PEBBLE BEACH (California) — B.J. Wie knew it would go in. B.J., who was standing to the right, in a Nike bucket cap, sweatshirt, and high-top shoes designed by her daughter, lit up as the 30-foot par putt that meant nothing and everything at the same time, fell into the 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Bo Wie raised her right hand to the heavens as Makenna, a toddler in a stroller near the gallery ropeline, slept.
It was the end. Michelle Wie West may have fired her last shot in competition. Jonnie, her husband, noted that a Michelle Wie end would not be complete without drama.
He laughed and said “The only putt that she made all week was of importance.”
Jack Nicklaus bid farewell to the U.S. Open in Pebble Beach almost a quarter-century ago. Two of the most influential golfers in history played together in the first U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach on Friday. Annika Sorenstam and Wie West were the two women.
Sorenstam had a tee-shot that was wayward, resulting in a long ruling and a lot of confusion.
Sorenstam, and Wie West, icons of women’s sports, could not have achieved stardom in a more different way. All roads eventually led to the same shared tee-time, with their spouses on the bag and their children along for the ride, as well as a bouquet of flowers when they walked away from the 18th.
Wie West, holding her daughter tightly, said: “I held back tears throughout the round.”
Sorenstam’s reputation as the greatest player in the modern age was built on 10 major championships. The three-time U.S. Women’s Open winner retired for the first 15 years ago, but returned to play in the women’s major that felt the most significant in decades – if not ever.
Wie West, 33 years old, decided not to play competitively in the Women’s Open last year at Pine Needles. However, she wanted to return this week, with her family, as her 10-year exemptive period expires.
How West summarized her legacy as a player in one word: bold.
She said at the beginning of this week that she was proud of her career choices. I am proud to have been fearless and do what feels right at times.
She hopes that her story will inspire other girls, noting she made many bad decisions on the way. Everyone’s story includes mistakes.
B.J. B.J. He was no longer worried about his daughter’s injury. He would have her throw fewer balls if he had it to do over. Short game.
Wie West dreamed of three things: winning the U.S. Women’s Open; graduating from Stanford, and playing in the Masters. Her biggest dream was to compete in a major men’s event. She didn’t achieve it, but her performance at the 2005 U.S. She advanced to the quarterfinals of the Amateur Public Links. USGA officials were forced to borrow gallery ropes and marshals from the nearby U.S. Senior Open to deal with the thousands who invaded a normally sleepy championship. A win at the now-defunct APL could have secured an invitation to Augusta National.
Wie West’s time competing on the men’s stage gave her the opportunity to gain unprecedented sponsorship money, even before she secured an LPGA Card.
She has been a controversial figure in golf since the beginning. Many in the sport wanted her to dominate the women’s games with Tiger Woods like dominance.
This never happened. Wie West, who was plagued by injuries, won only five times on LPGA. Her crowning achievement came at the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open in Pinehurst where she table-topped to victory.
Wie West’s LPGA career was not a game changer, but it was a marketing dream.
Sorenstam’s Pebble Beach finish doesn’t feel quite as final as Wie’s, because she’ll be competing again soon at the U.S. Senior Women’s Open which she won in 2012.
This could be Wie West’s last notable performance for some time, if not ever.
She said she would put her clubs in the darkest part of her garage and let it sit for a while. My garden is unkempt at the moment… cucumbers are coming in so I will definitely make pickles.
This kind of ordinary is perfect for someone who’s extraordinary talent has led to immense pressure and criticism.
Listening to West now, it’s clear that she has shifted her focus to the big picture. Makenna’s mom, wanting the best for her daughter, is a big part of it.
Sorenstam was furious at having to make a double-bogey putt on her last hole. This frustration was overshadowed by her gratitude for the warm reception and the direction she believes the game will take.
Wie West, who is preparing for Sorenstam’s next major, said that she will definitely be heading to the spa.
Retirement awaits.
