the problem was that Wie walked in Ammaccapane's line a few times - a definite no-no. As for Hanson, a tournament official following the group said that Hanson's complaint was that Wie and her father/caddie, B.J. Wie, walked too quickly up to Wie's ball, getting in front of the others players while they were still hitting.

Wie also hit out of turn on one hole.

After watching Wie and her father over the past couple weeks, I've felt that the two needed a divorce on the course. B.J. may be a great parent, but he's not a great caddie. His presence probably helps Michelle's nerves, but hurts her putting and, as we now see, he's not helping her standing with her fellow competitors.

A real caddie, even if only a member of the course being played that week, could provide much more in the way of golf smarts and course knowledge - and would probably know better than to let Wie walk through a competitor's putting line.

I don't doubt the sincerity of Daddy Wie's intentions, and there's no sign that his relationship with Michelle is anything but wonderful. But she would surely benefit in the long run from working with real caddies, even at the expense of some short-term setbacks in comfort level.

But I want to stress: Nothing excuses Ammaccapane's behavior towards Wie. Ammaccapane is 37 years old, Wie is 13. There is no justification for Ammaccapane attempting to physically intimidate and berate a 13-year-old, especially when that child's parent is right there.

An appropriate response to Wie's breach of ethics would have been to talk to B.J. Wie, and then Michelle, between holes. My guess is that if Ammaccapane had simply spoken with the Wies about the problem, the problem would have been dealt with.

• Sound off in the Golf Forum
• Poll: Should Wie's Dad Fire Himself as Caddie?