World number 12 Michelle Wie with Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi at the Emirates Golf Club.

DUBAI, Dec 6 — Michelle Wie flew into Dubai on Saturday night after a long haul Emirates flight from San Francisco — and a few hours later she was on the driving range at the Emirates Golf Club fresh as ever, going through her paces ahead of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters.

She is Michelle Wie for a reason.

One of the most exciting players in the world of women’s golf, the 20-year-old has enjoyed a tremendously successful rookie season on the LPGA Tour, which also saw her play a key role in the US team’s Solheim Cup victory.

After all the near misses, after all the expectations, her long wait was over when she won the 2009 LPGA Lorena Ochoa Invitational trophy at Guadalajara Country in Mexico — her first win in 65 tournaments over an eight-year period, beginning with the Takefuji Classic in 2002, when she was only 13.

The American pin up looks determined to keep the momentum going when she joins a star-studded Omega Dubai Ladies Masters field in what promises to be an absorbing battle for the top Euro 75,000 prize.

“I am very excited about making my first trip to Dubai and playing in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters,” said Wie after formally being introduced to Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi — the promoters and organisers of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters.

“I have heard so many great things about Dubai as a city, but also about the golf here, and I’m looking forward to experiencing it for myself,” added Wie who is accompanied by her parents.

“This season was a very rewarding one for me, both on the golf course and off, and I’d love nothing more than to wrap this year up with a strong showing at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters. I have such great respect for the players on the Ladies European Tour, and was able to develop close friendships with many of them in my first Solheim Cup experience, so it will be a great week.”