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At long last, Michelle Wie gets 1st LPGA Tour win

By STEPHEN WADE, AP Sports Writer Nov 16, 8:14 am EST

GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP)—Michelle Wie, LPGA Tour champion.

Imagine that.

Wie ended her long wait by tapping in a birdie putt Sunday at the Lorena Ochoa Invitational, and her first tour title may finally quiet the skeptics who second-guessed her career decisions and questioned the fuss over a player without a pro victory.

“Wowwwww …… never thought this would feel THIS great!!!!” Wie posted on her Twitter account.

The 20-year-old closed with a 3-under 69 for a two-stroke victory over Paula Creamer. Wie finished it off in style, hitting a greenside bunker shot within a foot on the final hole.

When it was over, it was time for a celebration that was a decade in the making. Wie pulled the ball from the 18th hole, looked up to the sky, let out a big sigh of relief, bounced up and down and pumped her right fist.

After all the near misses, after all the expectations, she was a winner.

“It’s definitely off my back,” Wie said. “I think that hopefully life will be a lot better, but I still have a lot of work to do.”

Solheim Cup teammates Morgan Pressel and Brittany Lincicome showered Wie on the 18th green.

“Just seeing them come out and pour beer all over me, it was a great feeling,” Wie said. “I’ve always seen it on TV and I’ve always wanted people to pour beer on me. It was as great as I thought it was.”

Her parents, dad B.J. and mom Bo, were there, too, for an embrace.

“I think it’s just so awesome, seeing them on the 18th green and hugging them,” Wie said. “You know, we have been through a lot as a family, and it’s just so great that they are here to share my highs and to keep me up from the lows, as well.”

Wie earned $220,000 to push her season winnings just over $900,000. The win came in her 65th LPGA Tour event—she had finished second six times.

Wie won the 2003 USGA Women’s Amateur Public Links, the Stanford student’s only significant victory until Sunday.

“Right now it feels fantastic,” Wie said. “It’s a great year. I went through some ups and downs … And obviously this tournament is the icing on the cake.”

Pressel (67), Jiyai Shin (71) and Cristie Kerr (72) were three back. Wie finished at 13-under 275 after starting the day at the Guadalajara Country Club tied for the lead with Kerr at 10 under.

“Congrats to michelle!!” Pressel tweeted.

Wie first qualified for a USGA event at age 10 and played an LPGA event when she was 12. She joined the LPGA this season and has begun to show the sizzling game that has made her arguably the biggest attraction in women’s golf.

Dressed in red with her lucky white Solheim Cup shoes, Wie had a few shaky moments but she was steadier down the stretch as her rivals faltered. In the past, it’s often been the Hawaiian who has stumbled.

The 6-foot Wie stood tall despite a nagging sprained left ankle that forced her to wear a large, black brace that extends 6 inches above her shoe top.

She had chances to pull away on the front nine, but couldn’t quite do it and finished with a 2-under 34 at the turn—12 under for the tournament. She went to 13 under with a birdie on 11, giving her a one-shot lead over Creamer and Kerr. Wie bogeyed the next hole when her escape shot from under a cluster of trees squarely hit a trunk, the ball rebounding into the fairway behind her.

But she made par through 17.

Creamer drew even with Wie with an eagle on 10. But two bogeys down the stretch ruined her chances of victory.

“I gave it a chance, and Michelle played great,” said Creamer, who has battled stomach problems for a year and fought off back and thumb injuries. She is winless this year after eight career victories.

“I feel a lot better with my golf,” she said. “It’s just unfortunate that you’re so close, yet you’re so far away.”

The co-leader with Wie after three rounds, Kerr played even on the front nine before reaching 12 under with birdies on 10 and 11. After 12 holes, Wie, Creamer and Kerr were tied, but Kerr faded with bogeys on 15 and 16.

Shin, the rookie of the year, also slipped. Tournament host Ochoa shot 69 to finish six back and Ai Miyazato, No. 2 on the money list behind Shin, was 10 back after a 72.

Ochoa and Shin will battle next week for the player of the year award at the season-ending LPGA Tour Championship in Houston. Nancy Lopez is the only player to win both the rookie and player awards in the same season, accomplishing the feat in 1978.

The LPGA, battered by economic problems and the forced resignation of its commissioner this summer, needed this as much as Wie.

“Literally, when Michelle Wie is atop the leaderboard it’s like night and day and that’s star power,” LPGA spokesman David Higdon said the day before Wie’s win.

Wie played PGA Tour events when she was 14—the biggest stage there is. She was criticized at the time for not focusing on women’s events. She turned pro in 2005 before even finishing high school.

She ignored the criticism and, at 16, she was poised to become the first woman to qualify for the men’s U.S. Open before her putter failed her. Shortly after that she began to lose confidence and went into a long, painful slump that was made worse by a wrist injury that ruined her 2007 season.

She has slowly worked her way back, earning her LPGA card for this season, gaining credibility with players and emerging as a star at this year’s Solheim Cup, going undefeated in four matches.

