Michelle Wie West set for career finale: ‘I feel incredibly blessed’
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Michelle Wie West (centre) with Yana Wilson (left) and Rose Zhang after the final round of the Mizuho Americas Open on June 4.
PHOTO: AFP
CALIFORNIA – Michelle Wie West has already left a lasting legacy on the sport of golf. This week, as she prepares for her final event – the US Women’s Open in Pebble Beach, California – she reflected on her career in the spotlight.
“I think that one word comes to mind – bold,” she said on Tuesday. “Made a lot of bold choices in my career and I’m proud of it. I’m proud of being fearless at times and just doing what felt right.
“I hope that I inspire a lot of other girls to make bold and fearless decisions and choices in their careers as well.”
Wie West played at Stanford before turning pro in 2005. She went on to win her first LPGA event in 2009 at age 20, but the expected superstardom never came.
She captured her only Major at the US Women’s Open in 2014, a feat which she celebrated with fellow champions on Monday night.
At the gathering, Wie West gained a deepened appreciation for those who forged a path for the women’s golf pros today.
Said Wie West: “Every time you have interactions with the older generation, you just realise that we all have a job because of them, because they were our founders, because of the women who came before us, because of all the hard work and things they did to make the tour better.
“It’s a big reason why our (winner’s) purse is now US$2 million (S$2.7 million) this year, and it’s incredible to hear their stories.”
As for day-to-day life in the present, Wie West cited her “competitive drive” as one of the more difficult traits to channel.
“When you’re a professional athlete, the highs are so high and the lows are so low,” she said. “Honestly, for the past year, I haven’t felt the highs of high, but I also haven’t felt the lows of low.”
Now 33, the golfer is married to the son of a National Basketball Association icon. She and Jonnie West, son of Jerry (believed to be the model for the league’s logo), exchanged vows in August 2019 and have a daughter, Makenna.
“It’s strange,” Wie West said of her life now. “You go out there and you eat three meals, you take care of your daughter, and at night you watch Netflix.”
She told Golf Channel on Tuesday that being a mother has been her biggest achievement, but her reach extends beyond her immediate family. Her influence on young stars includes a special connection with fellow Stanford standout Rose Zhang, though Wie West defers the credit to the 20-year-old.
“She’s really done it all on her own,” Wie West said. “I really hope that I can be a sounding board for her. To all the younger players out here, I’ve told them I’m just a phone call or text away.” REUTERS
