Michelle Wie, former teen prodigy, captures 1st major at U.S. Women’s Open

The road Michelle Wie took to a U.S. Women’s Open title was unlike any other, and suddenly insignificant. Whether this was a long time coming was the least of her cares. The biggest star in women’s golf finally has her name on the biggest trophy. At long last, Michelle Wie came up with a performance worthy of the hype that had been heaped on her since she was a teenager, eking out a two-shot victory over Stacy Lewis to claim her first major.

Oh my God, I can’t even think straight.

Golfer Michelle Wie, after a two-shot victory over Stacy Lewis to claim her first major

With a three-shot lead on the 16th hole, Wie nearly threw it all away with one poor decision, only keeping the lead by making a nervy 5-foot putt for double bogey. And right when it looked as though this would end badly, the 24-year-old from Hawaii responded with the putt of her life that made her a Women’s Open champion. Facing a 25-foot birdie putt on 17 that was fast and dangerous, Wie pumped her fist when it fell, then pounded her fist twice to celebrate the moment.

That kind of emotion, that kind of pressure … I’ll think of that putt as one of the best putts I’ve ever hit in my life

Michelle Wie