Wie ready for first major

RANCHO MIRAGE – Michelle Wie plays her first major golf tournament as a professional starting today when the 16-year-old Hawaiian prodigy tees off at the LPGA Kraft Nasbisco Championship.

Wie already has two top-10 finishes and a top-20 showing in the event as an amateur and hopes to match the major pro debut of Tiger Woods, who captured the 1997 Masters in record fashion in his first major tournament as a professional. “I’m excited for this event,” Wie said”.While the schoolgirl would love to take some money from the best women in the world, her dream is to play against the men of the PGA Tour and become the first woman to compete at the Masters, the first men’s major of every year.Wie has worked with swing coach David Leadbetter about adding strength and length to her already impressive drives.Wie missed the cut at a PGA event in January in Hawaii, her third try there against the men, and will play eight events on the women’s tour this season under special invitations, too young for a full-season membership.-Nampa-AFP”I’m excited for this event,” Wie said”.While the schoolgirl would love to take some money from the best women in the world, her dream is to play against the men of the PGA Tour and become the first woman to compete at the Masters, the first men’s major of every year.Wie has worked with swing coach David Leadbetter about adding strength and length to her already impressive drives.Wie missed the cut at a PGA event in January in Hawaii, her third try there against the men, and will play eight events on the women’s tour this season under special invitations, too young for a full-season membership.-Nampa-AFP