Golf

Wie again goes for cut at Sony

The 17-year-old will again tr to make a PGA Tour cut, this time with an injured wrist.

By BOB HARIG
Published January 11, 2007

WITH IFFY WRIST, WIE AGAIN GOES FOR CUT AT SONY

Michelle Wie, 17, above, will try for the fourth time to make the cut at the Sony Open in her hometown of Honolulu. Wie, whose best chance came in her first attempt three years ago when she missed by a shot, will do so under a handicap. She practiced Tuesday with a heavily bandaged right wrist and did not play in Wednesday's pro-am. Wie said she initially hurt the wrist last fall at the Samsung World Championship, where she attempted to hit a shot off a cart path. "It feels a little iffy, but I'm going to play," she said. Wie will be paired with Australian Gavin Coles, who ranked 148th out of 149 players listed in driving distance last year on the Nationwide Tour at 268.3 yards. There is a good chance Wie 275.5 will be hitting it past him.

IN B SECTION: The PGA was in the bay area Wednesday, hoping to get Pinellas County to share the cost of its Tampa Bay Championship.

Tiger honors

Tiger Woods is getting another award, but this one has nothing to do with his prowess on the course. He will be honored with the Golf Writers Association of America's Charlie Bartlett Award, given to a professional for his/her unselfish contributions to the betterment of society. The Tiger Woods Foundation has dispersed more than $30-million in grants since its inception more than 10 years ago. Woods will be honored at the GWAA awards dinner April 4 in Augusta, Ga., where he also will receive the GWAA's player of the year award for the eighth time in 10 years. The next day, Woods will begin pursuit of his third straight major championship and 13th overall at the Masters.

Volunteers needed

The Tampa Bay Championship, the PGA Tour event at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, needs volunteers for the March 8-11 tournament. Volunteers pay $75 for a shirt, wind shirt, hat, lunch and a guest badge for tournament admission. For information, call (727) 942-5557.

Not exempt? No problem

John Daly finished 193rd on the 2006 PGA Tour money list, well outside the top 125 and fully exempt status. So how is it this week he begins a stretch of six straight tournaments, starting at the Sony Open? Sponsor exemptions. As a past champion, he can accept unlimited exemptions and is expected to receive one to the Tampa Bay Championship at Innisbrook in March.

Brittany has a brand new bag

When the LPGA Tour season begins next month, Seminole's Brittany Lincicome will have her name on a new bag filled with new clubs. She signed an endorsement deal this week with Adams Golf and will play the company's equipment and wear its logo. Lincicome, 21, won her first LPGA event last summer and finished 14th on the money list.

Let us know about your event

Have a charity or open event you want golfers or golf fans to know about? Send your e-mail at least three weeks in advance to sptsnews@sptimes.com and we'll add it to our weekly calendar. First up: The Florida Junior Tour event Saturday-Monday on the West Course at Belleair Country Club, with a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start Saturday-Sunday and tee times Monday.

[Last modified January 11, 2007, 00:33:33]