Michelle Wie West, 37, the Korean American golfer once dubbed the "female Tiger Woods," is returning to the fairways. It marks her first official appearance in about three years, since she announced her retirement after the 2023 U.S. Women's Open.
Wie West will compete as a sponsor invitee at the LPGA Tour's Mizuho Americas Open, with a total purse of $3.25 million, to be held for four days starting May 7 (local time) at Mountain Ridge Country Club (par 72) in West Caldwell, New Jersey.
Wie West has five career LPGA Tour victories, including her 2014 major title at the U.S. Women's Open. Standing over 180 centimeters tall, she has enjoyed wide popularity for her powerful long game and aggressive course management. In 2019, she married Jonnie West, son of NBA legend Jerry West. She stepped away from the tour in 2023 and is currently raising two children.
Wie West, who is also the tournament host, recently said on social media, "For the past six months, I've been preparing to step on the course for myself." She added, "I'm glad I can show my children firsthand what a challenge looks like."
Among Korean players, second-year pro Yoon Yi-na is expected to make a strong showing. She has been on a steep upward trajectory, finishing fourth in each of her last two starts. She skipped last week's Riviera Maya Open to rest and conserve energy, now aiming for her first LPGA Tour victory at this event. Led by Yoon, a total of 19 Korean players including Kim Sei-young, Choi Hye-jin, Kim A-lim, Ryu Hae-ran and Hwang Yu-min will hunt for the title.
Meanwhile, world No. 1 Nelly Korda of the United States, who has solidified her dominance with three wins and three runner-up finishes in six events this season, including back-to-back victories in her two most recent starts, has chosen to rest. World No. 3 Ko Jin-young — correction, Kim Hyo-joo, with two wins this season — will also skip the event to compete in the KLPGA Tour's NH Investment & Securities Ladies Championship held in Korea during the same period.
