Wie shoots 4 under in Germany

MUNICH, Germany » Michelle Wie shot a 4-under 68 in the first round of the Ladies German Open to share seventh place, four strokes behind leader Nina Reis of Sweden.

The 18-year-old American birdied three of the first five holes and made par the rest of the way at the Golfpark Gut Haeusern, north of Munich.

"I felt I was a little bit rusty. But I am happy with how I played today," said Wie, who is hoping to gain some confidence after playing just two tournaments in the United States this year.

"I feel I can do a lot. I left a lot out there on the par-5s."

It's Wie's first appearance in a full Ladies European Tour field after receiving a sponsor's invitation to play in the event.

Reis had eight birdies, including at the last two holes, for a bogey-free round of 64.

Lora Fairclough of England, who won here in 1998, and France's Jade Schaeffer were tied for second, two shots behind Reis.

Another young golfer from Hawaii tees off in Europe today. Kimberly Kim, formerly of the Big Island, is part of the U.S. Curtis Cup playing against Great Britain & Ireland beginning today in St. Andrews, Scotland.

Stateside, Hawaii natives Parker McLachlin and Dean Wilson teed off in The Memorial yesterday. McLachlin shot a 1-over 73 and is tied for 47th after one round, while Wilson tied for 105th with a 78.