Athletes retiring at an early age is quite common in the sports scene. Retiring in the early thirties is not unforeseen or rare, amongst athletes. However, for golf, thirty-two is way too early for a highly-rated golfer to retire. 

We are talking about Michelle Wie West who called an end to her professional golf career earlier this year. Now, in a recent interview, she has shared her retirement experience. She has also shared her thoughts on a potential comeback to the sport. What does she have in mind?

Michelle Wie West on her return to golf

In July 2023, Michelle Wie West announced her retirement from professional golf. After the US Women’s Open, the LPGA veteran has been away from competitive golf in the past few months. Speaking to TMZ Sports recently at LAX, West confessed her thoughts on returning to golf. 

As the Justin Bieber song goes, the 32-year-old said “Never say never” in response to the question about her comeback to golf. However, she acknowledged that for the most part, her golf career has met its conclusion.

Michelle Wie West’s weekly routine still has golf as a key component. Although it doesn’t take as much space and time as it did earlier when she was hungrily chasing Major Championships. West clarified that she no longer practices though. She just plays these days. 

Explaining what keeps her occupied of late, she mentioned gardening off the top of her mind. And of course, being a mom takes up a significant amount of time. When asked about what she does to relax and unwind, she replied, “I’m a mom… I don’t relax.” 

Read more: A Hiatus, a Failed Comeback and Now Another Tragedy: Nelly Korda Cannot Catch a Break As She Suffers Another Blow

Speaking of her retirement, her sendoff was a bittersweet moment for her and her fans. 

Michelle Wie West at US Women’s Open 2023

Playing her final tournament, a major that too, West had a lot on her plate to look forward to earlier this year. However, the five-time LPGA Tour winner could not make the cut. 

In the second round, her final shot was a satisfying end to her career though. She finished her 18th hole off, with a long 30-foot putt that cheered her fans up big time. Speaking of it later, West admitted that the putt was a great send-off for her. 

Although she retired from competitive golf, her presence still remains strong in the golf scene. Along with NBA legends Steph Curry and Andre Iguodala, and golf coach Alex Riggs, West appears in a show named “Niiice Shot with Steph Curry”. The theme of the show is that the trio try to recreate memorable golf shots having fun banter alongside each other.  

Well, as long as she is making her presence felt, perhaps all is not lost. And anyways, West herself has said ‘Never say never’ so let’s hope she someday makes a return!

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