Michele Wie to sign with IMG for "fresh start"

FROM THE GOLFWEEK.COM WEBSITE

By BETH ANN BALDRY

Senior Staff Writer

Michelle Wie is expected to sign with IMG, a source close to the situation has told Golfweek. IMG’s list of LPGA clients runs deep, including Paula Creamer, Annika Sorenstam, Natalie Gulbis, Morgan Pressel and Se Ri Pak.

The move follows the Sports Business Journal’s report on March 10 that Wie recently parted ways with William Morris Agency, the firm that has represented the teenage star since she turned professional in 2005.

Jill Smoller, whose client list includes superstars Kevin Garnett, Serena Williams, Sharon Stone and Queen Latifah, served as Wie’s lead agent for William Morris. She traveled with Wie as recently as last month for the SBS Open in Hawaii, where Wie finished second.

“Michelle enjoyed working with WMA, and has nothing but positive things to say about the company,” Wie’s father, B J, wrote in an e-mail. “But this is a fresh start for Michelle on the course and off.”

B J would not comment on his daughter’s future plans for management, but did confirm that her next LPGA appearance will be March 26-29 at the LPGA International tournament March 26-29 in Phoenix.