Michelle Wie West has admitted that returning to competitive golf is more mentally challenging than physically demanding as she prepares to tee it up at the Mizuho Americas Open in West Caldwell, New Jersey.
The 36-year-old is set to compete in an LPGA Tour event for the first time since stepping away from the sport following the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open. She joked that she used familiar connections to secure a spot in the field as she builds towards another appearance at next month’s U.S. Women’s Open.
After three years away from regular competition, Wie West said the biggest challenge is dealing with nerves rather than physical preparation. She explained that she still experiences moments of anxiety on the course, which can sometimes cause her to freeze under pressure.
She added that while she has a clear understanding of how nerves affect her game, adjusting back to competitive routines has been difficult. According to Wie West, the key issue is breaking old habits that resurface during high-pressure situations.
Since her last LPGA appearance, Wie West has focused on her personal life, including the birth of her second child, while also staying involved in golf through mentoring and ambassador roles. She has remained active in the sport’s development side, supporting initiatives aimed at inspiring younger players.
Alongside her return to competition, Wie West is also involved in the upcoming tech-driven indoor golf league, WTGL, co-owned by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. She is among a group of 14 female professionals participating in the new format, which aims to blend innovation with elite competition.
Wie West expressed enthusiasm about the league’s potential, highlighting its ability to showcase LPGA players to new audiences. She also supported the idea of mixed-gender competition, saying it could add excitement and further highlight the personalities and talent within women’s golf.
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