Wie Pursues History at U.S. Open Qualifier

More than 200 members of the media and 5,000 fans are expected to show up today at Canoe Brook Country Club, where Michelle Wie will try to become the first female golfer to qualify for the U.S. Open.

Wie, 16, is one of 153 players competing in a 36-hole sectional qualifying round for the 18 spots available at the U.S. Open, which will be played June 15-18 at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y.

Canoe Brook has the largest field of the sites hosting the U.S. Open sectional qualifiers today and Tuesday. Wie was the medalist at local qualifying at Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku, Hawaii, and became the first woman to advance to sectional qualifying.

Wie is paired with Rick Hartmann, a club pro, and touring pro David Gossett in both her morning and afternoon 18-hole rounds.

-- Thomas Bonk