No Exemptions for Wie, Fujikawa at 2009 Sony Open
And a couple Hawaiians have made major splashes at the Sony Open in years past. Michelle Wie nearly made the cut as a 14-year-old; Tadd Fujikawa did make the cut - and finished 20th - as a 16-year-old. But neither will receive sponsor exemptions at the tournament in 2009, the AP reported today.
Wie finally earned her LPGA Tour membership at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament in early December. And while she has reiterated a desire to play against the guys from time to time, she also has said that she plans to play "a lot" on the LPGA in 2009. Wie hasn't played the Sony Open since the beginning of her disastrous 2007 season.
It's possible that Fujikawa, who turned pro at the age of 16, may play his way into the Sony Open field - he'll take part in Monday qualifying. Fujikawa missed the cut at the Sony in 2008.
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Comments
Hi Brent,
I think the fact that endeared him to most people was the way he made the cut in the Sony Open in 2007 with an eagle on the final hole to assure himself of weekend play. To go three under in the final three holes of his second round play with a birdie, par and an eagle showed that he was made of sterner stuff. Unfortunately his career really has not gone on an upward curve and there is a feeling in many circles that he was blooded into the sport a little too early for his own good.
On the other hand, the positive development on the Michelle Wie front is music to the ears. After having gone through a season where her form, friends and supporters seemed to desert her, she has fought her way back into the deserved spotlight and after having made it through Q-school, I think she really should not be worried about the fact that she does not get entry into the Sony Open. Her sole focus this year should be to fight her way to the top echelons of women’s golf and if she can achieve that she should be more than content with her performance.
Cheers
Andy Brown
Good for Michele this year! I am always rooting for someone who has to work hard to earn her rights…that’s how it is in any business! Hopefully she’s got the monkey off her back and the press will back off on issues surrounding her abilities. I wish I had her abilities, and I wish I had her youthfulness to recover from her tendonitis injury! You go Michele - you rock!