LEBANON, Ohio, July 13 (UPI) -- Michelle Wie beat Will Claxton Wednesday 1-up in the first round of match play at the 80th U.S. Men's Amateur Public Links.
The 15-year-old amateur rallied to beat Claxton on the final hole by making a birdie putt for the win. Wie, who is eight years younger than Claxton, nearly made the cut at last week's PGA John Deere Classic.
Claxton held a 2-up lead after eight holes, but Wie came back and took the lead with a conceded birdie at 15. Claxton went ahead at 16 with a birdie of his own, but Wie squared the match at 17 before winning at 18.
"It felt good after I made that putt," Wie said. "I am very glad I made it."
She will next face C.D. Hockersmith in the second round Thursday. If she advances, she will have to play a third-round match later in the day.
