Wie to play in LPGA event in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD - Michelle Wie has accepted a sponsor's exemption to play in the 2008 LPGA State Farm Classic at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield from July 14-20.

The 18-year-old Wie was given one of only two available exemptions for the tournament. The other will be awarded to the winner of the Duramed Futures Players Championship in Decatur June 9-15.

This is the first time Wie will play in the State Farm Classic. Tickets for the event ($20) are available online at lpgastatefarmclassic.com.

"We are very pleased Michelle Wie has accepted our invitation to play," said Kate Peters, State Farm Classic executive director. "Michelle is a fan favorite and will be a welcome addition to this years' tournament."

Wie started playing golf at the age of four in her home state of Hawaii. In 2000, she became the youngest girl to qualify for a USGA event, the U.S. Women's Public Links Championship. She turned pro in 2006 at age 16 and that year finished in the top 10 in every LPGA event she played through July.

In 2007, Wie's wrist injury forced her to miss several months of tournaments. She started the 2008 season at the Fields Open in Hawaii and will play the State Farm Classic in Springfield, IL following the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic in Toledo, Ohio on July 10.