Wie received one of six exemptions given to amateurs here. She has finished in the top 10 the last two years. She played in the final group at age 13, taking ninth. She was fourth last year, behind Grace Park, Aree Song and Karrie Webb.

Wie will also play in the LPGA's other three majors later in the year.

A select field of 98 plays this week. Along with the six amateurs, eight pros — including Miyazato — received sponsor exemptions. The rest of the players automatically qualified by virtue of Hall of Fame membership, winning in the last five years, winning here, a top-5 finish in last year's majors, being in the top 70 on last year's money list or top 15 so far this year, finishing 20th or better here last year, and winning 2004 Rookie of the Year or U.S. Women's Amateur.

Miyazato, from Okinawa, is making her American debut. She won five events last year on the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour, finishing second on the money list.

Gulbis has finished among the top 50 her first three years on tour, but might best be known for her calendars, and dating Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He was one of her partners in yesterday's Pro-Am. Gulbis was one of Wie's playing partners when she qualified for her first LPGA event, at age 12, in 2002.

Park might not be able to defend her title this week. She withdrew from the Pro-Am and final round last week because of a bad back, and withdrew from yesterday's Pro-Am as well. If she can't play in today's Pro-Am, an LPGA rule automatically disqualifies her from playing the tournament because she has withdrawn from three Pro-Ams.

NOTES

All four rounds will be televised, on ESPN2 tomorrow and Friday (noon to 2 p.m.) and ABC (KITV) on Saturday (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).