Up until now, Michelle Wie has made a lot of money and quite a name for herself. Today, she could make history.
Over two rounds, or 36 holes, at Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit, N.J., Wie, the 16-year-old golf phenom from Honolulu, will attempt to become the first female to qualify for the U.S. Open in its 106-year history.
Although Wie has already played in eight professional men’s tournaments on the PGA Tour and abroad, this is different.
Unlike those tournaments, Wie gets no sponsor’s exemption – or free pass – into the elite field of the Open, based on her potential to sell tickets or boost TV ratings. To get into the Open in 10 days at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y., Wie must lay claim to one of the coveted 156 spots the old-fashioned way – by earning it.
Wie already has made history, winning the local qualifier in her hometown last month becoming the first woman to advance.
Columbine Country Club in Littleton is one of 15 sectional sites hosting U.S. Open qualifying today.
