Michelle Wie Wins First LPGA Title Of Her Career

by Yuliya Talmazan | November 16, 2009 at 12:55 pm

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American golfer Michelle Wie has won her first LPGA title -- the Lorena Ochoa Invitational at the age of 20. Wie became the youngest player ever to quality for a LPGA tour event, turning professional at the age of 16. But despite being widely regarded as a teenage phenom in professional golf circles, Wie failed to win any major titles since 2003. She landed big-ticket endorsement deals at 16, but never capitalized on her ambitions. Now, Wie is finally celebrating a victory that has been long overdue.

"It's a huge monkey off my back. A huge gorilla, really," Wie, 20, said by phone from Mexico an hour after her victory. After tapping in for birdie on the final hole, Wie lifted both arms high above her head as tears streamed down her face. "I didn't think I would cry but I did. It was everything I expected and more.

"I just feel such a wave of relief," said Wie, who won in her 65th LPGA tour start. "There have been a lot of ups and downs. It hasn't been easy. But my family, my friends, my fans, everyone — when I was at my lowest they were always there for me."