Wie will suffer: Schofield

Former European Tour chief executive Ken Schofield has criticised Michelle Wie’s determined bid to take on the men, claiming she will continue to suffer as a result.

Wie has made 13 starts in men’s events and the only cut she has made was last year in South Korea against a low-quality field.

The Hawaiian-born 17-year-old is drawing increasing criticism among male professionals for her persistence in playing against the men, finishing near-last on her four most recent appearances.

And Schofield has joined those ranks, saying: “Will someone please tell the lovely Michelle Wie that the ladies have a superb tour and history?” he told GolfEx Dubai.

“She would do well to focus on that and add to it – or maybe she believes she is right to play with the men and suffer and suffer.”

But Alexandra Armas, executive director of the Ladies European Tour Executive Director, argued: “If she believes she can do it, then why not? These players are there to elevate women’s golf to another level and we have to work with that.”