Imbee Park is focusing on winning her third US Women’s Open title

LANCASTER, Pa. • Hard to believe, but Michelle Wie is only 25 years old.

High expectations on Ko – and maybe some self-inflicted pressure – at last month’s KPMG Women’s PGA resulted in her missing her first cut in her 54th tournament as a member of the LPGA, and dropped her to No. 2 in the world rankings behind Inbee Park. That spans some 15 years. During one interview last month, she talked of being at the “peak age where it’s all downhill”.

In just her second USA Open appearance, Alex endured just one bogey and birdied three of her final six holes to also get to 4-under.

Before coming to the area, her perception of Lancaster mirrored that of many outsiders, who have only heard about the alternative lifestyles and cultures in the region.

That said, while Wie demonstrated an ability to compete with the men, that never has translated into dominating the women, as so many thought it would. Both commented favorably on the large galleries.

She’s still powerful, still influential.

The reigning champ tee’d off at Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania with hopes of posting her first top-40 finish in a major since winning her first career big-5 tournament a year ago.

“I think this is hopefully a trend in the right direction”.

I’m sorry if I’m name-dropping so much, but I was just absolutely star-struck this entire time. It’s been a lot of fun. It definitely was unbelievable …

“It’s hard to say what part is the most important thing around this course, but you can just see at the end of the day the victor will have pretty much done great in not only hitting the ball great but for the short game also”. “It’s truly an honor”. Brittany Lincicome won the ANA Inspiration in April in California and fellow American Stacy Lewis finished second to Wie in the Women’s Open previous year.

The seven-time major champion rolled back the years with a near-flawless opening round, starting with 10 straight pars before notching four birdies on the back nine to finish with a four-under-par 66 at Pennsylvania’s Lancaster Country Club.

This season has been a struggle for Webb, who has three top-10 finishes in 14 starts. She went on to birdie 17 and close out a two-stroke win for her first major title.

“It’s definitely been a tough year with my game”, Wie said. “I did a really good job of that”.

Her season has been slowed by injury and illness. But at the same time, I’m taking it day by day. “When they set up a course like that to use every club, it’s a good setup”.

“I definitely feel like I’m in there. It feels good. I’m staying positive and just trying to improve a little bit here and there every day”.

After beginning the year with strep throat that developed into a sinus infection, Wie is finally free of illness. Still, she calls it a “learning process”. That forced her to withdraw from the Kingsmill Championship.

Lillie is far from alone in her adventure of playing with the best golfers in the world.

Wie still employs the unconventional putting stance, bending over the ball to a 90-degree angle from the waist.

“I was a little more nervous before I got here but now I’m more excited, ” Lillie said. “With a young, strong woman, something has to be figured out so that she is physically well and healthy where she doesn’t miss any tournaments that she doesn’t choose to miss”.

“I was surprised how many people were out spectating already just for the practice rounds”, said Lee.

She no longer lives with her parents, whom some accused of being overly influential.

Park is in her third reign at No. 1. She has taken up cooking as a hobby and attended her first hockey game last spring.

That’s OK with Wie.