“It just taught me so much about handling that situation,” Wie said. “And actually, I wore my Solheim shoes today. So I felt pretty lucky.”

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Updated Nov 16, 8:14 am EST
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809 Comments

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  1. Jeffre
    809. Posted by Jeffre Tue Nov 17 3:43am EST

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    Simply great!!!! Congrates wieeeee
  2. supergolfdude
    808. Posted by supergolfdude Mon Nov 16 7:26pm EST

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    So PJ McDaniel is some "genius", huh? What does your little rant here against ME have to do with the TRUTH I posted about Wiezie? She's still got the greedy parents orchestrating ever mumbled word that comes out of her mouth. She still is delusional enough to say she's going to play in The Masters or even compete against men at ANY level?

    Let's face it, Michelle Wie is a disgrace to golf. Her win was long overdue to someone who's been GIVEN (hear that PJ, not EARNED) the opportunity to play on the highest level tours in the world for SIX years. She's not going to change, but maybe with the proper education and help PJ, you WILL!
  3. peter
    807. Posted by peter Mon Nov 16 6:17pm EST

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    Supergolfdude is exactly what his name implies - he's a DUDE. Where I live, that is certainly not a compliment. While I am sure that SGD was an amazing golfer, with all the finely tuned tools to deal with the media and pressure that comes from having an unbelievable amount of expectations piled on him from the age of 10, he still holds a 20 year old to tremendously high standards. For the love of the sport, enjoy watching Wie finally begin to realize her potential and save your "blathering" for your 'dude' friends. SGD I am sure you are calm, cool and collected and have achieved all types of success in your chosen field and on the course, all of this of course from a young age. How else could you have such high standards for someone you do not even know.
  4. supergolfdude
    806. Posted by supergolfdude Mon Nov 16 4:37pm EST

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    She's been on tour for what now, 6 years? Why expect anything different? She has been a disgrace to the game with the fake injuries and rude treatment of her fellow competitors.

    Stunts like lying about her ability to gain endorsements - all orchestrated by the greedy parents, and insisting against all logical proof that she somehow is competent enough to play on men's tours have made her a deserving laughing stock of the golf world.

    None of this changes because she has won. And she still comes off like a blabbering, stammering idiot in intverviews - shocking for a college student.
  5. peter
    805. Posted by peter Mon Nov 16 4:10pm EST

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    I have a feeling that this win will springboard the LPGA into the limelight it deserves. With such tremendous talent as Wie, Ochoa, Shin, Pressel, Creamer... the LPGA is poised to take their game to a higher more intriguing level. 2010 could and should be one of the best years of competition ever. I for one can't wait. All we need now is for Annika to come out of retirement and return back to form - wouldn't that be awesome! Thanks and congrats to Michelle for winning, shutting up her nay sayers, realizing a dream and bringing much deserved recognition to the best women's sport. Here, here!
  6. DC
    804. Posted by DC Mon Nov 16 4:03pm EST

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    Richard, (post #780)
    YOU are a LOSER!!!! take a look at the field. There's nothing minor about it, other than your pee sized brain.
    Congrats Michelle!!!
  7. SURF808
    803. Posted by SURF808 Mon Nov 16 2:15pm EST

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    BRAVO ZULU Michelle... Come to think of it, the hell with all those haters that I suggested to be your personal gofers. I will gladly do that myself if you'll give me lessons on the driving range... hahaha... I'm also a certified body guard, I'm good at detailing your car so you'll ride in style, and basically be your Jack of all trades gofer... hahaha lol

    Now concentrate on your studies at Stanford. Not only you'll be a beautiful LPGA professional, but an educated one with brains on top of that... More reasons for your haters to hate you. Just wave at them while I'm driving you to the bank ... hahaha LOL

    Wie are so so proud of you gal, you've lifted our spirits and BIG KAHUNA congratulations again... IMUA...
  8. laird
    802. Posted by laird Mon Nov 16 1:54pm EST

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    Wow wow wow i think its great that "michelle wie", has finally won her a tourament!!! she and myself are libra's she is 10-11-1989 and me 10-13-1953!!! go wie sweetie!!! laird from new orleans,louisiana!!!
  9. Chae
    801. Posted by Chae Mon Nov 16 1:41pm EST

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    hey richard u dumazz y would other players player play their best golf went their money involded get a clue any win is a win
  10. Steve
    800. Posted by Steve Mon Nov 16 1:21pm EST

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    Here we go... To all the crazies out there, the various doubters, get back in your holes... The thing most of you never realize, is the time it takes, not to just be a world class player but the development mentally to learn how to win.. Michelle's win is a wonderful shot in the arm for the LPGA at a time womens golf needs it... With 2010 just around the corner, hopefully this breakthru victory will be just the beginning of a wonderful career... Women's golf needs a Michelle Wie to develope and become the flagship of the LPGA... Hopefully this victory has gotten the monkey booted off... Michelle, get that ankle healthy in the off season...
  11. REDOCTOBER
    799. Posted by REDOCTOBER Mon Nov 16 12:52pm EST

