Wie gets another shot at LPGA

By Jaymes Song
Associated Press

Michelle Wie's second LPGA tournament will be May 16-19 at North Augusta, S.C. Advertiser library photo

The 12-year-old Punahou School student qualified for the season-opening Takefuji Classic at Waikoloa, where she was 6-over for two rounds and missed the cut.

"She said (the sponsor's exemption) was 'cool,' " said her father, BJ Wie. "She wants to play well, dress nicer and wants to smile a lot more. She knows she is impacting and representing other junior golfers.

"This time she'll be more experienced and focused. She has different goals. Last time, she wanted to enjoy the moment."

The 5-foot-10 seventh grader will bring her textbooks and do homework following her rounds in the May 16-19 event at Mount Vintage Plantation Golf Club.

She will miss two weeks of school because she will stay an extra week to play in a U.S. Women's Open qualifier in Duluth, Ga.

BJ Wie, a University of Hawai'i professor, said his daughter is committed to attending college before turning pro.

"We're looking at 10 more years," he said.

He expects the trip to South Carolina will cost at least $7,000, including $3,000 on airfare alone.

"I think it's worth it. We'll be in debt, but I don't mind," he said. "It's a great opportunity."