Posted at 11:21 a.m., Friday, May 17, 2002
Wie rallies with 75, misses Asahi cut
By Pete Iacobelli
Associated Press
Wie, a seventh-grader from Punahou School, improved today with a 3-over 75. But combined with her opening 81, she missed the cut with a 12-over 156 at her second LPGA tournament.
"My putting, it was so bad," said Wie, a soft-spoken, 5-foot-10 youngster who had a hard time sounding positive about her LPGA experience.
Fortunately, when you're that age, bad things don't last long.
"You know what she was doing in the shower yesterday?" said her father and caddie, B.J. Wie. "Singing and dancing. After shooting an 81."
Wie was given a sponsor's exemption here. In March, she became the youngest to get through Monday qualifying for an LPGA tournament, at the Takefuji Classic.
She shot 72-74 at the season-opening tournament at Waikoloa Beach Resort to miss weekend play.
Mount Vintage was a different story.
She became more confident in her swing as the week progressed, but never combined her amazing length with the right touch around the greens.
"She hits it better than a lot of the girls out here," said Michelle Ellis, a second-year pro grouped with Wie this week. "She's probably one of the best ballstrikers I've seen."
