Posted at 5:53 p.m., Monday, January 13, 2003
Wie, 13, shoots 73, fails to qualify for Sony Open
By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer
Wie, a 13-year-old eighth grader at Punahou School, shot a 1-over-par 73 and failed to qualify for this week's Sony Open in Hawai'i by seven strokes. Wie was 1-under after nine holes but bogeyed her next two holes and could manage only one birdie the rest of the way.
Regan Lee of Waipahu and Andy Miller announcer Johnny Miller's son each shot 65 to earn berths. Royden Heirakuji of Makawao and Richard Pride of Orlando, Fla., each carded a 66 and received the other two qualifying spots after a playoff with Pearl Country Club's Gregory Meyer and Mark Worthington of Seattle.
Lee, a former 'Aiea High School and University of Hawai'i standout who most recently played on The Gateway (mini) Tour in Arizona, failed to earn a PGA Tour card in qualifying school seven weeks ago. Miller earned his card but his Q-school finish (26th) was not high enough to get him an automatic berth in the Sony Open.
Wie finished in a tie for 47th, beating out 34 men and tying eight others. She was the only female in the 98-player field (nine players withdrew).
"It's just a challenge," Wie said. "I'm not really happy with my round. I've been hitting my drives straighter, so I could play from the fairways, but I just made stupid mistakes. It's just experience."