Michelle Wie Misses Shot at U.S. Open

Traditionally, golf has not been a wild spectator sport with sold out tickets. Since the games are held in wide open fields, there is no reason to limit the number of the gallery. However, on June 6 at Canoe Brook Country Club in New Jersey where U.S. Open’s qualifier final was being held, a rare scene was on display.

Teen golf sensation Michelle Wie attracted a number of spectators not often seen in qualifying rounds. In the spotlight of ecstatic fans and some three hundred reporters, Wie finished 59th among 153 participants with a score of one over par, 143 strokes in the 36 holes of stroke play. As a result, Wie failed to win a main round ticket that is given to the top 18 finishers.

The outlook was much brighter when she finished the first round at two under par, 68 strokes. It looked as if she was heading for a page in golf history. But as Wie moved on to the second round, the tricky northern course (par 72) presented her with three consecutive bogies. Wie ended up with disappointing three over par, 75 strokes. Michelle Wie said she was disappointed but undaunted. She will continue her challenge in major golf tournaments. Michelle is scheduled to enter the LPGA Championship, the second major event of the season. She took the second place in the same event last year.

Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com