O'Grady fears Wie 'torture'

George O’Grady, executive director of the European Tour, has asked the president of Omega to reconsider the issuing of another invitation to Michelle Wie.

With rounds of 78 and 79 the 17-year-old Hawaiian finished last of the 152 players when she made her first appearance on the circuit at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland in September.

“I had lunch with the president of Omega at Wentworth recently and we both agreed we will do what is in the best interests of everybody concerned and that includes Michelle Wie,” said O’Grady today.

“My own personal view is a 16-year-old (as she was at the time of the tournament this year) playing on a course like that, which the top professionals tell me you need to have length and a very powerful short game, it isn’t really in her best interests.

“I think he’s listened to my opinion. I felt it was the right place to try the initiative and all our players back completely the invitation, but they actually share a concern for her that she should not be put through that torture again.”