Sidebet of the century: can Michelle Wie beat 12-year-old Thompson at U.S. Women's Open?

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. – If you thought Michelle Wie had played herself out of discussion at the U.S. Women’s Open, well that’s just naive.

Beginning yesterday, there was a buzz at Pine Needles amid fans and reporters, taking bets on who will finish higher between Wie and 12-year-old Alexis Thompson.

That isn’t the first time this “rivalry” has been brought up. On ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption this week, Wie and Thompson were a “Toss up” question, to which co-host Tony Kornheiser said Thompson had “no chance” of beating Wie.

Currently, Thompson is in the clubhouse at 16-over. Wie is on the 8th at 15-over…things are looking good for the ankle-biter, considering Wie this morning still looks as out-of-sorts as a Swedish sushi chef.

I mentioned what people were talking about to Thompson yesterday as she was heading home for the day, to which she had a good giggle.

If Wie can’t pull it out against a 12-year-old averaging drives about 220 yards, swing coach David Leadbetter should dig himself a hole somewhere and hide.

CUT UPDATE

With the USGA’s 10-shot rule in effect, right now the cut is 7-over, with leader Angela Park hanging tough at 3-under.

This is not good news if the USGA wants to get the tournament back on schedule (showers have surprisingly held off this morning, despite overcast skies). As of now 89 players stand within 10 shots of the leader. If Park drops a shot or two, then the field gets ridiculously big.

The larger the field of course, the more play will be impacted this afternoon and tomorrow.

Also, Morgan Pressel is red-hot early, 2-under on the 9th hole. Lorena Ochoa is 3-over after seven.