Wie to Play in SK Telecom Open

U.S. golf prodigy Michelle Wie will be taking on male players in Korea for the first time since she turned pro last October.

The Korea Pro Golf Tour’s organizing committee announced yesterday that Wie would play in the men’s SK Telecom Open on May 4. The terms of her invitational fee were not disclosed, but is thought to be around $700,000.

Reports indicate Wie is eager to visit Korea. She has often expressed her wish to play in front of Korean fans, and she showed her age a bit by saying all she wants to do in Korea is to eat tokpoki (a spicy rice cake dish) and bungopang (a sweet bean pastry).

Wie will arrive in Korea on April 28 and engage in various promotional activities including autograph signings, golf lessons, and TV appearances until her departure on May 8. She also plans to make donations to charitable causes such as helping pediatric patients and children in need.

The SK Telecom Open will be her eighth competition against male golfers. Last year’s champion, Choi Kyung-ju (Nike Golf) will also participate.

Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com