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Opposition grows as Wie falters again

15/09/2006

Michelle Wie's sixth attempt to make the cut in a PGA Tour event looks set to end in failure again after she fired an erratic five-over-par 77 on day one of the 84 Lumber Classic in Pennsylvania.

The teenager, who turns 17 next month, has fallen short in all five previous attempts to compete with the men and widespread criticism is growing as to her continued participation in events.

Doubters have argued her presence turns men's events into farcical media circuses and players, both current and former, believe she should prove her pedigree on the women's tour before being invited to play on the men's.

Making the cut on the PGA Tour, and in doing so becoming the first woman in 61 years to achieve such a feat, would go some way to quietening her critics but her opening round on the Mystic Rock course has left her with little chance this week.

"I don't feel any extra pressure because I'm a girl out there," said Wie. "I had six or seven putts that looked like they were going to go in the hole and didn't. And that was really frustrating."

Meanwhile, Nicholas Thompson, 181st on the money list, defied the heavy rain to set the clubhouse lead at eight under par.

US-based Briton Justin Rose, who came so close to a maiden victory on the PGA Tour last week, opened with a solid three-under 69.

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