Wie pays homage to ferry Sewol

Michelle Wie took some time out of her celebratory mood to pay homage to the ferry Sewol that sunk earlier in the week while traveling from Incheon to Jeju Island near South Korea.

Like many golfers taking part in this weekend’s LPGA Lotte Championship, Wie wore a black ribbon on her hat in honor of those lost at sea.

Wie’s father and mother were born in South Korea, so it meant enough for her to say something after she won her first LPGA Tour event on American soil.

"All week we also wore the black ribbon," Wie said. "I want to take a minute to really send out good thoughts and prayers and to all the family in Korea right now. It’s very unfortunate."

The ferry was carrying 475 people, mostly kids from high school. At last count, 20 died and 270 people were still missing.

Kang manages only ace at tourney

Danielle Kang saved her best efforts for Saturday’s final round, and they included the tournament’s only hole-in-one.

Kang fired a 4-under 68 to finish the event at 1 over and tied for 32nd. A solid front nine Saturday included three birdies and the ace, on the 143-yard No. 8 hole.

Too bad it wasn’t on No. 16 — an ace on that par-3 would’ve earned her a 2014 Acura TSX Special Edition. Wie narrowly missed hitting the pin on No. 16 during Wednesday’s first round.

Rookie Anderson gets big payday

Rookie Amy Anderson was one of 18 first-timers to tee it up at this week’s stop on the LPGA Tour. And while she didn’t pick up her first win as a professional after a stellar amateur career in which she won 20 times, including the 2009 U.S. Junior Amateur, the North Dakota native did pocket some much-needed cash.

Making only the second cut of her blossoming career, Anderson began the day tied for fifth and remained close enough to the top to tie for seventh after closing with a 1-under 71. Her four-day total of 7-under 281 left her in a tie for seventh with Haru Nomura.

She earned $45,231, finishing seven strokes off the winning pace of Wie, who pocketed $255,000 to run her career earnings to $3.56 million. After seven events, Wie is currently No. 1 on tour with $616,555. By contrast, Anderson is 47th with $56,820. Anderson’s previous best finish was a tie for 25th at the Australian Open in February.

Wie’s win gives caddie pause

Bully Duarte, 68, was thinking this would be his final event as a professional caddie after more than 25 years on the bag for LPGA, PGA, Champions and Nationwide events.

But the Honolulu resident originally from Kauai said he’s inspired by Wie’s victory, and may continue on a bit.

"I might go work San Francisco (for the Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic) next week since I have to go to Texas (for another matter)," Duarte said. "It’s super to hear Michelle’s done it here at home. I’m happy for her, her family and all of Hawaii."

Duarte said caddying for Arnold Palmer was his biggest thrill.

"That was so long ago it was called the Hawaiian Open," Duarte said.

This weekend he worked with Dori Carter, who finished tied for tied for 50th at 4 over.

"We were 1 under today, so a pretty good way to wrap it up," Duarte said.

FINAL RESULTS

Final Round
At Ko Olina Golf Club Course
a-denotes amateur

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