One 'cool' experience for youth, tour pros

By Ann Miller
Advertiser Staff Writer

WIE: After college, plans to join LPGA Tour

Then she tells you how much she loves the atmosphere, which, by seventh-grade definition means: "Free food, free drinks."

She admits she spied idol Annika Sorenstam on the practice putting green but never introduced herself. "It was kind of like a shy thing," Wie said with a shrug.

She missed the cut — and becoming another historical note for being the youngest — by three shots yesterday when she fired a 4-over-par 74 in the second round of the LPGA Takefuji Classic. After becoming the youngest-ever LPGA Monday qualifier, she ultimately couldn't cope with Waikoloa Beach's tour-quick greens. Thursday, she shot 72 with 32 putts; yesterday, she needed 38 — a number that nullified every monstrous drive she hit.

"I learned Michelle's long game is at the LPGA level," said father BJ Wie, a University of Hawai'i professor. "Putting is still at junior level."

There was frustration at missing the cut, but little consternation. Wie's first LPGA appearance gave her a fascinating look inside the game and a memorable week of mentoring. The Wies were not sure what the players' reaction would be to Hawai'i's sub-teen golf terror. It went beyond their wildest expectations.

"They were really great," Wie said. "All friendly."

Her father agreed: "I thought it was a great experience. No question. We really enjoyed the warm reception. They were all friendly and made a lot of suggestions for her future. They encouraged her and were delighted to hear she intended to go to college. And they gave her a lot of tips."

One was to carry a Sharpie pen. Wie, followed by a gallery of 100 and The Golf Channel yesterday, gave out a dozen autographs. It could be worth something if her future is as limitless as her talent appears.

She hopes to spend her summer qualifying and playing in national events and defending local women's championships. Her short-term goal is to qualify for the 2004 Curtis Cup team, a girls amateur version of Ryder Cup.

Long term, her definition of "cool" heats up: "After I finish school and college I want to go on tour," Wie said. "After I master the LPGA I want to go on the PGA Tour."

Today, the Wies will follow the best female golfers in the world. There is lots to learn.

Same time next year: LPGA Commissioner Ty M. Votaw said yesterday his organization is "very committed" to getting two Hawai'i events next year, but now even Takefuji is up in the air.

The Big Island tournament is in the final year of its contract. Votaw said organizers have indicated they are eager to renew Takefuji but are still in discussions. He indicated the LPGA was pleased with its experience on the Big Island, but wouldn't comment on whether the discussions involved staying at Waikoloa Beach — where the tournament moved this year after spending its first two years at Kona Country Club — or going to another island.

The LPGA tried to bring another event to Hawai'i last year after the Cup Noodles Hawaiian Ladies Open ended its 15-year run. Those efforts failed, in part because of the Sept. 11 tragedy.

"We hope it will be easier this year," Votaw said. "But for now, we're just looking for a great finish tomorrow (today) and we're very committed to trying to get two events here in '03."

SHORT PUTTS: Cindy Flom, who golfed for the University of Hawai'i and used to represent Waikoloa, is negotiating to represent the resort again. Flom won the inaugural Hawaiian Ladies Open in 1987, and has won four times since. She shot 72 yesterday and is at 139. ... Ho-nolulu 17-year-old Sally Soranaka, 17, shot 79 yesterday and missed the cut with 155. Soranaka, the low qualifier Monday, did not have a birdie in her first LPGA tournament. She has qualified to play on the Futures Tour this year as an amateur.