lpga tour
Michelle Wie West set to talk about her comeback at Kia Classic
Andrew Redington
Michelle Wie West has yet to publicly confirm that she’s making her return to the LPGA Tour this week in the Kia Classic, but here’s one strong indication that she’s playing: She’s on the media interview schedule.
An LPGA spokesperson said Wie West, 31, is set for a press conference at 12:30 p.m. PT on Wednesday at Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, north of San Diego. Wie West is scheduled to play nine holes in the pro-am in the morning.
It was confirmed last week that Wie West was entered in the Kia Classic, which begins on Thursday, and her start will be her first in competition in nearly two years. She last played in June 2019 at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Struggling with a wrist injury at the time—she has arthritis in both wrists—Wie West decided to take time away from the tour. Then in August 2019, she married Jonnie West, and in June 2020 Wie West gave birth to a daughter.
On Wednesday, Wie West likely will address how much she plans to compete in the future. She also is entered in the ANA Inspiration, the LPGA’s first major of the season, which will be played next week in Rancho Mirage, Calif.
Nasa Hataoka won the 2019 Kia Classic. The tournament was postponed last March and later canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be no fans on the grounds this week.