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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 2:55 p.m., Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Wie in SBS Open for first time as pro

Associated Press

Michelle Wie is making her first appearance at the SBS Open as a card-carrying LPGA pro.

The Feb. 9-12 tournament at Turtle Bay kicks off the first LPGA season in which 19-year-old Wie has qualified as an LPGA professional.

The Arnold Palmer course has provided her with a couple of high points in her struggle to keep up with the promise of a brilliant career.

Wie played the North Shore course in 2005 as a 15-year-old amateur and finished in second place.

It was also at Turtle Bay that she became the first woman to win a local qualifying tournament for the U.S. Open.

But she didn't do that well against the men.

Wie says it feels like "a clean slate, a new beginning." She says she finally feels like she's really earned a place.