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2Wie falters again at the finish line

RANDALL MELL, Senior Writer, GolfChannel.com Posted 07/03/2009, 6:29 PM EST

Michelle Wie’s inability to close out rounds was on display again Friday at the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic.

It’s becoming maddening for folks who can’t wait to see her win, while it’s just more supportive evidence for critics who think she’ll never become the great player she’s expected to become.

Yes, it was just the second round at Highland Meadows outside Toledo, Ohio, and Wie remains in the hunt, but she squandered a golden chance at the final hole to move into a tie for the lead going into the weekend.

Wie made birdies at the 16th and 17th holes and stepped to the 18th tee needing a birdie at the reachable par 5 to move even with Laura Diaz and Sarah Kemp atop the leaderboard.

After laying up, Wie inexplicably blew a wedge over the green from point-blank range, hit a poor chip, then three-putted for double bogey. Really, it felt like she dropped three shots at a hole that offered a great chance for birdie. She still enters the weekend having worked herself into great position, but those mistakes at the end have to exact a toll on her confidence. Wie, who often looks like she's fighting her putter, seemed to have a great feel with it Friday, until that last hole. She’ll have to deal with the doubt that finish created heading into the weekend.

Jul

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Realist007 Said on 07/04/2009, at 2:53 AM EST

“A last hole disaster is always a mental boat anchor. However, this was only the second round, and her position is excellent to do whatever she is capable of. Certainly other golfers with her total score are not thinking of anything but winning the tournament. If this had been Sunday and Michele went from 1st to T-5 with a 72nd hole double bogey, I might be inclined to suggest a head doctor.......BUT: Saturday and Sunday are the true test days, and we will all have to wait and see what Wie does. In a four round golf tournament, the goal is always to play your way into contention, and that has now happened as it has in the past for Wie. Opportunity abounds again, let's see what she does with it.”
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Said on 07/04/2009, at 1:49 AM EST

“Don't be such a hater Randall. She's got time to make her mark. Even if she doesn't win the thing, does she improve on her weaknesses? She'll be all right. Take it easy...”
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