Michelle Wie West ends three-year retirement for US Women’s Open return
Former champion Michelle Wie West is ending her three-year retirement to compete at the US Women’s Open in California this June.
The 36-year-old last featured on the LPGA Tour at the exact same major three years ago.
She intends to utilise her final year of eligibility for the prestigious tournament, which begins on 4 June at Riviera in Pacific Palisades.
Champions typically receive a 10-year exemption, but the Hawaiian-born golfer saw her stint extended until 2026 to account for maternity leave.
A fitting farewell at an iconic venue
Announcing the move on social media, the five-time tour winner expressed her profound excitement to return to competitive golf.
“With one final year of eligibility from my victory in 2014 and the championship headed to an iconic venue that means so much to me, I am excited to announce that I’ll be teeing it up at the US Women’s Open at Riviera in June.”
The celebrated former prodigy originally claimed her sole major triumph at Pinehurst in 2014.
Overcoming physical struggles
Rising to international prominence at an incredibly early age, the young star was once tipped to emulate the dominant success of 15-time major winner Tiger Woods.
She became the youngest player to win an adult USGA championship at 13, and subsequently made the cut at an LPGA major aged just 14.
However, after enduring more than two decades in the intense sporting spotlight, the mother of two stepped away from the game.
At the time of her departure, she cited that her body could no longer cope with the physical rigours of professional golf.
This major comeback follows a recent announcement that she will also participate in the inaugural women’s TGL team golf league later this year.
