Maybe a Bert Blyleven-like curve ball is coming up, but all signs are that Michelle Wie will be a pro before she turns 16 — which is Oct. 11.

The teenage phenom is busy with her junior year at the Punahou School in Honolulu and reportedly working on her golf game that will on display at the Samsung World Championship (Oct. 13-16) in Palm Desert, Calif. However, there was a recent indication that the landscape was about to change because Juli Inkster confirmed that her longtime caddie, Greg Johnston, had left to work for Wie. It's hard to envision Johnston making such a move if Wie weren't turning pro; after all, 10 percent of nothing is nothing.

Everything about it makes sense. She has no desire to be an amateur golfer, so why not turn pro and reap the financial reward? Wie can immediately accept appearance fees, which would be huge if she chose to do some winter stops in Asia, where she would be warmly received. Why not spend 2006 doing what she did in 2005 -- accepting sponsor's exemptions, perhaps playing a PGA Tour stop or two, and travelling the globe?

By the time the summer of '07 rolls around, the 17-year-old Wie could have her LPGA Tour membership if she so desired (we're assuming that new commissioner Carolyn Bivens knows a gold mine when she sees it), but don't be surprised if she goes to college and plays during her breaks.

It's a little different, yes.

But she's so good she can change the landscape as she sees fit.

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