Sportsfrog.com

…being a national joke?

Perhaps.

The US women retained the Solheim Cup over the Europeans in what was a close match from start to finish. But the star of the American effort was the forever disappointing Michelle Wie, in that she didn’t lose a match all weekend. From si.com’s roundtable on golf happenings, these thoughts on Wie:

Alan Shipnuck, senior writer, Sports Illustrated: I don’t think the Solheim needed saving, but this should quiet the kvetching for another couple of years. Europe played very inspired golf in forging an 8-8 tie over the first two days, and during singles they were in control of seven matches until the tide turned on the back nine. It was thrilling, competitive golf. The real story, though, is Michelle Wie. She was the best player on either team and showed the kind of passion that has always been missing in her game. This will be remembered as the week her career finally took off.

Jim Herre, editor, Sports Illustrated Golf Plus: I thought Wie looked pretty good on the greens. She made a bunch of clutch 10- and 15-footers the first two days. Plus, I liked the way Michelle came back to take out a salty Helen Alfredsson on Sunday.

Ryan Reiterman, producer, Golf.com: How awesome was Wie’s drive on 18? She swung so hard she did a Gary Player follow-through. She seemed to be less technical all week and just played with a lot of feel and emotion. Great to see.

Damon Hack, senior writer, Sports Illustrated: I also think we’ll look back at this year’s Solheim Cup as the turning point to Michelle Wie’s career. She has been fully accepted now — by her peers, by the fans, by almost everyone. She looked awfully comfortable today. It’d be hard to imagine her not taking her 3-0-1 week and turning it into some LPGA hardware.

Herre: I agree, Damon. Wouldn’t be surprised to see her get that first W before the season ends.

Dick Friedman, senior editor, Sports Illustrated: Definitely significant that Wie’s parents, while on the scene, weren’t allowed to hover. That may have loosened her up.

Cameron Morfit, senior writer, Golf Magazine: Totally agree that this week was just what she needed. I’m happy to see a girl like that thrive with her peers and her elders. She needs a steady diet of that, not more time with her folks.

Van Sickle: How many times have we said that about Ryder Cuppers, that after this, now they’re going to be big winners? Hunter Mahan and others come to mind. Of course, Wie has a talent potential relative to her tour that they didn’t. The LPGA certainly hopes this is a turning point for Wie. She could be its big cross-cultural American superstar.

Farrell Evans, writer-reporter, Sports Illustrated: Wie was easily the best golfer in the competition. But I’m not sure she’s ready to win consistently on the LPGA Tour. She doesn’t putt well enough and there are plenty of women with her length. She’s not going to win a putting contest.

Given the shit she went through, some of it self-inflicted, some of it parent-inflicted, it would be cool to see her overcome the mis-steps and be a decent pro as an adult. She may be on her way.