Wie tied for ninth

She shoots a second-round 71 and
is five strokes off the pace

HAVRE DE GRACE, Md. » Michelle Wie loves the idea of being first, but the 15-year-old from Hawaii has some work to do to win the LPGA Championship.

Wie was in the first group off the 10th tee in the second round at Bulle Rock Golf Club yesterday, playing in front of an intimate gathering of about two dozen fans.

While the idea of a 7:15 a.m. tee time might not seem desirable to some, Wie welcomed the chance to lead the field.

"It's a total advantage because it's not hot, for one, and No. 2, the greens are perfect because they just cut it. That's great," said Wie, who shot a 1-under 71 and was tied for ninth at 4 under, five strokes off the lead.

Wie wasn't able to take advantage of the freshly mowed greens, missing five putts from 15 feet or less on the front nine. She blamed her continuing troubles on an early three-putt.

"Every single putt," she said. "After that three-putt on 11, it was a little hard for me to trust my speed. I guess it was just bad luck. I put myself in birdie positions.

"Tomorrow, I hope to make some putts. Who knows?"

ASSOCIATED PRESS Michelle Wie teed off early yesterday and shot a 1-under 71 to put her at 4 under through two rounds.