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Wie Not Afraid of Harsh Winds

Posted July. 28, 2005 11:38,   

한국어

Misplaced Luck-

Michelle Wie (Wie Sung-mi, 15), dubbed the “Long Shot,” experienced a rather scary moment before attending the season’s last major tournament, the British Women’s Open, which begins on July 28 at the Royal Birkdale in Lancashire (par 72), England.

Michelle’s caddie bag was misplaced on her flight to England from France where last week she finished second at the Evian Masters.

Fortunately she got them back in time to hit a few practice rounds to warm up on the course. In light of the Lancashire course’s discouraging high-speed winds, Wie commented, “I’m used to playing in rough winds up to 58km/hr back in Hawaii. I’ll have an advantage playing in stronger winds and I won’t have any problems unless I hit into a bunker.”

Her coach David Leadbetter also mentioned, “Michelle has been focusing on her three-quarter swings and various iron shots to prepare for the harsh winds.”

Michelle is the target of the press and gallery wherever she goes, and this time is no exception. The spotlight has turned from stars including World number one Annika Sorenstam (Sweden), who has already recorded six wins, including two majors this season, to the teenage prodigy.

She has already taken second place three times on the LPGA tour. This will be her first time at the British Women’s Open, and her play is gathering attention. The prize is $278,000.

Among Korean players, the champion of the U.S. Women’s Open Kim Ju-yeon (KTF), the winner of Canadian Women’s Open Lee Mee-na (age 24), and Kang Ji-min (CJ) are receiving the spotlight. Pak Se-ri (CJ) and Grace Park (Nike Golf) are gathering attention in whether they will be able to shake off their slumps. The SBS Golf Channel will broadcast the British Women’s Open live at the following times: 10:00 p.m. on July 28 and 29, 11:40 p.m. on July 30, and 11:25 p.m. on July 31.