Friday, August 1 2008 -- Michelle Wie has recently announced that she will play in the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open this week. Her decision has certainly attracted attention and criticism from both media and fans.

Instead of qualifying for the Women’s British Open, the 18-year old decides she will invade the male golfers in their territory saying that “it’s going to be a lot of fun”.

Critics doubt her chances and give her 500-1 long shot in this tournament. Wie does not care about the criticisms thrown at her and even what her fellow women golfers has to say.

Annika Sorenstam who herself failed to qualify for her only attempt at a PGA Tour appearance, says that Wie should concentrate on qualifying for women’s major tournaments because if she can’t do that, “she has no business playing with the men.”

Michelle Wie has played against men before in her native Korea at the 2006 SK Telecom Open and this is her eighth time to qualify for the PGA Tour missing each cut.

Encouragement also comes from male golfers including the highest ranked player in the Reno field, Ben Crane who thinks that the course layout of pines and streams will fit the golfer’s game.

Michelle Wie admits to being scared as she is every time she plays in the PGA Tour but also says that it is also an exciting experience for her and the opportunity will be something fun and worthwhile.