Wie may need to qualify for US Open
(AP)
Updated: 2006-02-08 09:43

"Let's say she were to do well enough in women's events she's going to be playing this winter and spring that if she were a member, her earnings would be such that she would be exempt," Fay said. "I think you'd be hard-pressed to explain why you wouldn't allow her to play."

The only way for Wie to avoid qualifying is to win on the LPGA Tour, and her only two chances likely will be the Fields Open or the Kraft Nabisco Championship. Fay said for the USGA not to consider her earnings — and where that puts her on the money list — would be holding Wie's age against her.

"How else could she qualify without winning an event?" Fay said.

The USGA had its annual meeting over the weekend in Atlanta, and Fay said there has been no decision on a special invitation. But it sounds as though Wie will need to play well in her limited starts.