Wie welcome in British open, say players

MICHELLE WIE would be welcome to play in this year’s British Open championship at St Andrews, according to several of the world’s leading players.

Wie could qualify to play at the Old Course after receiving an invitation to the John Deere Classic on the US Tour, which offers a place in the Open to the leading player not already exempt.

“Good luck to her,” was Colin Montgomerie’s response when asked for his reaction ahead of this week’s BMW Asian Open in Shanghai. “If someone has qualified like I had to last year then fine.

Wie is also attempting to qualify for this year’s US Open at Pinehurst.

World number three Ernie Els, who has played practice rounds with Wie, also voiced no objections to the teenage sensation teeing it up alongside the men.

“That would make it interesting wouldn’t it?” the South African said. “I still say she is a better player than she was last year. She is getting stronger and I think she is swinging better.