No Sony for Wie in 2008

Michelle Wie might start her 2008 season in Hawaii, but not at the Sony Open.

Wie, who has played the PGA Tour event every year since 2004, did not receive one of the four unrestricted sponsor exemptions, tournament director Ray Stosik said yesterday.

Swing coach David Leadbetter said the 18-year-old from Honolulu likely would ask for exemptions at one or both of the LPGA Tour events in Hawaii that kick off the women's golf season in February. He also said competition against the men would probably be on hold until she gets her health and her game back together.

"She's not ready to play in that yet," Leadbetter said. "Her health is getting better, her game is getting better, the confidence is growing.

"She knows she's got to earn people's respect back. She's grown up in some ways. She seems a little more independent. She's a lot happier."