Wie struggling at Silvis

Michelle Wie’s fifth appearance on the US Tour got off to a disappointing start today when she struggled to a six-over-par 77 at the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois.

The 16-year-old, who would qualify for next week’s Open Championship if she finished in the top 10 and was the leading non-exempt player on Sunday, was fighting an uphill battle from the moment she double-bogeyed the 11th hole, her second.

She followed it with four bogeys and two birdies in the next six holes, turned in 40 and then dropped further shots at the first and eighth.

Leaders at seven under were Australian John Senden and Americans JP Hayes and Ryder Cup contender Zach Johnson.