Wie needs big showing at Canadian Open

2008-08-13

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OTTAWA (TICKER) —Michelle Wie makes her return to the LPGA Tour at the $2.25 million Canadian Women’s Open, which starts Thursday.

It marks the first LPGA event for Wie since she was disqualified from the State Farm Classic in July for failing to sign her scorecard following the second round. She played the third round, leaving her a shot off the lead before being notified of the infraction.

The incident marked the second time Wie had been disqualified for a rules infraction as a professional. She was disqualified for taking an improper drop at the 2005 Samsung World Championship, her first tournament as a pro.

In this tournament on her final sponsor’s exemption, Wie will need a strong showing in order to secure her LPGA Tour card for next year. The 18-year-old Hawaiian has earned $26,249, nearly $84,000 behind Moira Dunn, who is 80th on the money list. The top-80 players automatically secure an LPGA card for next year.

If she fails to garner her tour card, Wie would have to go to qualifying. However, that’s something not on her mind.

“I’m not going to think about the future right now,” Wie said.

Wie comes north of the border after again failing against the men. She missed the cut for the eighth time in as many tries when she competed in the Reno-Tahoe Open on the PGA Tour earlier this month. Her best showing on the LPGA Tour this year was a tie for 24th at the Wegmans in June.

Nevertheless, tournament officials are excited over her being part of this week’s field.

“Michelle’s global notoriety will no doubt attract a following at Ottawa Hunt and I’m sure golf fans will offer her a tremendous welcome as she challenges the world’s best players,” tournament director Sean Van Kesteren said.

Wie also is happy to be in the field.

“I’m really excited to play here and I’m really excited to be here, too,” Wie said. “It’s a great golf course, and I think it’s going to be a great last event.”

The top-ranked women’s player in the world is entered this week as defending champion Lorena Ochoa aims for seventh title of the year.

At the Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton last year, Ochoa won by three shots over Paula Creamer.

This week’s field includes nine of the top-10 players in the world.

First prize is $337,500.