Solheim could use Wie bit of star power

But teen has work ahead to earn consideration

Make a stop at McDonald's each of the next four days, and come with a healthy appetite. The LPGA Tour's second major of the year -- the McDonald's LPGA Championship -- kicks off today in Maryland and area golf fans should pay attention not only because you'll see some great golf, but because you should want Michelle Wie to break through with her first victory.

And why would you want that?

Because a major championship would rocket Wie up the Solheim Cup standings and put her in a position where even if she doesn't crack the automatic top 10 qualifiers, U.S. captain Beth Daniel would have to seriously consider picking her.

And why would you want that?

Because it would make the Solheim Cup, set for Aug. 21 to 23 at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, a much more interesting event for spectators.

I covered Wie when she competed in the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic in Silvis in 2005 and 2006, and if she can draw hundreds of thousands to the Quad Cities, she will definitely swell the crowds at a more accessible venue for the Chicago market.

Now, the Solheim Cup is not a marketing event and Wie won't be picked just for show. But with three top-10 finishes, her game is rounding into form and her presence will only help an event that lacks a true star on the European side. (Swede Annika Sorenstam, women's golf's most dominant player in recent years, retired in 2008 and is expecting her first child in the fall.)

And, like many American stars, Wie really wants to be in Sugar Grove in August.

"It's definitely a goal of mine," she said last week in Springfield before the State Farm Classic. "It's a very important goal for me. When I got to play in the (2004) Curtis Cup, it was one of the most amazing experiences I ever had, representing my country."

In terms of fame, she is the Tiger Woods of the LPGA Tour -- just as many people root against her as for her. But trust me -- everyone will come out to see what she's all about regardless of their feelings, and what they'll see is the real deal. The woman can really play, and she'd be an asset for the American team. She's a long hitter (which will be needed at Rich Harvest), and she's seventh on the LPGA Tour in putts per green (1.76). She also has experience in Solheim-type events with her stint on the victorious Curtis Cup team and has a match play background from participating in various USGA amateur events.

I bring this up now because Wie has fond memories of the LPGA Championship -- she was the runner-up in 2005 and tied for fifth in 2006. And she always seems to bring a decent game to the majors. No matter your feelings on the teenager (yes, she's still just 19) you should be rooting for her this week and the rest of the year through the British Open, after which the teams are finalized.

Not only would a peaking Wie help the American team win its third straight Solheim, it would offer great theater and a great atmosphere around the links at Rich Harvest.