SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. — The crowning moment of Michelle Wie West’s career came at Pinehurst in 2014 as U.S. Women’s Open champion, the full realization of the talent that launched her into international prominence as a teen. One of the lowest points of those precocious early years happened seven years earlier and five miles away, here at Pine Needles, where the 17-year-old, wounded physically and mentally, withdrew from the Women’s Open in mid-round.
She says her almost-goodbyes to professional golf this week, stepping away from the LPGA Tour after this edition of the Women’s Open while intending to play next summer’s event at Pebble Beach, and the arc of her nearly concluded career encapsulates how the changing dynamics of women’s golf resonate in the Sandhills.
She was the champion women’s golf needed at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club’s No. 2 course eight years ago, her stardom easily eclipsing that of Martin Kaymer, who had romped to the men’s title in the week prior. And there’s are beginnings and endings for her at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club as well.
