What Happened to Michelle Wie West? Why is Michelle Wie West Leaving Golf?
by Ushapriyanga
Updated Jul 06, 2023
Who is Michelle Wie?
Michelle Sung Wie West was born on October 11, 1989, is an accomplished American professional golfer who currently competes on the LPGA Tour. Her golfing journey began at a remarkably young age when, at just 10 years old, she became the youngest player ever to qualify for a USGA amateur championship. This achievement foreshadowed the extraordinary career that lay ahead for Wie West.
In 2014, Wie West achieved a major milestone by capturing her first and only major championship victory at the U.S. Women's Open. This triumph solidified her status as one of the top players in women's golf and served as a testament to her skill, determination, and perseverance.
Wie West's journey in golf has been characterized by remarkable achievements, breaking barriers, and defying expectations. Her precocious talent, combined with her tenacity and drive, has made her a beloved figure in the world of golf. Despite facing various challenges and injuries throughout her career, Wie West's impact on the sport and her legacy as one of the game's most influential players remain undeniable.
What Happened to Michelle Wie West?
In May 2022, golfer Wie West made the significant announcement of her retirement from professional golf. She shared with Golfweek that she had decided to participate in one final event, namely the 2023 U.S. Women's Open. Her decision to step away from the game was primarily influenced by the central role her daughter, Makenna, born in June 2020, played in her life.
After a successful career in golf, Wie West made the heartfelt choice to prioritize her family and dedicate more time to being a mother to her daughter. The birth of Makenna in 2020 marked a transformative period in Wie West's life, leading her to reassess her priorities and make a difficult decision regarding her professional golfing career.
Wie West expressed her gratitude for the sport of golf, which had provided her with numerous accomplishments and memorable moments throughout her career. However, she believed that it was now time to shift her focus and devote herself to her daughter's upbringing and well-being.
Is Michelle Wie Leaving Golf?
Although Wie West bid farewell to professional golf, she chose to participate in one final tournament—the prestigious 2023 U.S. Women's Open. This event held great significance for her, allowing her to conclude her golfing journey on a high note and bid a proper farewell to the sport she had dedicated herself to for many years.
Wie West's decision to retire and her subsequent participation in the U.S. Women's Open serves as a poignant testament to the influence of motherhood and the importance of balancing personal and professional aspirations. Her choice to prioritize her daughter's needs showcases the profound impact that family can have on an individual's life choices, even when it means stepping away from a successful career in pursuit of a greater purpose.
Why is Michelle Wie Leaving Golf?
Michelle Wie West made the heartfelt announcement of her retirement from professional golf. In an interview with Golfweek, she disclosed that she had chosen to participate in one final event, the 2023 U.S. Women's Open. Her decision to step away from the game was primarily motivated by her daughter Makenna, who was born in June 2020.
Wie West's decision was influenced by the physical toll that golf took on her body, especially considering her previous struggles with injuries throughout her career. She expressed concern about how playing a lot of golf affected her ability to care for and spend time with her daughter. The thought of being unable to lift her daughter due to fatigue or physical limitations was a source of fear for Wie West, ultimately leading her to prioritize her role as a mother.
While Wie West didn't completely rule out a return to professional golf in the future, she acknowledged that this particular tournament held great emotional significance for her. She described the lead-up to the event as a poignant time, realizing that every practice session, putting drill, and meticulous preparation was being done for the last time in her career. The finality of these experiences added a layer of sentimentality to her participation in the tournament.
As Wie West embarked on her last week of competitive golf, she reflected on the magnitude of the moment and the bittersweet nature of bidding farewell to certain aspects of the game.
Every stroke, every practice round, and even the simple act of recording details in her yardage book carried a weight of finality. Wie West's retirement marked the end of an era in her golfing journey, and she approached the tournament with a mixture of emotions, fully aware of the significance of the occasion.
Michelle Wie Net Worth 2023
Michelle Wie, the renowned American professional golfer, boasts an estimated net worth of $25 million, it is truly impressive to note that a significant portion of her wealth, approximately $20 million, has been amassed through her achievements in golf, while the remaining amount has been acquired through lucrative endorsement deals.
One of Wie's notable sponsors is Nike, a partnership that is estimated to be worth between $10 million to $15 million annually. This long-standing endorsement deal not only showcases the confidence that Nike has in Wie's brand appeal but also adds significantly to her financial standing. The collaboration with Nike has provided her with a stable source of income and has contributed significantly to her overall net worth.
Michelle Wie's financial success serves as a testament to both her exceptional golfing talent and her ability to captivate sponsors and audiences alike. Through a combination of skill, determination, and strategic brand partnerships, she has solidified her position as one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in the world of professional golf.
Michelle Wie Stat
Date
Tournament
Winning score (to par)
Margin of victory
Nov. 15, 2009
Lorena Ochoa Invitational
275 (-13)
2 strokes
Aug. 29, 2010
CN Canadian Women's Open
276 (-12)
3 strokes
Apr 19, 2014
LPGA Lotte Championship
274 (-14)
2 strokes
Jun 22, 2014
U.S. Women's Open
278 (-2)
2 strokes
March 4, 2018
HSBC Women's World Championship
271 (-17)
1 stroke
What Happened to Michelle Wie West-FAQs
Michelle Wie was born on October 11, 1989.
In May 2022, golfer Wie West made the significant announcement of her retirement from professional golf. She shared with Golfweek that she had decided to participate in one final event, namely the 2023 U.S. Women's Open. Her decision to step away from the game was primarily influenced by the central role her daughter, Makenna, born in June 2020, played in her life.
While Michelle Wie retired from professional golf, she has not completely ruled out a return to the sport in the future. However, her decision to step away from the game was driven by her desire to focus on her family, and her participation in the 2023 U.S. Women's Open is expected to be her final tournament.
As of 2023, Michelle Wie's net worth is estimated to be around $25 million. The majority of her wealth, approximately $20 million, comes from her golfing career, while the rest is derived from endorsement deals, including notable partnerships with Nike and Sony.
In May 2022, golfer Wie West made the significant announcement of her retirement from professional golf. She shared with Golfweek that she had decided to participate in one final event, namely the 2023 U.S. Women's Open. Her decision to step away from the game was primarily influenced by the central role her daughter, Makenna, born in June 2020, played in her life.