When 15-year-old Michelle Wie announces she's turning pro will the innocence be lost?

"I think she'll be the same old Michelle. Maybe there just will be more people asking her to buy them lunch at the snack bar," said Punahou volleyball and basketball player Spencer McLachlin, Wie's classmate since the sixth grade.

"I think it's awesome that she's turning pro," he said. "She can make a lot of money and still go to school. I don't think she'll have a better opportunity than right now. I'm happy for her."

Wie's life-changing experience will come Wednesday, according to The Associated Press, when the 6-foot-1 golfing phenom becomes a professional, and a millionaire.

Wie is in line to sign an endorsement deal with Nike worth about $4 million to $5 million a year, The Associated Press reported. Another deal with Sony is close to the Nike deal, the report said.

Most from a sampling of Hawai'i residents interviewed yesterday said they were happy for Wie, but some said expectations for her will change.

"Once she signs the contract, it's going to be like anyone who plays for money," said Wayne Takato, 51, of Kapahulu. "I hope she's ready to handle that."

Entertainer Kimo Kahoano, who has spent many years in show business, said Wie is ready to handle her superstar status.

"Fortunately for Michelle, she's been exposed to great interviews, celebrities and the international stage," said Kahoano, who met Wie at a benefit golf tournament when she was about 10. "Her ability to handle all those things gives her a great start."

Kahoano joked that Wie's newfound wealth will be put to good use.

"I think major shopping spree," he said. "She's 15 years old. She's going to enjoy what people her age do."

John Ramelb, the head pro at Waialae Country Club, said Wie can influence the tournament shares on the women's LPGA Tour, much as Tiger Woods did with the men's PGA Tour.

"Tiger got the men's purses up," Ramelb said. "Now Michelle will do the same for the women. ... There's no question she has the talent to do so."

To Darren Bradley, 19, a member of the Chaminade golf team, Wie is "an inspiration for all young golfers. How often do you see a 15-year-old turn professional in golf?"

Not all, however, would take the opportunity if they were presented with it.

"For me, if I had the same opportunity (to turn pro in a team sport), I would wait until I finished school," McLachlin said. "There's lessons that my coaches teach me that I don't think you can learn if you become a professional. That, and wanting to be with my teammates, that's what's important."

But McLachlin said Wie's strict routine already is much like that of his older brother, golfing pro Parker.

"He wakes up, works out, goes to the range, plays a round, then goes to work out again. But he loves it; he's doing what he loves and gets paid for it. From what I've heard about Michelle's work ethic, she's used to that (life) already. She practices every day after school.

"We always argue about who's a better golfer, her or my brother."

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com.