Wie starts strong in qualifying

Dec 3, 2008 - 10:03 PM DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (Ticker) -- Michelle Wie enjoyed a solid start Wednesday as she attempts to earn her LPGA Tour card for next year.

Wie has not lived up to her considerable promise since becoming the youngest player to make a cut in an LPGA event when she accomplished the feat at the Nabisco Championship in 2003 at age 13.

Still just 19, Wie battled a wrist injury and endured a disappointing 2008 campaign, missing three cuts and getting disqualified from another tournament among her nine LPGA events.

Wie enters this 90-hole qualifying tournament trying to finish in the top 20 in order to earn her tour card for next year.

Wie got off to a solid start on the more difficult Legends course on Wednesday, carding a 3-under-par 69 to put her in a tie for sixth after the first round. She capped her round by sinking a 25-foot birdie putt.

Shiho Oyama, who played the Champions course, signed for a 64 to take the first-round lead.