B.J. Wie now says no physical contact occurred

Associated Press

NORTH PLAINS, Ore. — Michelle Wie's father retracted claims that Danielle Ammaccapane pushed his 13-year-old daughter, saying Saturday there was no contact during the first round of the U.S. Women's Open.

"Michelle just told me that her description of the incident was incorrect," B.J. Wie said. "There was no pushing or physical contact."

B.J. Wie, also his daughter's caddie, said Friday that Ammaccapane pushed or bumped Wie on the 14th hole. He said the 16-year LPGA Tour veteran later berated the teenager in the scoring tent, which he described as "nasty."

He did not correct his characterization, but said he would not longer discuss the matter because he wasn't there.

Michelle Wie shot a 5-over 76 on Saturday and declined comment.

"She's too emotional," her father said.

Ammaccapane had a 73 and, after spending nearly 20 minutes in the scoring tent, hurried off the course without comment. She stopped briefly to sign an autograph for a fan, who said "Hang in there, Danielle."

Later in the day she released a statement.

"I was very upset and disappointed after being accused of something that was not true," Ammaccapane said. "Throughout my career, I have always played the game with the utmost respect, professionalism and integrity.

"I appreciate Mr. Wie's honesty today in setting the record straight."

Ammaccapane went on to say she respected Wie's game.

USGA executive director David Fay told NBC Sports that he thought the whole matter was "much ado about nothing much."

But he did say Ammaccapane gave the teenager a "talking to" in the scoring tent.

"The comments she delivered in my view were not delivered in the tone of Aunt Bea but in the tone of a drill sergeant," Fay said. "Many had to do with the behavior of her father, and the things he was doing or not doing as a caddie."

Wie said his daughter and Ammaccapane, 37, spoke again Friday, and the pro was "very nice to Michelle."

Wie, a 6-footer from Honolulu who has been hailed as the future of women's golf, has grabbed attention with her 300-yard drives.

Two weeks ago, Wie became the youngest player to win a USGA title for adults at the U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links. Earlier this year, she played in the final group of the Nabisco Championship.

This is her first U.S. Women's Open.

Wie was one of 14 teenagers who qualified, and seven of them made the cut Friday.

Pro Lorie Kane, a 10-year veteran, did not know the details involved, but said the matter was unfortunate on both sides.

"I feel it's unfortunate that Danielle felt she had to be the police and I feel it's unfortunate that Michelle thought she had done something wrong," Kane said.

B.J. Wie said Ammaccapane was apparently upset that his daughter had crossed the line of her putt beyond the 14th hole. The Wies did not realize it was a breach of etiquette.

The teenager described that Ammaccapane, "just maybe using the body language, just, you know, stay out of her sight," B.J. Wie said, using a brushing motion with his arms.

But there was no physical contact, he reiterated.

During the same round, Michelle Wie also shot out of turn on the No. 8 hole.

Some players suggested that the USGA should be more diligent about helping the amateurs in the Open learn the etiquette.

Fay also said the issue could make the association examine whether parents should serve as caddies.

"With this youth movement, we may have to consider how we are going to deal with caddies," he said. "Junior tournaments do not allow parents to caddie and we may have to consider that in the most important championship in women's golf."