[Golf] Wie Set to Qualify for 2009 LPGA Tour

Michelle Wie apparently wants to prove that actions speak louder than words.

The 19-year-old prodigy has denied all media interview requests at the LPGA qualifying school. While trying to break out of a prolonged slump, she often found herself at the center of gossip and was even called a “liar.”

To bid farewell to such a disgraceful past, she seems to want to keep silent until she gets her final score this time.

Wie is just an inch away from qualifying to play in next year’s LPGA Tour.

In Saturday’s fourth round of the LPGA qualifying tournament at Daytona Beach, Florida, Wie came in second with a 14-under-274 after firing a four-under-68, much to the delight of her 150 fans cheering at the course.

American Stacy Lewis grabbed a one-stroke lead over Wie, who was followed by Amy Yang (13-under), who is dubbed the “Michelle Wie of the Southern Hemisphere” for winning three European events.

Wie will face Lewis and Yang in the champion’s group in the final round for the first time since the 2006 LPGA Evian Masters. If she makes it to the top 20, she is likely to get a full seed for next year’s LPGA Tour since she has been leading by nine strokes until the fourth round in the joint 18th group.

kjs0123@donga.com