Teens Aree Song and Michelle Wie have Kraft Nabisco title in reach, but "veteran" Grace Park says she is ready.
By wire services
Published March 28, 2004
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. - Grace Park was playing her own game, and doing it well. Paired with teen sensation Michelle Wie, she managed to stay focused and tie for the lead in the Kraft Nabisco Championship.
Still, Park couldn't help sneaking a peek or two at the kid along the way. What she saw impressed her more than any 300-yard drive.
"There was not a sign to show she was 14 years old," Park said. "That was really impressive."
The future of women's golf was on full display Saturday in the LPGA's first major championship of the year, where Wie shot a methodical 3-under 69 to move within two shots of the lead going into the final round.
It wasn't only Wie, though the lanky teen got most of the attention. Playing just behind her was Aree Song, 17, who has been around so long as an amateur she seems more like a grizzled veteran than someone playing in only her fourth pro tournament.
Park shot 5-under 67, and Song, who grew up in Bradenton and lives in Orlando, had 69 to top a leaderboard filled with a mixture of youth and proven winners.
"I think I set myself up for a pretty nice day tomorrow," Song said. "I've always dreamt about this."
On a day when Annika Sorenstam played early and almost unnoticed, Wie and Song showed they're ready to do more than gain experience today.
"Last year I didn't know how well I could shoot or how bad I could shoot," Wie said. "This time I am trying to win it or, like, be in the top five at least."
So is Park, who is in her fifth year on tour and believes her time has come to win a major.
"I'm ready. I've been ready. I'll be ready," Park said. "I crave winning more than ever."
Park and Song were 8 under. Second-round co-leader Jung Yeon Lee was a shot back, and Wie and Karrie Webb were another stroke behind. The other second-round co-leader, Dottie Pepper, shot 74.
Wie has overshadowed Song all week, even when Song opened with 66, the low round of the tournament. Like Wie, Song played here as a 13-year-old and recorded a top 10 finish.
Song is in her fifth Nabisco at the age of 17 and her first major championship as a pro.
"I like to keep things nice and quiet, let my game speak for itself," said Song, who played under the last name Wongluekiet for most of her amateur career. "I can go have fun and stay under the radar."
