While Michelle Wie attends to 11th grade and her short game, another publication is publishing a story announcing she will turn pro and millionaire simultaneously, as soon as next week.

Wie will be on the cover of this week's Golf World magazine. The story cites anonymous sources that claim the 15-year-old will sign endorsement deals with three companies — two are thought to be Nike and Samsung — worth an estimated $8 million. With appearance fees and other endorsements, the magazine estimates she will make $10 million her first year as a pro.

That would make Wie the third-highest paid female athlete in the world, after tennis players Maria Sharapova, reportedly making nearly $17 million, and Serena Williams, at $11 million-plus. Annika Sorenstam, the No. 1 female golfer in the world, is reported to make just more than $5 million. Tiger Woods' deals are estimated at $80 million.

The totals do not include what athletes earn from competition. If Wie had been a professional this year, she would have won more than $680,000 in her seven LPGA appearances, and would be No. 10 on the money list. She finished in the top three at two majors, and top 23 in the other two.

Wie is scheduled to play the Samsung World Championship. It starts Oct. 13 — two days after she turns 16.

BJ Wie, Michelle's father, said yesterday that he had no news "to share at this time," but would talk when he feels "comfortable to release important information."

NOT IF, BUT WHEN

The consensus is that there is no longer a question of whether Wie will turn pro. It is a matter of when and how much.

"All I know is it's going to happen," said Maui's Mark Rolfing, who is in Washington D.C. this week to broadcast the Presidents Cup for NBC.

Rolfing went on to say he believes the hype of the last few years has had an impact on the choices made by the Wies, who have asked him for advice in the past.

"The ultimate goal was for Michelle to stay in school, get better and someday be able to be the best player in the world, male or female," Rolfing said. "I'm not sure that's changed, I think she still wants to do that. But I think the process has changed because of all the outside elements involved."

The Golf World story reiterated earlier reports that Wie would sign with the William Morris Agency to help her with future deals and guide her golf career. One source said the agency guaranteed Wie a large sum of money.

AGENCY GUARANTEE

The agency is primarily known for its work in the entertainment industry and has no experience representing pro golfers. More than one report called the agency's guarantee to Wie a big part of the successful negotiation.

A source said the Wies turned down another agency's guarantee of $50 million over five years.

An agency guarantee, along with its financial assets, would lessen the control individual endorsers hold over Wie.

BJ Wie has said his daughter still plans to graduate from Punahou in 2007 and would like to attend Stanford. She would not be able to play for either school if she signs a professional contract.

Wie will be able to play a very full schedule, even if she chooses not to try and qualify for a pro playing card. Along with overseas and other events that offer appearance fees, she can accept seven PGA Tour exemptions and six from the LPGA.

Her presence at the past two Sony Open in Hawai'i tournaments lifted the event to a new level, particularly when she missed the cut by a shot in 2004.

Her attempt to make the cut in July's John Deere Classic caused TV massive headaches as it was forced to extend live coverage because of unprecedented interest.

Golf World said it is "likely" Wie will play in the Casio World Open in November, one of the most prominent events on the Japan Tour.

The magazine also quoted Scott Seymour, vice president of Octagon, which handles Mia Hamm and Anna Kournikova, as saying: "She will be the most recognized female athlete on the planet for the next 12 to 18 months. Her marketability will never be higher than it is now. How much money she makes long-term will be determined by how well she plays."

FOCUSING ON GAME

Wie is also concentrating in that area. While Fortune magazine did a photo shoot with the teen last weekend at Ko Olina Golf Club, she was working hard at her game.

"She spent the whole weekend out here practicing," Ko Olina Director of Golf Greg Nichols said. "I've never seen anyone practice as diligently. She's going at it and really focused, not missing a beat, getting ready for Samsung."

And beyond. As news spread of another "Wie goes pro" announcement yesterday, ESPN ran a poll asking who would win more major championships — Jack Nicklaus, Sorenstam, Woods or Wie. Seven percent picked the Hawai'i prodigy.

Reach Ann Miller at amiller@honoluluadvertiser.com.