michelle wie, does she deserve to be in the U.S. Open?

Today, starts the Women's U.S. Open at the beautiful Donald Ross designed Orchards Golf Club. Julie Inkster yesterday complained about the exemption Michelle Wie received to this year's Open.

Well, I've said it before but I'll say it again. Michelle Wie deserved the exemption she received. Had she not been an amateur, she would have qualified in tour winnings she would have earned in the events she played (making the top 28). The only reason she didn't enter a qualifier was that she wanted to play a qualifier for the men's U.S. Public Links Championship to try to qualify for the Masters. Yes, the men's Masters.

Frankly, all the women on the tour -- including Judi Inkster -- should be thankful for all the media attention Michelle Wie brings to the women's tour. She could do for the LPGA what Tiger did for the PGA. As it stands, the LPGA is lagging far behind in purse money, televison viewing, and media following.