Wie Helps U.S. Take Lead

Michelle Wie gave the United States the lift it needed in the Curtis Cup on Saturday.

Wie, 14, led a comeback in which the U.S. team won five of six singles matches to take a 5-4 lead over Britain-Ireland in the biennial women’s amateur competition.

Wie and Brittany Lang lost their foursome (alternate shot) match in morning play as the U.S. fell behind, 3-0.

Wie took control against Anna Highgate in singles, winning three consecutive holes starting at the seventh. She also won the 11th and 13th. During that stretch she had two birdies and three pars to win, 5 and 4.

“I was a little bit nervous at first, but after winning, [now] I’m ready,” Wie said. “I just putted a lot better and hit the ball a lot better.”

Wie, the youngest player in Curtis Cup history, is part of a U.S. team that doesn’t have a player over 22.

U.S. Captain Martha Kirouac chose three high school players as the Americans try to retain the only cup they own outright. Europe and British teams already have the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup and Walker Cup. The Presidents Cup ended in a tie.

“Foursomes is a little bit tough because you don’t really get your rhythm,” Wie said. “But the singles has helped our confidence.”