NORTH PLAINS, Ore. - Teenage sensation Michelle Wie played Sunday's last round of the U.S. Women's Open with her father watching from behind the ropes instead of as her caddie.
The move capped a troubled tournament for the 13-year-old.
Saturday, B.J. Wie retracted claims that Danielle Ammaccapane pushed his daughter on the 14th green during the first round, apparently angry over a breach of etiquette. But he stood by statements that Ammaccapane berated his daughter later in the scoring tent.
The incident put added pressure on Wie, whose emergence has been likened to the stir Tiger Woods caused before turning pro.
That's why the caddie change was made, B.J. Wie said.
"Just to give her a fresh atmosphere," he said. "It has been a very difficult week."
Gary Gilchrist, her hitting coach, caddied. He also will caddie for her at the U.S. Girls Junior in Fairfield, Conn., this month.
Michelle Wie found out about the change early Sunday.
"I just woke up, and my mom told me my dad wasn't caddying for me today," she said. "So I said, "Okay, whatever."'
She did not have much interaction with her father but smiled his way after hitting a well-placed long drive at No. 11.
"I'm having a good time," said B.J. Wie, who added he was unsure when, or if, he would caddie again.
Wie shot 5-over 76 to finish tied for 39th at 14-over 298, 15 shots out of today's playoff.
