Everyone says competitive fire can’t be inherited. But Michelle Wie West discovered something that challenges this belief completely. Having played all the sports till she was 7, West introduced her daughter to sports early. Her five-year-old daughter, Makenna, possesses an intensity that even a former LPGA champion finds surprising.
The retired golfer recently appeared on the “We Need A Fourth” podcast. She shared a story that left hosts Brian Baumgartner, Cooper Manning, and Kenny Mayne amazed. Her daughter Makenna hits golf balls until she develops blisters on her hands. She practices for two hours straight without stopping.
Michelle can’t believe what she witnesses daily. “She will hit balls until her hands bleed. Literally like she has like blisters like on her hands, and she will hit balls for two hours straight.”
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Michelle started her daughter with golf and tennis, and then added baseball to the roster, too. The only reason for adding baseball was for the little one to flatten out her swing. The dedication comes naturally to young Makenna.
Michelle doesn’t push her daughter into these marathon practice sessions. Instead, the five-year-old chose this path on her own. She displays the same fierce commitment that once made her mother the youngest player to qualify for a USGA Amateur Championship at age 10.
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Vacation time reveals Makenna’s true passion. Michelle described how they put her daughter on a golf simulator during a family getaway. The simulator room featured fun games designed for kids. But Makenna treated it like serious practice. She spent an entire hour hitting balls continuously. Her hands developed two distinct blisters from the session, yet she wanted to continue.
The unwavering focus extends beyond just hitting balls. Makenna works with a professional instructor at their club rather than learning from her mother. Michelle deliberately chose this approach. She wants her daughter to develop proper fundamentals without pressure from home. This strategic decision reflects Michelle’s evolved understanding of youth development in golf.
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While watching Makenna navigate the game’s challenges, Michelle’s attention turned to broader issues that could impact her daughter’s future in golf. Her maternal perspective now drives her advocacy efforts beyond the scope of her practice.
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Michelle Wie West’s ongoing campaign for golf rule reform
Michelle’s parenting perspective influences her advocacy for golf rule changes. She targets the divot rule explicitly during the podcast discussion. Her frustration stems from watching players suffer unfair consequences for the actions of others.
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“I think that is the dumbest rule in golf,” Michelle declared boldly. “Hitting out of a divot, out of a pitch mark that isn’t yours.”
Her criticism extends beyond casual complaints. She actively pursues change through official channels. Michelle has contacted both the USGA and R&A multiple times about this issue. Their response disappoints her consistently. Officials claim they can’t change the rule because defining divots and pitch marks proves too difficult. Michelle finds this excuse ridiculous.
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“It’s pretty simple,” she argues with characteristic directness.
Her advocacy intensified after becoming a mother. She watches Makenna navigate golf’s challenges and recognizes unnecessary obstacles ahead. Michelle believes recreational players deserve better treatment. She advocates for common-sense relief from other players’ mistakes.
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Michelle’s daughter continues developing her remarkable focus daily. Meanwhile, her mother fights for rule changes that could benefit the next generation. Both pursuits showcase the same tenacity that defined Michelle’s professional career.