CROWD favourite Michelle Wie is coming to Adelaide.
The ground-breaking American is one of the most popular players on the LPGA Tour and has a truly remarkable list of achievements through a decorated career.
Still only 27, Wie is making her first visit to play the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open since 2013 at Royal Canberra.
And after an injury-plagued 2016 season, Wie is excited that Royal Adelaide will be a key stepping stone back to the form that enabled her to win the 2014 Women’s US Open.
“It’s tremendous to come back to Australia, I can’t believe it’s been four years since I was last there in Canberra,” Wie said.
“Royal Adelaide is obviously a course known around the world and the girls spoke so highly of South Australia last year that I can’t wait to see not only the club, but everything going on around the state, too.
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“I’m really excited about what the season ahead will hold for me and I’m hopeful that Adelaide will put me on the right track to a successful year.”
Tournament director Trevor Herden said Wie’s commitment to the Open was a real coup for South Australia.
“Michelle is a huge drawcard, a player you just have to watch – she’s instantly recognisable and has a great rapport with her fans,” he said.
“She’s done so many things – such as breaking age records and playing on the PGA Tour – that people tend to overlook her outstanding LPGA Tour resume.
“Michelle has won the US Open, but also finished second twice in other majors, third in three more and has a total of 11 major top-10s – it’s an imposing record.
“It’s no wonder people flock to see her play and she’ll add a lot of `wow factor’ to the week at Royal Adelaide.”
Wie joins a field already containing world No.1 Lydia Ko, world No.2 Ariya Jutanugarn, world No.8 Brooke Henderson, defending champion Haru Nomura and top-ranked Australian trio Minjee Lee, five-time champ Karrie Webb and Su Oh.
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