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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted at 10:31 a.m., Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Wie opens with a 69 on tougher qualifying course

Associated Press

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Michelle Wie rolled in a 25-foot birdie putt on the final hole Wednesday for a 3-under 69, giving her a solid start in the 90-hole qualifying tournament as she tries to earn an LPGA Tour card.

Shiho Oyama of Japan led after the first round with an 8-under 64 on the Champions course at LPGA International.

Wie played on the more difficult Legends course and rarely was in trouble while hitting only four drivers. Her lone bogey came on the 14th hole, which she three-putted from 25 feet for bogey.

She was in a tie for sixth after the first of five rounds. The top 20 earn full status on the LPGA Tour next season.