Michelle Wie West jokes she's undercover playing LPGA event she hosts

TL;DR

Michelle Wie West is hosting and playing at the Mizuho Americas Open, focusing on mentoring junior golfers. Many current players recall their experiences with Wie West during their youth.

Key points

Michelle Wie West is hosting and playing at the Mizuho Americas Open
The event emphasizes mentoring junior golfers
Current players recall impactful experiences with Wie West
The tournament is held at Mountain Ridge Country Club
Wie West has influenced multiple generations of golfers

Mentioned in this story

Mountain Ridge Country ClubWest Caldwell, New Jersey

Mizuho Americas OpenMichelle Wie West

Megan Khang was 14 years old when she played a practice round with Michelle Wie West at the 2012 U.S. Women’s Open at Blackwolf Run. Andrea Lee was 15 when she played alongside Wie West at Pinehurst No. 2.

“She won that week, which was insane,” recalled Lee. “So many people were following us, even in the practice round, so I was very nervous, but it was a very eye-opening experience.”

Albane Valenzuela recently stumbled upon a photo taken at Evian with Wie West when she was about 7 years old. Valenzuela lived nearby in Geneva, Switzerland, and never missed the event growing up.

Wie West, 36, is a playing host at this week’s Mizuho Americas Open, where the emphasis is on mentoring all the juniors in the AJGA field and beyond. The pros and juniors play alongside each other in concurrent events at Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, New Jersey.

Every generation that's in the field at Mizuho has been impacted by Wie West.

“I think what she's doing right now is very inspirational,” said Valenzuela, “just balancing everything, being a mom, entrepreneur, on tour, and I think it's something we can all look up to.”

Tournament host Michelle Wie West poses with low amateur Aphrodite Deng and tournament winner Jeeno Thitikul after the final round of the 2025 Mizuho Americas Open at Liberty National Golf Club.

This week marks Wie West’s first time playing in competition since she bid farewell at the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach. She tees off at 7:37 a.m. ET on Thursday alongside two-time major champion Lilia Vu and LPGA rookie Yana Wilson, who won the inaugural AJGA portion of this event.

Wie Wiest joked that she feels like an undercover employee this week being inside the ropes. She’s hands-on in all aspects of the tournament, placing a key emphasis on the player experience. Players get free rooms this week (thanks to Mizuho) and free transportation (thanks to Ford). Player gifts this week include $250 gifts cards to Delta and Starbucks.

Q&A

What is the Mizuho Americas Open and who is hosting it?

The Mizuho Americas Open is an LPGA event hosted by Michelle Wie West, who is also competing in the tournament.

How has Michelle Wie West influenced junior golfers?

Michelle Wie West has impacted many junior golfers by mentoring them and sharing her experiences, as noted by current players who played with her in their youth.

Where is the Mizuho Americas Open being held?

The Mizuho Americas Open is taking place at Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, New Jersey.

What notable experiences do current LPGA players have with Michelle Wie West?

Current LPGA players like Megan Khang and Andrea Lee recall playing alongside Michelle Wie West during their formative years, which left a lasting impression on them.