Ex-Child Prodigy Nearly Took Down Tiger Woods at 15 Long Before His Rigorous Path Derailed Her Career

Michelle Wie West was hailed as a golf prodigy from a young age, becoming the youngest player to qualify for a USGA amateur championship at 10 and winning the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links at 13. Turning pro in 2005, she was touted as the “next big thing” and comparisons were drawn with Tiger Woods. However, her promising career was derailed after a wrist injury forced her to withdraw from the 2007 U.S. Women’s Open. Despite her talent, Wie West struggled with consistent success, facing numerous missed cuts, withdrawals, and disqualifications.

In a recent interview with “On the Road with Iona” on YouTube, Wie West shared her regrets about her early training methods and when asked about her life goals, Michelle Wie West shared a particularly poignant one which was playing at the Masters. This wasn’t just a pipe dream, she came tantalizingly close to making it happen. “I think it was around the time I started playing in men’s tournaments, and I was like, ‘I want to play in the Masters.’ And, you know, the craziest part about it is that I was so close to achieving that goal”, she said. Wie West’s desire to tee off at Augusta National ignited when she started competing in men’s tournaments.

We all know at just 15, Wie West was knocking on the Masters’ door, losing in the quarterfinals of the Public Links championship. She was one match shy of securing a spot. “I played in the men’s Public Links, and back in the day, the two finalists got to play in the Masters. I lost in the quarterfinals, so I was one more match away from playing in the Masters”, she continued. Her, hoping to play Masters at 15 isn’t even the craziest part because if it had happened Wie West would’ve broken Woods’s record of playing the 1997 Masters at just the age of 19.

Looking back, Wie West admits it still stings, wondering how life would’ve unfolded if she’d cut. Yet, she also sees the silver lining: maybe achieving all her goals would’ve meant she wasn’t dreaming big enough. But did you know that Woods had a lasting impact on Wie West’s career?

Tiger Woods played a vital role in Michelle Wie West’s career

Michelle Wie West, a renowned golfer, has often credited Tiger Woods as a significant influence on her career. In an episode of Golf, Mostly podcast, Wie West shared a heartwarming story about her father’s admiration for Woods. Her father carried a photo of her golf backswing in his wallet, alongside pictures of their family. The image, capturing the “top of the backswing,” held sentimental value and showcased her elegant technique.

USA Today via Reuters

Wie West’s love for Woods’ golfing prowess began at a young age, thanks to her father. Her bedroom walls featured Woods’ swing sequence pictures, fostering an admiration that has endured. “I think I was forced into loving Tiger as a kid,” she joked. However, this early introduction sparked a lasting inspiration.

Even at 34, Wie West still draws motivation from Woods, now a 15-time Major Championship winner. Woods’ legacy extends beyond his impressive record, shaping the aspirations of golfers like Wie West. His influence serves as a testament to the power of role models in sports, inspiring future generations to strive for greatness.