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Michelle Wie

Michelle Wie, also known as Michelle Wie West, is an American professional golfer from Honolulu, Hawaii.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Michelle Wie, also known as Michelle Wie West, is an American professional golfer from Honolulu, Hawaii. She became a nationally prominent golf prodigy as a teenager, later winning the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open and several other professional titles. She competed on the LPGA Tour and played in some men’s professional events during her career.

Early life and amateur career

Wie grew up in Honolulu and quickly became a noted golf prodigy. Born on 11 October 1989, she began playing golf at age four. She became the youngest player to qualify for a USGA amateur championship at age 10 and later won the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links as a teenager.

Professional career

Wie turned professional in 2005 and joined the LPGA Tour later in her career. She earned multiple professional victories, with the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open standing out as her major championship title.

Notable records and appearances

Wie gained attention for entering select men’s tournaments, including PGA Tour events, which was unusual for a female golfer at the time. Her early accomplishments and visibility made her one of the best-known golfers of her generation.

Later life and retirement

Wie later used the surname Wie West and reduced her competitive schedule. She announced a step back from the LPGA Tour in 2022 and made her final competitive appearance at the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open.

Key facts

  • Born in Honolulu in 1989 and began playing golf at age four.
  • Became the youngest player to qualify for a USGA amateur championship at age 10.
  • Won the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open, her only major championship.
  • Also competed in select men’s professional events, attracting wide attention.
  • Publicly stepped back from competitive golf in 2023.
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Canadian context

Michelle Wie is of interest to Canadian readers as one of the most visible golfers of her era, with LPGA Tour relevance and broader North American sports significance.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Michelle Wie?
Michelle Wie is an American former professional golfer best known for her prodigious junior achievements and her 2014 U.S. Women’s Open victory.
Where is Michelle Wie from?
She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States.
When did Michelle Wie turn professional?
She turned professional in 2005.
What is Michelle Wie’s biggest win?
Her biggest win was the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open, her only major title.
Did Michelle Wie play in men’s golf events?
Yes. She competed in select men’s professional events, including PGA Tour tournaments, during her career.
What is Michelle Wie’s married name?
She has been known professionally as Michelle Wie West.

References

  1. Wikipedia (German)https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Wie
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, nationality, and Korean name
  2. NBC Sports / Golf Channelhttps://www.nbcsports.com/golf/news/article-golf-channel-newsroom-michelle-wie-timeline
    Supports: Early life timeline and beginning golf at age four
  3. PGA TOURhttps://www.pgatour.com/player/27424/michelle-wie
    Supports: Player identity, nationality, and professional profile
  4. LPGAhttps://www.lpga.com/athletes/michelle-wie/88106/overview
    Supports: LPGA Tour participation and age/profile
  5. BBC Sporthttps://www.bbc.com/sport/golf/61597294
    Supports: Major win, early records, and stepping back from LPGA Tour
  6. ESPNhttps://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/48909189/michelle-wie-west-us-women-open-riviera-country-club
    Supports: Retirement context, family details, and later-career status
  7. Yahoo Sportshttps://sports.yahoo.com/michelle-wie-s-u-s--open-victory-is-brightest-chapter-in-her-remarkable-golf-journey-025018137.html
    Supports: Stanford graduation and LPGA commitment