Michele Wie’s inauspicious plan of one day joining the men’s tour seemed doomed from the start. But the American’s more realistic goal of winning regularly on the LPGA women’s tour could still very much become a reality for the 21-year-old Stanford University student. “I know I need to be better and to work harder at my game,” said Wie as she prepares to defend her title at the 2011 Canadian Women’s Open which begins Thursday. “I want to be at a higher level and that obviously requires a lot of work.”
Besides the Canadian title, Wie has won just one other stroke play tournament in her career and that was two years ago in Mexico. The golf world was surprised to learn it was her first 48-hole tournament title as a junior or a pro. She is 20th on the earnings list this year and her best performance was a runner-up finish in February in Thailand. She has missed just two of 13 cuts this season. Last month, retired golfer Annika Sorenstam criticized Wie for not playing enough tournaments and wondered if she had the mental toughness to win on a regular basis. “I’m not going to miss a lot of tournaments with school and everything, but it has been a little difficult,” said Wie, who tees off Thursday at the Hillsdale Golf Club outside of Montreal.
“It obviously hasn’t made my life any easier, but I will always say education is very important. “I don’t regret that decision at all.” Last year, Wie shot a final round 70 to take a three shot victory over Shin Ji-Yai of South Korea, Suzann Pettersen and Kristy McPherson. She will be challenged in Montreal by Pettersen, who is ranked No. 2 in the world, and Canadian veterans Lorie Kane and Alena Sharp.
