Punahou graduate Michelle Wie has accepted one of two sponsor's exemptions to play in the LPGA State Farm Classic, July 17 to 20, at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield, Ill.

Wie, an 18-year-old Stanford freshman, recently announced she would play in the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic the week before in Ohio. This will be her first appearance in the State Farm.

"We are very pleased Michelle Wie has accepted our invitation to play in the State Farm Classic, a tournament that year after year attracts some of the world's best women golfers," tournament executive director Kate Peters said in a press release. "Michelle is a fan favorite and will be a welcome addition to this year's tournament."

Wie turned pro at the end of 2005 and finished top 10 in every LPGA event she played in 2006 through July. A wrist injury last year kept her out of contention, and ultimately off the course, until this February when she opened her 2008 season at the Fields Open in Hawai'i. She made the cut, breaking 70 for the first time in 19 months, but finished last.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to play in this year's LPGA State Farm Classic," Wie said. "I have had the good fortune of making a career out of something I love at a very young age and tournaments like the State Farm Classic allow me to give something back to the community and fans."