The Change Mariner

Wie, Youngest to Play in PGA at Sony Open

Honolulu Advertiser:
The newest golf frontier to be conquered by Honolulu phenom Michelle Wie lies about 10 minutes from her house
Fourteen--year-old Michelle Wie of Hawai'i Kai was granted a sponsor's exemption for the 2004 Sony Open in Hawaii PGA golf tournament in January at Waialae Country Club.

Wie, who turned 14 last month, has been granted a sponsor's exemption to play in the 2004 Sony Open in Hawai'i, set for Jan. 15 to 18 at Waialae Country Club. The announcement was made at a press conference yesterday at the office of Gov. Linda Lingle, who requested the exemption.

Wie, a freshman at Punahou School, will become just the third female to play in a PGA Tour event, and might be the youngest participant — male or female — to do so.

Wie attempted to play in the Sony Open the past three years via a Monday qualifier, but failed to earn a spot.

"I like the easy road," said Wie, when asked if she would have rather qualified on the course. "I played in the qualifier three times, so I know how hard it can be. It's a one-day deal, and anything can happen. I like this way better."