Wie finishes 39th at U.S. Women's Open

Associated Press

NORTH PLAINS, Ore. — Teenage sensation Michelle Wie played the final round of the U.S. Women's Open with her father watching from behind the ropes instead of at her side as her caddie.

The surprising move today capped a troubled tournament for the long-driving 13-year-old.

Yesterday, BJ Wie retracted earlier claims that pro Danielle Ammaccapane pushed his daughter on the No. 14 green, apparently angry over a breach of etiquette. But he stood by statements that Ammaccapane later berated his daughter in the scoring tent.

The off-the-course drama put added pressure on the teenager, whose emergence has been likened to the stir Tiger Woods caused before he went pro.

That's why the caddie change was made, BJ Wie said.

"Just to give her a fresh atmosphere," he explained as he watched his daughter play today at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club. "It has been a very difficult week."

Gary Gilchrist, the teenager's hitting coach, served as her caddie for the last round. He will also caddie for her in the U.S. Girls Junior in Fairfield, Conn., later this month.

Michelle Wie found out about the switch early today.

"I just woke up and my mom told me my dad wasn't caddying for me today so I said, OK, whatever," she said.

She did not have much interaction with her father, but did smile his way after hitting a well-placed long drive on the No. 11 hole.

"I'm having a good time," B.J. Wie said as another face in his daughter's considerable gallery. He said he was unsure when, or if, he would take up her bag again.

Michelle Wie, a 6-footer from Honolulu, has grabbed attention with her 300-yard drives. Two weeks ago, she became the youngest player to win a USGA title for adults at the U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links.

On the final day of her first U.S. Women's Open, Wie had a 5-over 76 to finish at 14 over.