Wie advances in men's Amateur Public Links

LEBANON, Ohio -- Michelle Wie took another step toward a possible Masters invitation.

Wie made a 15-foot birdie putt on the final hole to edge Will Claxton 1-up in her first match at the men's Amateur Public Links on Wednesday.

"I'm very relieved I got through today," Wie said. "It was really tough out there. It felt good after I made that putt. I have a lot more days to go, so hopefully I can keep that trend going."

The 15-year-old, who will be a high school junior this fall, is the first female to qualify for a men's U.S. Golf Association championship. She's playing in the APL because the winner traditionally gets an invitation to play at Augusta.

Wie still has a long way to go. She would have to win five more matches before getting the coveted invitation.

"Tomorrow's a whole new day," she said when asked about her upcoming match.

Wie advances to play C.D. Hockersmith of Richmond, Ind., in the second round today. The third round of match play follows in the afternoon.

Hockersmith, a junior at Ball State, said he's looking at the match as an opportunity.

"This would be great to beat her, to give me some confidence," he said.

Wie had to be on top her game against Claxton, a 23-year-old who recently graduated from Auburn. He was a quarterfinalist in the APL a year ago.

"She did an incredible job," Claxton said. "I didn't play bad out there. I hit a lot of good iron shots. She hit fairways and greens and she putted really well. Her short game's incredible. I was very impressed."