NORTH RIDGE, Oregon, August 27, 2009 (AFP) - Michelle Wie returns to the quest for her first LPGA title on Friday in the 54-hole Safeway Classic after an undefeated run at the Solheim Cup that helped spark a US victory over Europe.

Wie went 3-0-1 at the team matches as the US kept the trophy and served notice she is confident and might yet claim her first LPGA title before her first full season is complete.

"I gained a lot of confidence from last week so I think that will help me," Wie said. "It was a lot of fun for me. It was just a lot of excitement and just a lot of emotions.

"But I've been feeling like I played well all year. I just want to do better so I'm working really hard at my game and I think it showed last week a little bit. Hopefully it will carry on."

The Hawaiian of Korean heritage has enjoyed a strong first official LPGA campaign after years of challenging tour veterans in major events and trying to make the cut against men's professional rivals with little success.

Now focused on her LPGA career, Wie had a runner-up finish in Hawaii in February and has a pair of third-place showings this season but hopes her breakthrough might come in this week's $1.7-million event.

"Every week it's just becoming a stronger feel," Wie said. "Actually playing every single week, it's different. It's nice. It's nice to go to different places, to spend a lot more time with these girls and get to know them better.

"But it's definitely a lot more tiring than playing a month and having a month off. I just have to learn how to manage my energy well."

Wie returns to Stanford University next month but vows, "I'm still going to play a lot."

This is the first US tour stop since Carolyn Bivens resigned as commisioner of the LPGA under pressure on July 13, the day after the US Women's Open, after the tour had lost several major sponsors and tournaments.

After a six-week US run, the LPGA will stage events in South Korea, Japan and Mexico before the season-ending Tour Championship at Houston in November.

US veteran Cristie Kerr is the defending champion but the event has moved to Pumpkin Ridge Golf Course.

"You want to try and defend on the course that you won on, but I think this is a fantastic golf course," Kerr said. "It's going to be a really great challenge."