Michelle Wie secures first pro title in America

Michelle Wie is sprayed in champagne by Christina Kim after her win on home soil in Hawaii in the LOTTE Championship. Picture: AP

Michelle Wie claimed her first LPGA win on American soil on Saturday, coming from four strokes behind to win the LOTTE Championship in her home state of Hawaii.

The 24-year-old American fired a five-under 67 at Ko Olina Golf Club in the final round to storm past third round leader Angela Stanford, finishing with a two-stroke advantage on 14-under 274. Stanford’s 73 left her at 12-under with South Korea’s Inbee Park third at 11-under.

The victory was Wie’s third of her career but first in America and first since the Canadian Open in 2010. With a boisterous home crowd cheering her on Wie found herself tied for the lead through eight holes before she gained control with a 10-foot birdie on the 12th.

Another birdie on the following hole opened up the cushion she maintained for her long-awaited home win.

“I’m just having fun out there,” Wie said. “I had a blast. “It was definitely the most consistent I have played this week, especially with the tough conditions.

“I just did a really good job of staying in the present and 
not getting too far ahead (of 
myself).”