Michelle Wie West prepares for penultimate US Women’s Open after announcing plans to retire | Golf News – News 24 | News in France and abroad

Michelle Wie West says she wouldn’t retire if she hadn’t won the US Women’s Open in 2014, and has no regrets as she prepares for her penultimate pro golf tournament at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club.

Last week, the 32-year-old announced she was retiring from the LPGA Tour, with her last two events being the US Women’s Open in 2022 and 2023.

The American, who gave birth to daughter Makenna in 2020, says her body is now struggling to cope with the rigors of professional golf.

“It was always a bit bittersweet to announce this, but it’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while,” Wie West said.

“Just to be back here where I kind of won the US Women’s Open, obviously not the same golf course but the same area, it’s so amazing to come back and see all the fans and see all the players.

Wie West won her first major title at the US Women’s Open in 2014

“You know, first of all, I want to say that I have no regrets in my career. There’s always this idea of ​​wishing you had done more.

“But I feel like no matter what, no one will ever be 100% satisfied. I’ve certainly had a rocky career, but I’m extremely proud of the resilience I’ve shown over the course of my career. .

“I’m extremely proud to have achieved the two biggest dreams I’ve had, one graduating from Stanford and the other winning the US Women’s Open. Checking both on the list means everything to me. I am very proud of myself.

“I’ve always wanted to do more, but I feel like everyone feels that, so I’m definitely giving myself some grace and enjoying this last week.

“If I hadn’t won the 2014 US Open, I certainly wouldn’t be retiring, and I would still be here playing and chasing after that win. This win means everything to me.”

The US Women’s Open will mark her penultimate tournament and Wie West maintained her focus on soaking up the atmosphere of the event rather than contemplating the significance of victory.

She added: “Yeah, I’m definitely managing expectations right now. I definitely didn’t have the training schedule I usually do before the US Open.

“This week, I soak up everything. I see all the fans, I see all the players, I walk. It’s pretty cool.

“Obviously my competitive side wants to win and do my best. It’s going to be a fun week.”

Wie West’s career has drawn praise from 10-time Major champion Annika Sorenstam, who remembers the 32-year-old as an impressive teenager with a powerful swing.

“She had a great career to start with. I think I played with her a few times when she was, what, 13, 14, maybe 15.

“I played with her in the last band at, what’s it called now, The Chevron Championship. It was Dinah Shore at the time. I played with her in the last group.

“Having an amateur, a teenager at the time, was really impressive. She hit the ball very far.

“I remember his swing was really, really powerful, especially his corner game. She put a lot of spin on the ball and being 6-foot-something, I was, like, wow, that girl got it.

“Like I said, she still had a great career in many ways. Maybe others thought she would do more, but it’s hard to win here. She won a US Open, as you know, and other events. She was great for the game.”

Watch the US Women’s Open all week long live on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins Thursday from 6 p.m. on Sky Sports Mix.

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