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

She framed the appearance as a personal, one-time event made possible by her 2014 win plus a maternity exemption.

Jul 7, 2023; Pebble Beach, California, USA; Michelle Wie West  tees off on the tenth hole during the second round of the U.S. Women's Open golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Link. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

Overview

  • Wie West formally entered the U.S. Women's Open this week and will play with her husband Jonnie caddying for her.
  • Her eligibility comes from the 10-year exemption for 2014 U.S. Women’s Open champions combined with a two-year maternity buffer that made 2026 her last chance to play at Riviera.
  • She prepared privately beginning last Thanksgiving and used the Mizuho Americas Open as a tune-up where she shot 82-80 and missed the cut.
  • Wie West says the decision is driven by family and legacy — giving daughter Makenna memories and honoring Jonnie’s family ties to Riviera — and she insists this is not a return to full-time tour life.
  • Her comeback highlights how major exemptions work for past champions and underscores the personal trade-offs athletes face when balancing recovery, parenthood, and occasional competition.