Q: What's the latest on Michelle Wie's future plans?
— Terry from Providence, R.I.
A: With every junior and amateur event that goes by without her inclusion, it appears more and more likely that she is on the verge of turning pro.

Really, why stay amateur if you're not going to try and win amateur tournaments? To play collegiate golf? No chance.

It's far more likely that Wie will turn 16 in the fall, turn pro, then in 2006 she'll pretty much play the same sort of schedule she is used to. Namely, the PGA Tour's Sony Open on an exemption, a half-dozen LPGA Tour events on exemptions, the U.S. Women's Open, and perhaps some appearance-money stops in Japan and South Korea. Her star has risen to where she's totally recognizable and it's easy to envision her signing a big-money deal with Nike later this year.

Some folks would be outraged, but not me. She's got the game to compete right now.

Q: Is this the year Hale Irwin finally starts to fade a bit on the Champions Tour?
— Dale Brettson from Amarillo, Texas
A: Could be, but then again, maybe it will be 2013 when he's 68. Or even 2014 or 2015.

The man is quite simply amazing and it's funny you ask your question because I honestly thought he'd slow down a bit in 2004. Instead, he won twice, finished in the Top 10 14 times, and amassed more than $2 million in earnings.

When it comes to Irwin, I guess I'm through being surprised.

Q: Did Chip Beck retire from competition?
— John Catalano from Baldwin, N.Y.
A: That's sort of a "chicken and egg" type question, John, because while Beck indeed did retire from competition, you could say that the competition retired him.

Truthfully, he had lost his game and wasn't very competitive, which is why the last few seasons were painful, and Beck eventually chose to get into the insurance business in Chicago. Beck won four times on Tour, the last coming in 1992, but in 1993 he had his last big hurrah, finishing 25th on the money list with $604,300. The earnings dropped dramatically, however, to the point that in 1997-2000 he earned a combined $315,000.

Relegated to Nationwide Tour status, Beck began exploring other careers, though he still keeps active in the game and it wouldn't surprise anyone if he pursued the Champions Tour when he turns 50 in 2006.

Q: What is the minimum number of PGA tour events that a tour member must enter each year to keep his card? Also, are there different rules (minimum events) for foreign players on the PGA Tour?
— John
A: File this under the heading of "no heavy lifting required" because PGA Tour members are required to play in just 15 tournaments.

Honestly, it's a bit of a joke, because if you assume the marquee names will play in the four majors plus three World Golf Championship events, then sprinkle in high-profile attractions such as the Mercedes Championship, the Bay Hill Invitational, The Players Championship, and the Memorial, you're up to 11 tournaments without yawning. So long as foreign players do not choose to pursue PGA Tour membership, they do not face a minimum requirement.

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