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    Esta niña tiene talento y gracia, es espectacular. Este es su primer triunfo, le esperan muchos mas ya los veremos y los disfrutaremos, es decir todos los positivos, no los que estan en negaciín que son muchos. Pero nada, el mal estará solo un rato, pero nunca triunfará sobre el bién. Felicitacones a Michelle Wie, por su triunfo, y por los que vienen mas adelante.
  12. REDOCTOBER
    798. Posted by REDOCTOBER Mon Nov 16 12:47pm EST

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    Jose R.
    Lo que sucede es que hay muchos envidiosos, que no tienen nada bueno que decir de sus pares, eso es todo,
  13. Sean L
    797. Posted by Sean L Mon Nov 16 12:41pm EST

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    I'm glad for Michelle a huge weight is of her back now. But to compare her to Tiger or even Ochoa is pure myopic ignorance.
  14. soong soo
    796. Posted by soong soo Mon Nov 16 11:40am EST

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    Michelle wie !!!
    i am so proud of you !!! i think you will be great golfer same as mr. tiger wood !!!
    thank you !!!
  15. soong soo
    795. Posted by soong soo Mon Nov 16 11:40am EST

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    Michelle wie !!!
    i am so proud of you !!! i think you will be great golfer same as mr. tiger wood !!!
    thank you !!!
  16. scannerman46
    794. Posted by scannerman46 Mon Nov 16 11:25am EST

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    All the haters are crying like the little low life under rock dwellers that they are. Ohhhh how I love watching them squirm and cry........Go Michelle!!!! your awesome!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!
  17. William C
    793. Posted by William C Mon Nov 16 11:03am EST

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    Awesome victory Michelle, proud of ya young lady. Best of luck in the December LPGA tournament.
  18. winston
    792. Posted by winston Mon Nov 16 10:59am EST

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    Anyone figured out her win%? Not good...
  19. William M
    791. Posted by William M Mon Nov 16 10:26am EST

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    I think it's great that MW has overcame some difficult times and has matured, Grown Up, and has worked hard to achive her goals. It came too easy in her younger years and her dad did not give her good advice about playing the PGA tour events. He was after the money. She had some tough years and now is winning while attending a school like Stanford. I'm impressed. I would just like to have been accepted at a school like Stanford. The hard fought win is so much sweater than the easy ones. You can tell that from her tweets.
  20. Rural Pro
    790. Posted by Rural Pro Mon Nov 16 9:03am EST

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    Hey Michelle, I was one of the doubters but now you got me back as one of your fans. Great tournament and a great win in the company of all the best players, keep it going and I'll be watching for your next win.
  21. jane f
    789. Posted by jane f Mon Nov 16 8:35am EST

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    MeWie can show the male viewers her long legs! She has grace and when she is going good, she glows. Yesterday she maintained focus even after a few bad shots. She has all the components to become the Sharapova of her sport. Is her romance with Lopez still on? This gives her an element of being a regular person. Showing she has other facets of her life, makes her real. This is not an ice princess who self-destructs when things go wrong. She is growing up and this win will be another part of the publics acceptance of MEWIE! Pair her with Paula each week and my boyfriend will never leave the TV. I couldn't lose him to a better pair!
  22. Jose R
    788. Posted by Jose R Mon Nov 16 8:31am EST

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    Let me see, the tournament had all the world's best female players in it and Michelle won it. Yet, there are some idiots who still don't consider this a win for Michelle. Give me a break! The heartiest congrats to Michelle on an outstanding first win. There will be many more to come!
  23. <i>bradbows</i>
    787. Posted by bradbows Mon Nov 16 8:26am EST

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    Obviously Dre post number #786 is sooooooooo jealous that he/she/it is fuming with rage to post a nonsense about winning a LPGA tour event by "luck". LOL. I love that Michelle Wie finally won and is making the haters go crazy !!! NICE JOB MICHELLE WIE !!!!!
    Post number #786 ?? Did you read the part about a $220,000 check that she received as well ?? Thats how much you will be making in your life time at Mcdonalds.
  24. Dre
    786. Posted by Dre Mon Nov 16 7:40am EST

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    Wie, try modeling, golfing isn't your calling, All hype, but well supported and loved. No game! Take that back try working at Wal Mart selling golf clubs. One year every 4 years please! No talent, just luck and alot of support.
  25. SURF808
    785. Posted by SURF808 Mon Nov 16 3:12am EST

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    As we say in the Aloha state: "IMUA' ... BIG, BIGGER, BIGGEST KAHUNA CONGRATULATIONS ... LOL... U have finally done it... Your millions of fans are so proud of you. Don't you pay any never mind to the critics and haters. With the unemployment so high and the economy just as worse, maybe you can hire one of them to be your personal "gofer" to deposit your millions to the bank... HAHAHA LOL

    WOO HOO... YOU GO GIRL.... MUCH MUCH ALOHAS
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