It’s been 21 months since Michelle Wie last teed it up in an LPGA event. A lot has happened to her since then. She got married to Jonnie West and in June of last year, gave birth to her first child — daughter Makenna.
Wie, or Wie-West if you prefer, also has been somewhat wishy-washy as to her career status. She sounded like she was ready to embrace retirement after cutting a deal to do some announcing work for CBS. But she’s back this week to compete, or try to compete at the Kia Classic.
This is a big event for the ladies at the Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, CA. It’s exactly one week before the season’s first major — the ANA Inspiration, descendant of the old Dinah Shore Championship.
There was no 2020 Kia Classic. Like so many events, it fell victim to the pandemic. This week’s event should have a strong field.
The last time the event was played, Nasa Hataoka shot 18-under par and beat some high-profile players in the process. Danielle Kang, Jin Young Ko, Inbee Park, Syng Hyun Park and Azahara Munoz all tied for second at 15-under.
But the talk of the town will be Wie, who became one of the biggest names in women’s golf despite the fact that she only has five wins on her resume. One was a major — the 2014 Women’s U.S. Open.
Wie, who was in the world spotlight since age 10, fell victim to the hype surrounding her career and eventually was slowed by a series of injuries.
She is playing after become a mother for the first time. There will be a lot of speculation on the actual state of her game.
With the strength of this week’s field, making the cut would be a huge accomplishment.
Luiten, Sordet Lead Kenya Savannah Classic:
Who knew there would be a “Kenya Swing” on the European Tour?
After last week’s Magical Kenya Open, the Tour is at the same location — the Karen Country Club — for the Kenya Savannah Classic.
Joost Luiten from the Netherlands and Frenchman Clement Sordet turned in seven-under par 64s in the event that runs through Thursday.
