Worth a watch: Michelle Wie West on pressure, motherhood and the joy of golf

by Features Editor October 14, 2026

written by Features Editor October 14, 2026 2 minutes read

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Michelle Wie West joins Julie Ertz and Kealia Watt on Style of Play to discuss growing up in the spotlight, motherhood and keeping golf enjoyable for the next generation.

For golf fans who remember Michelle Wie’s teenage breakthrough, her name brings back a remarkable period in the women’s game. Competing in an LPGA event at 12 and finishing in the top ten of a major at 13, she attracted extraordinary attention long before winning the 2014 US Women’s Open at Pinehurst.

After stepping away from tour competition following her farewell at Pebble Beach in 2023, Wie West became a less familiar presence on tournament leaderboards. Now there is another playing chapter ahead: she has committed to WTGL, the women’s team golf league launching in winter 2026–27.

That makes her appearance on Style of Play a timely listening recommendation. Hosted by Julie Ertz and Kealia Watt, the interview offers a chance to hear about the experiences behind one of golf’s most recognisable names.

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Three themes worth listening for

The first is growing up under extraordinary expectation. According to the programme’s episode description, Wie West reflects on the pressure that accompanied her early success and becoming a public figure while still a child.

Then there is motherhood and how it changes the way sport looks. The conversation includes raising her daughter without passing on the same pressures. It is a particularly interesting thread from someone whose own childhood sporting achievements became an international story.

Finally, listen for protecting enjoyment for the next generation. The episode also considers today’s youth sports landscape, including social media, and why keeping the game joyful matters. For W&G readers, that is a theme with relevance well beyond professional golf.

Together, these subjects make the interview worth setting aside around 48 minutes for: a chance to reconnect with Wie West’s story and hear about life beyond the tournament spotlight.

Hear the full conversation with Julie Ertz and Kealia Watt on Apple Podcasts or watch on youtube