[ GOLF ]

Wie and Kono miss
chance at U.S. Open

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Associated Press

VALENCIA, Calif. >> Michelle Wie, a seventh-grader from Honolulu, had the lowest score of the quartet of preteens in sectional qualifying for the U.S. Women's Open yesterday.

Wie shot 74-79 for a 9-over 153 during 36 holes of regulation at Valencia Country Club. But she was knocked out of an alternate spot during a playoff.

Wie had played in LPGA tournaments in Hawaii and South Carolina earlier this year, but missed the cut in both.

The low five players in the sectional were assured berths for the U.S. Women's Open on July 4-7 at Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson, Kan.

The other 12-year-olds playing at Valencia were Stephanie Kono of Honolulu and Esther Choe of La Quinta, Calif., who each shot 77-78--155; and Mina Harigae of Monterey, Calif., at 84-84--168.

Jody Anschutz of Rio Verde, Ariz., and Jimin Kang of South Korea tied for low medalist honors with 36-hole scores of 1-over 145.

Three other Hawaii golfers failed to qualify. Amanda Wilson finished at 82-76--158, Dawn Kaneshiro at 81-81--162 and Desiree Ting 80-84--164.