Michelle Wie West Returns to U.S. Women’s Open with Strong Start

LOS ANGELES – After a three-year hiatus from the U.S. Women’s Open, Michelle Wie West made a noteworthy comeback on Thursday at Riviera Country Club, significantly improving upon her previous performance. At Pebble Beach in 2021, the 36-year-old golfer finished with two consecutive rounds of 79 and did not manage a single birdie. This time, her round of 75 included two birdies, showcasing her renewed form.

Having recently come out of retirement to participate in last month’s Mizuho Americas Open—where she missed the cut with scores of 82 and 80—Wie West displayed a more positive attitude this week. She recorded birdies at the par-4 fifth and the par-5 17th, with her mother, Bo, cheering enthusiastically for her successes, including a well-executed par save on the 10th hole.

Riviera holds special significance for Wie West, as it was a club where her late father-in-law, Jerry West, a legendary player for the Los Angeles Lakers, was a member. The former Lakers star passed away on June 12, 2024, at the age of 85. Jonnie, her husband and West's son, is caddying for her during the tournament. “If it wasn’t here, I wouldn’t be playing,” Wie West told Golfweek, highlighting the emotional connection to the venue.

After finishing her round with a par, the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open champion took a moment to smile at the crowd and sign autographs for fans. Wie West's 5-year-old daughter, Kenna, who she humorously referred to as her "best sports psychologist," likely felt a surge of pride for her mother. “My No. 1 goal this week is to try hard and have a good attitude,” Wie West shared earlier, reflecting on the lessons she imparts to her daughter.

As the tournament progresses, Wie West's score of 75 places her just two strokes shy of the projected cut line. She is set to tee off from the 10th hole at 7:51 a.m. local time on Friday, with hope for continued improvement in her performance.