At this point in her career, finally winning a professional golf tournament would be more of a relief for Michelle Wie than it would be a celebration. It would be cause to jump up and down, kick and scream and set off fireworks prior to the 4th of July for the LPGA Tour and the USGA.
Last month Wie failed to qualify for the upcoming U.S. Women's Open at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pa., but the USGA does reserve a spot in the field for anyone who wins an LPGA co-sponsored event for the 52 week period prior to the U.S. Women's Open.
When play was suspended Friday at the Wegmans LPGA in Rochester, NY due to darkness, play was initially delayed by weather, Wie was in the middle of a very nice second round. Through 12 holes, the 19-year-old LPGA rookie was 4-under-par and bogey free. That puts her at 7-under for the tournament, four shots back of leader Jiyai Shin who did manage to complete her second round.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves and put Wie in the winner's circle prematurely, but earning her way into the U.S. Open with a last-minute victory would command a lot of respect from her peers who were probably snickering behind the scenes when the LPGA's poster girl faded down the stretch at sectional qualifying. And, yes, it would remove that 110 lb. gorilla from her back too.
For live scoring throughout the weekend, check www.lpga.com.