Golf News: Michelle Wie West says she wouldn’t be retiring if she hadn’t won the US Women’s Open in 2014, and she has no regrets as she prepares for her final professional competition at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club.
The 32-year-old announced her retirement from the LPGA Tour last week, with the US Women’s Open in 2022 and 2023 serving as her final two events.
Her body is now struggling to cope with the rigours of professional golf, according to the American, who gave birth to her daughter Makenna in 2020.
“It was kind of bittersweet always to announce that, but it’s something that I’ve been thinking about for a while,” said Wie West.
“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 feels so amazing to come back and see all the fans and see all the players.
“First and foremost, I’d want to state that I have no regrets in my professional life. There’s always the nagging feeling that I could have done more.
“But I have a feeling that no one will ever be completely satisfied, no matter what. I’ve had an up-and-down career, but I’m really pleased with the resiliency I’ve demonstrated throughout it.
“I’m extremely proud to have achieved the two biggest dreams that I’ve had, one is graduating from Stanford, and the other winning the US Women’s Open. To check both those off the list means everything to me. I’m very proud of myself.
“I’ve always wished I would have done more, but I feel like everyone kind of feels that way, so I’m definitely giving myself some grace and enjoying this last week.
“If I hadn’t won the 2014 US Open I definitely wouldn’t retire, and I would still be out here playing and chasing that win. That win means everything to me.”
The US Women’s Open will be Wie West’s second-to-last competition, and she has kept her concentration on soaking up the environment rather than thinking about the significance of a victory.
“I’m definitely managing expectations right now,” she added. I haven’t got the same amount of practise time as I usually have going up to the US Open.
“This week I’m just soaking it all in. Just seeing all the fans, seeing all the players, walking the walk. It’s pretty cool.
“Obviously the competitive side of me wants to win and do the best I can. It’s going to be a fun week.”
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