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Wie West, Moore Return to Competition Excites Hawaii Fans
LPGA star Michelle Wie West and surfing champion Carissa Moore make comebacks after taking time off to start families.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:05am
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LPGA golfer Michelle Wie West and surfing Olympic gold medalist Carissa Moore have both announced plans to return to professional competition after taking time off to start families. Wie West will play in the U.S. Women's Open in June, while Moore recently won her first event back at Bells Beach in Australia. Hawaii sports fans are excited to see the return of these two local superstars.
Why it matters
Wie West and Moore are two of Hawaii's most famous and accomplished athletes, with Wie West being a major LPGA star and Moore winning Olympic gold. Their returns to competition are a boost for local sports fans and will generate excitement and interest in their respective sports.
The details
Michelle Wie West, 36, had previously announced plans to compete in the new women's version of the indoor, virtual Tomorrow Golf League (WTGL) starting in February 2023. She has now officially committed to playing in the U.S. Women's Open in June, her first LPGA event since taking time off to have two children, ages 4 and 1. Carissa Moore, 33, is a 5-time world surfing champion who took a break after winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She announced in November 2025 that she would be returning to competition, and recently won her first event back at Bells Beach in Australia. Moore said she plans to compete on tour this season with her 1-year-old daughter.
- In February 2023, Wie West announced she would compete in the new WTGL.
- On March 31, 2026, Wie West officially committed to playing in the U.S. Women's Open in June.
- In November 2025, Moore announced she would be returning to professional surfing competition.
- In April 2026, Moore won her first event back at Bells Beach in Australia.
The players
Michelle Wie West
A 36-year-old LPGA golfer from Hawaii who is a former child prodigy and major champion, taking time off to start a family before announcing plans to return to competition.
Carissa Moore
A 33-year-old professional surfer from Hawaii who is a 5-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist, taking a break after the 2024 Olympics before announcing her return to the sport.
What they’re saying
“As an investor in Los Angeles Golf Club and a fan of TGL, I'm excited for the chance to compete again through WTGL, which will be a powerful platform for women's golf.”
— Michelle Wie West
“We're going to do it as a family the whole season. But she is my priority. If we need to pivot, we'll pivot.”
— Carissa Moore
“This all feels like a bonus.”
— Carissa Moore
What’s next
Wie West is set to make her LPGA return at the U.S. Women's Open in June, while Moore will continue competing on the professional surfing tour this season with her young daughter.
The takeaway
The returns of Michelle Wie West and Carissa Moore to professional competition after taking time off to start families will be a major boost for sports fans in Hawaii, who are excited to see these local superstars back in action in their respective sports.
