Not the Multiple Severe Injuries, but This Is Why Michelle Wie West Retired at the Age of 33; The Revolutionary LPGA Veteran Finally Opens Up

Female sportspersons may call it a day sooner than expected. The reasons could vary from change of career to health issues to getting married and starting a family. Similarly, LPGA great Michelle Wie West had her reasons for retiring at the relatively early age of 33.

The veteran of the ladies’ circuit had cited multiple and consistent injuries as her reason. However, Michelle has now revealed the real reason for her early retirement. She has spoken to several media outlets and let it all out.

Why did Michelle Wie West choose to retire at 33?

While speaking on the SportsPro podcast, Michelle Wie West made a huge confession. She opened up about changing tracks from being a renowned golfer to an investor. Michelle is not only an investor and is reaping the benefits of her earnings from her winnings in golf, but also a full-time mother. She revealed that the biggest reason for her to give up golf was her desire to be with her young daughter Makenna.

“I’ve been thinking about it for quite some time, you know, I’ve been struggling with injuries, it just got to a point where my wrist just really couldn’t keep up…I had a neck injury. And it was just like, all the above kind of came boiling down together, ended up saying some risk surgeons and you know, they recommended me not to play anymore,” said Michelle.

The golfer from Hawaii further revealed, “And, you know, cultivated with the combination of having my daughter…. I was fully planning on retiring afterwards. But then after I found out I had a girl, I just really wanted to go out there and show her instead of just telling her that I was a golf pro.”

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The Stanford graduate wanted to play professionally as long as she could in order to set an example for her child. But it became increasingly difficult to handle several injuries and being on the road with the child.

Taking care of her health

“It just got to the point where I made a very personal decision, or family decision…that we made together…I just don’t want to miss out. I don’t want my husband to miss out,” she said. 

It seems like a fair enough decision to make, to spend more time with family. But what’s wholesome to know is that Makenna is already interested in golf after having seen her mother play.

Michelle also wanted to take care of her body. “I didn’t want to deteriorate my body any further to say that I couldn’t play with her further on, I want to be able to play golf with her. I want to be able to run around with her.”

The American professional golfer said that although it was a “difficult decision to make”, she is “very happy with it.” Well, all’s well that ends well, we would say. Michelle Wie West is now “excited for the next part of her career.”

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