Michelle Wie is hoping that some of the magic of the LPGA Malaysia will rub off on her this time around as she competes in the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia golf championship at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) from Oct 7-12.
PETALING JAYA: American Michelle Wie will be hoping to turn her season around when she competes in the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia golf championship at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) from Oct 7-12.
The championship proved to be a turning point for Park In-bee last year. The South Korean’s career took off after winning the championship. She went on to rule the golf world, winning three Majors – the Kraft Nabisco Championship, LPGA Championship and US Women’s Open.
And Wie is hoping that some of the magic of the LPGA Malaysia will rub off on her this time around.
“I’m very proud of my Asian heritage so it’s always great to come back and play in Asia ... with all the good food! And I love Kuala Lumpur, it feels like home here.
“It’s a great course to play and I’m really excited to play here again ... maybe third time’s the charm,” said Wie via a teleconference call from California on Tuesday.
After breaking on to the scene at a tender age of 10 when she qualified for the Women’s US Amateur Public Links Championships, Wie’s career has been sort of a stop-start. Wie, who turned pro in 2005, has so far won two LPGA Tour titles – the Lorena Ochoa Invitational (2009) and Canadian Open.
This season, Wie has yet to shine. She has only two top-10 finishes, making only 10 cuts out of 17 tournaments. It is no surprise that her ranking has dropped to No. 85 compared to her previous best of No. 10.
Wie, however, believes brighter days are ahead.
“I’ve been struggling a bit the last few years, but I’m starting to get back my game. I’m just trying my best everyday. I’m a lot more confident now and I feel like my season is starting to come together and I’m playing well,” said Wie, who made the cut at the US Women’s Open at age 13 and is still the youngest player ever to do so.
“I don’t feel very young, but I’m only 23, and my career is just beginning. I think what I’ve experienced in the past since I was 12 or 13 has shaped who I am today. There are so many great experiences and the lows make you appreciate your highs. Right now, I’m focused on the present and enjoying myself,” she added.
This time, the Hawaiian-born Wie will join In-bee, world No. 7 Karrie Webb of Australia, Scotland’s world No. 10 Catriona Matthew, world No. 19 and 2011 runner-up Tseng Yani and Japan’s Chie Arimura (No. 46) in the US$2mil (RM6.43mil) tournament. Wie finished tied 18th in 2011 and tied 38th last year.
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