Wie receives sponsor’s exemption to Samsung Championship

PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA (TICKER)—Michelle Wie on Wednesday accepted a sponsor’s exemption to play in the LPGA Samsung World Championship, a prestigious 20-player event.

Wie, who has been sidelined since February with a wrist injury, will celebrate her 18th birthday on October 11, the first day of the event at Bighorn Golf Club’s Canyon Course.

“It’s an honor to be invited to play in the Samsung World Championship,” Wie said. “There is nothing like going back to where my professional career started, and playing against the best players in the world. I’m excited for the opportunity.”

Wie debuted in the 2004 Samsung World Championship as a 14-year-old amateur and tied for 13th.

The following year, she made her pro debut at the event but it was marred by a disqualification for signing an incorrect scorecard in the wake of an incorrect drop during her third round. The result overshadowed opening rounds of 70 and 65.

At last year’s Samsung Championship, Wie tied for 17th.

Waiting for Wie will be defending champion Lorena Ochoa and sensational sophomore Morgan Pressel, who earned her spot in the 20-player field by winning the first major of 2007 - the Kraft Nabisco Championship at nearby Mission Hills.

The remainder of the field will consist of the winners of the three remaining LPGA major championships, the leading players from the Ladies European Tour and the leading money winners from the 2007 list who would not otherwise qualify.

“We know how special an event this is for Michelle, being on a course she loves playing, and how special it is for the fans to see her,” tournament director Torrey Gane said.

Wie’s wrist injury forced her to miss the Kraft Nabisco Championship.

Wie tied for third at the U.S. Women’s Open last year and tied for fifth at the McDonald’s Championship last year. In eight LPGA events, she recorded six top-five finishes and a trip to the quarterfinals of the HSBC Women’s World Match Play Championship.