Few professional athletes have dealt with as many as up and downs before the age of 20 than Michelle Wie. But now, the young woman that has created so much positive and negative attention over the past several years has something she never really had before - an accomplishment.
Yes, in 2009, Michelle Wie will play on the LPGA Tour. Because she earned it.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Michelle Wie has earned a spot on the LPGA Tour.
The 19-year-old from Hawaii overcame a miserable start Sunday with a safe finish for a 2-over 74 that had her comfortably among the top 20 at the LPGA qualifying tournament.
Wie has been playing mostly on sponsor exemptions for the last seven years, when she became a sensation for her youth and power, and her unsuccessful quest to compete against the men.
Wie tied for seventh and now takes her place as part of the 2009 rookie class, along with Q-school medalist Stacy Lewis, who birdied the last two holes for a 3-under 69 for a three-shot victory at LPGA International in Daytona Beach.
So congrats to Wie for her achievement. And here's to all you Wie Warriors out there. Now you have something to crow about, finally.
--WKW
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