Sunday, May 20, 2001
[HAWAII GOLF]
Michelle Wie didn't have her "A" game during yesterday's second round of the Jennie K. women's golf tournament at Mid-Pacific Country Club, and that's kind of scary. Wie builds 8-shot
lead in Jennie K.By Paul Arnett
Star-BulletinThe 11-year-old followed up Friday's only under-par round in the field with a steady 73 for a two-day total of 144 to build an eight-shot lead entering this morning's final 18 holes.
Somewhat shaky on the front nine (she started on the 10th hole), Wie got into a groove after chipping in on the par-5 third hole.
Wie thought it was from about 30 yards out. Her father cut it in half before mom said to call it 20. Whatever, the eagle went a long way in giving this Punahou School sixth-grader a commanding advantage.
"It was a lot windier today," Wie said. "I struggled at first. I used a 64-degree wedge for the eagle. It feels good being the leader."
Desiree Ting fired a second-round 74, but still is eight strokes off the pace at 152. Ayumi Hori - who trailed Wie by only one shot Friday - ballooned to an 81 yesterday for a 153 finish. Defending champion Bobbi Kokx is another two shots back at 155 and Rachel Kyono is fifth at 157.
Kyono's 73 yesterday tied Wie for the best second round. Last weekend, the Kauai High School senior won the 2001 state girls golf title by eight strokes. Kyono opened with an 84 on Friday. She trails Wie by 13 shots.
Wie was given an opportunity to compete for the title after Jennie K. organizers waived the age minimum, which had been 16. Players younger than 16 were allowed if they had a single-digit handicap.
"It's been a fun two days," Wie said.