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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, February 2, 2006

GOLF REPORT
Pressel will play in Fields Open

 •  Roberts' run posing interesting dilemma

Advertiser Staff

2005 Hawai'i golf calendar
See a listing of all Hawai'i golf events this year.

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Morgan Pressel announced her commitment to play in the inaugural Fields Open in Hawai'i during a conference call yesterday. Pressel committed earlier to the SBS Open at Turtle Bay, which officially opens the LPGA season Feb. 16 to 18. The Fields Open is Feb. 23 to 25 at Ko Olina.

Michelle Wie and Ai Miyazato already committed to play at Ko Olina. Wie has yet to commit to the SBS Open, where she finished second to Jennifer Rosales last year.

Pressel tied for sixth at the 2005 LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament to earn exempt status for the 2006 LPGA season. Although Pressel will not turn 18 until May 23, LPGA commissioner Carolyn F. Blivens granted her full membership and playing privileges.

Pressel took second at last year's U.S. Women's Open and was the top-ranked girls junior and women's amateur in Golfweek much of 2005.

Wie is not an LPGA member and gets six exemptions a year, not including the U.S. Women's and Women's British opens. Wie is in the British after finishing third last year. She is not qualified for this year's U.S. Women's Open and Pressel does not expect the U.S. Golf Association to give her an exemption as it did in 2004.

"I don't see why she should be afraid (to qualify) or expect an exemption," Pressel said. "I definitely don't think she should get one."

At the other end of the age spectrum, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus will be on Maui for the revamped Wendy's Champions Skins Game Monday at Wailea's Gold Course. The new format has four two-man teams playing an alternate-shot format.