From a young age, Michelle Wie West was destined for greatness. At just 10, she became the youngest player to qualify for a USGA amateur championship, followed by becoming the youngest winner of the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links. By 2002, she made her LPGA debut at the Takefuji Classic, and by 2005, at just 16, she turned professional, earning comparisons to Tiger Woods. More than just a prodigy, she broke barriers and inspired countless young golfers, proving that women could dominate the sport and redefine the future of golf. But does she like to be referred to as the ‘Tiger Woods of women’s golf’? Michelle Wie West finally opened up about how she feels about that.
The 5X LPGA Tour champion appeared as a guest on the latest episode of In the Road with Iona. When asked about it, she stated that it seemed pretty cool when she was a kid. She enjoyed it too, and she had also read somewhere that she would beat Mr. T by the time she turned eighteen.
But now it seems a little stupid to her. She said, “I look back and I’m like you dumb person. but you know that’s just the Cockiness that you have to have when you’re a kid, and doing the crazy things that you are doing if you don’t have that stupid confidence, I wouldn’t have done half the things I have done, so I am grateful for that.” She went on to add that she often cringes out on hearing the comment. However, it is still a huge honor to be called so.
The 34-year-old LPGA legend did not get to spend much time with Woods during the initial stage of her career. But she did help him with his events later on. And well, not to forget that the connection that the two shared was a special one indeed.
Tiger Woods’s huge impact on Michelle Wie West’s career
During one of the episodes of Golf.com’s podcast, Michelle Wie West revealed how Tiger Woods was one of the biggest role models for her, thanks to her father. Michelle Wie West shared a personal memory, revealing that her father used to carry a photo of her golf backswing in his wallet. “It was in the clear part, where you usually put pictures of your kids,” she explained.
When asked for more details, she said it was a shot of the “top of the backswing,” describing it as not just a picture, but a work of art due to the elegance of the moment. The image, she noted, held deep sentimental value for her family. However, she also added that her love for the 15X Major Championship arose because of her father. They had Tiger Wood’s swing sequence pictures on her bedroom walls. “I think I was like forced into loving Tiger as a kid” she added. However, even today, Tiger Woods serves as the ultimate inspiration for the 34-year-old golfer.
