PALM DESERT, Calif. — Michelle Wie's first day as a professional golfer at the Samsung World Championship certainly raised more excitement than the average teenager starting a part-time job.

Wie, a 16-year-old Punahou School junior from Honolulu, attracted a gallery of about 300 — — enthusiastic and hopeful for her success.

"A younger generation is stepping up to be successful and it's great to see someone like Michelle inspiring young girls to play sports," said former Maui resident Lita Vega, who came to see Wie.

Vega, 44, moved to California seven years ago and is now a manager at the Palm Spring Hyatt hotel.

"When I was young, it wasn't common for girls to play sports," she said.

Wie's 2-under-par 70 in the first round was a credible performance, but in an elite, 20-player field where just one golfer finished with a score over par, it was good for a tie for 12th.

As Wie stepped from a golf cart that had delivered her to the first hole, a woman called out, "Have a great career."

With photographers recording her every move, Wie drew more attention than Annika Sorenstam, the four-time winner of this event who has nine major championships on her resume.

Sorenstam was quietly taking charge with eight birdies for a tournament-leading 64.

Steve Park, a retired 64-year-old businessman from Los Angeles, might have been Wie's most enthusiastic fan.

"I started following her in 2003 and I expect her to finish in the top 10," said Park, who reacted to every shot by Wie.

Rich James, a 57-year-old engineering consultant from North Carolina, came to see the professional debut of someone he expects to be a great golfer. He had two hats made up with Wie's name. One was lettered in pink on a blue background, and he had a red hat which was autographed by Wie.

"I discovered her about a year ago and I look forward to her career developing well," James said. "She made a few mistakes, but she hit great shots. It takes years to develop putting, but once she gets more confident she is going to knock them dead."

Wie was at 4 under through 12 holes, but finished with bogeys on Nos. 14 and 18.

Retired college administrator Linda Bain of Nipomo, Calif., was at Bighorn yesterday to beat the crowd.

"I figured this was the chance to see Michelle up close because the galleries will probably be larger on the weekend," said Bain, 64.

And what would a California golf tournament be without celebrities.

With Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn looking on, Wie saved par on No. 3 after taking her first penalty, the result of her tee shot landing under a bush off the right side of the fairway and Wie declaring the lie unplayable.

Wie's popularity wasn't lost on playing partner Cristie Kerr.

"Michelle's applause was notably bigger than mine," said Kerr, the Miami, Fla. "You could hear it got very quiet when she hit."

The Los Angeles Times contributed to this report.