Wie Gets Exemption, Win

Golfer Michelle Wie received another exemption to the U.S. Women’s Open and accepted her first exemption to a European tour men’s event Monday, the same day she shot an even-par 72 to win a qualifier in Hawaii for the men’s U.S. Open.

Wie and two others advanced to sectional play, with Wie saying she will play in the 36-hole sectional June 5 in Canoe Brook, N.J. The USGA believes she’s the first woman to get through local qualifying for the U.S. Open.

The special exemption to the U.S. Women’s Open was hardly a surprise.

USGA women’s tournament Chairman Marcia Luigs said the exemptions are given to players who would be eligible to play in a tournament if not for some external reason. Along with Wie, a special exemption was given to Kelly Robbins, who had consecutive top-three finishes in the Women’s Open but did not play last year because of a back injury.

Wie also will play Sept. 7-10 in the Omega European Masters in Switzerland, her first time competing on the European tour. Wie has competed eight times against men on five tours, making the cut for the first time May 5 in South Korea.