Michelle Wie West's Final U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera

Michelle Wie West won the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open at Pinehurst No. 2, earning a ten-year exemption. She retired in 2022 after chronic wrist and hand injuries. A 2023 appearance at Pebble Beach preceded her maternity leave; she gave birth to son Jagger in 2024 and already had daughter Makenna. A two-year maternity exemption extends her eligibility, allowing a one-time return in 2026, the first year Riviera Country Club hosts the women’s major.

ESPN

Wie West, a five-time LPGA champion with $6.8 million in earnings, returns with husband Jonnie West as caddie. Jonnie is the son of late NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West, a longtime Riviera member. Their children, Makenna (5) and Jagger (2), are central to the decision. LPGA Tour and Nike sponsor the effort. Statistically, Wie West’s 2023 Open round was 14 over par (79-79), missing the cut by eight strokes; at the 2026 Mizuho Americas Open she shot 18 over par and also missed the cut. Her 2014 exemption and a two-year maternity exemption together provide her final eligibility.

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Wie West described the comeback as “personal,” emphasizing Riviera’s family significance and her desire to create lasting memories. She noted she is “holistically … very retired,” framing the event as a “bonus” rather than a competitive resurgence. She reiterated her focus on attitude, telling reporters, “I don’t care about the results. All I care about is a good attitude and that you try your hardest.” The LPGA confirmed her eligibility under the maternity exemption and highlighted the historic nature of Riviera’s inaugural women’s major.

Reuters

Analysts pointed to recent scores—18 over at the Mizuho Americas Open and a missed cut at the 2023 Open—as evidence of a performance gap from her peak. Some commentators questioned whether the emotional weight of a family-focused farewell outweighs expectations for competitive relevance in a final major.

Reuters

• “The most important thing to note is almost everything I eat and drink will have caffeine in it,” — Michelle Wie West

Reuters

• “My daughter is like the best sports psychologist I've ever had, honestly,” — Michelle Wie West

Reuters

• “THIS IS NOT a comeback,” — Michelle Wie West

ESPN

• “Holistically, I'm very retired,” — Michelle Wie West

ESPN

Wie West will tee off at Riviera for her final U.S. Women’s Open, after which she plans to focus on family, sponsor duties, and emerging interests in golf-course architecture. The tournament also marks the first women’s major at Riviera, setting a precedent for future events.

ESPN