Golf Legend Michelle Wie West Ending 3-Year Retirement for Final Major

The 2014 U.S. Women's Open champion will tee it up one last time at the 2026 U.S. Open in June.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:35pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a golfer's swing broken down into overlapping planes of green, blue, and yellow, conveying the raw energy and movement of the sport.Wie West's return to the U.S. Open adds an emotional, high-stakes narrative to the women's major championship.Pinehurst Today

Golf legend Michelle Wie West announced she is ending her three-year retirement to compete in the 2026 U.S. Women's Open at Riviera Country Club. Wie West, a five-time LPGA winner, won the U.S. Women's Open in 2014 and is eligible for this year's event based on a 10-year exemption from that victory. The 34-year-old mother of two said this will be her final major appearance before fully retiring from professional golf.

Why it matters

Wie West's return to the U.S. Open will generate significant interest and attention for the women's major championship, as she remains one of the most recognizable names in the sport. Her decision to come back for one final run at a major title adds an emotional storyline to the event.

The details

Wie West announced her decision to end her retirement and compete in the 2026 U.S. Women's Open on her Instagram account. She cited her 10-year exemption from her 2014 U.S. Women's Open victory, as well as the championship being held at Riviera Country Club, a venue that 'means so much' to her, as the key reasons behind her comeback. Wie West stepped away from professional golf in 2023 after missing the cut at the U.S. Women's Open at Pebble Beach, but left the door open for a potential return, saying 'you never say never' about playing again.

  • Wie West announced her comeback on March 31, 2026.
  • The 2026 U.S. Women's Open will take place June 4-7 at Riviera Country Club.
  • Wie West won the U.S. Women's Open in 2014 at Pinehurst No. 2.

The players

Michelle Wie West

A five-time winner on the LPGA Tour and the 2014 U.S. Women's Open champion, Wie West is a golf legend who is ending a three-year retirement to compete in one final major championship.

Jonnie West

Wie West's husband, with whom she has two children.

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What they’re saying

“With one final year of eligibility from my victory in 2014 and the Championship headed to an iconic venue that means so much to me, I am excited to announce that I'll be teeing it up at the U.S. Women's Open at Riviera in June!”

— Michelle Wie West, Professional Golfer

What’s next

Wie West will compete in the 2026 U.S. Women's Open at Riviera Country Club from June 4-7, with the goal of winning one final major championship before fully retiring from professional golf.

The takeaway

Michelle Wie West's decision to come out of retirement for one final major appearance at the U.S. Women's Open adds an emotional and compelling storyline to the event. Her return highlights the enduring legacy and star power of one of golf's most recognizable figures, and will generate significant interest and attention for the women's game.