Wie to play in amateur cup

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Michelle Wie shot a 2-over 74 and was tied for 83rd in the Pearl Open. Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

Wie, 14, should fit right in on the youngest U.S. team ever.

The oldest player is Sarah Huarte, a 21-year-old senior at California who won the prestigious South Atlantic Ladies Amateur earlier this year. It was the first time no mid-amateurs (25 or older) were included on the U.S. team in its biennial competition against Great Britain and Ireland.

Wie learned she had made the team Thursday night.

"It was very exciting. I couldn't sleep," she said. "I think it'll be fun. ... like the Olympics. I'm looking forward to it."

Wie is joined by Paula Creamer and U.S. Women's Amateur runner-up Jane Park, both 17; Duke freshman Brittany Lang, 18; Arizona sophomore Erica Blasberg, 19; Duke sophomore Elizabeth Janangelo, 20; and Annie Thurman, a 21-year-old junior at Oklahoma State who won the 2002 Women's Amateur Public Links.

"They may be young in age, but that's about all," said Jeanne Myers, chairman of the USGA Women's Committee, which picked the team members. "The kids today just don't get the same kind of nerves and jitters that I can remember."

Wie, a 6-footer with a powerful, fluid swing, has played well beyond her years ever since she qualified for the Women's Amateur Public Links as a 10-year-old.

She won the Public Links last year, making her the youngest winner of a USGA event for adults.

"She's unique," said Laura Baugh, who was the previously youngest Curtis Cup player (16 in 1972). "No one out there has the potential that she does."

Wie became the youngest player on the PGA Tour last month at the Sony Open in Hawai'i, where she shot 68 in the second round and missed the cut by one shot, the lowest score ever by a female competing against men.

In seven LPGA events last year, she made the cut six times and played in the final group at the Kraft Nabisco Championship, the first major of the year. She wound up in a tie for ninth.

Myers said there was no discussion as to whether Wie was too young for the pressure of representing her country in an international competition.

"Maybe for some 14-year-olds," Myers said. "But not this one. She's already been all over the world playing golf. There's absolutely no reason for us to think that she's too young."

The Curtis Cup matches will be held June 12-13 at Formby Golf Club on the Lancashire coast of England.