An LPGA legend is acting as both the judge and the beneficiary. She is using her own tournament’s rules to grant herself a spot in a $3.5M event, a move that’s raising eyebrows across the sport.

As confirmed by Jeff Eisenband, “At @MizuhoLPGA Media Day, tournament host @MichelleWieWest announces the 1st sponsor exemption for 2026 will be…Michelle Wie West. This will be her 1st @LPGA start since the 2023 @uswomensopen. She had already announced she will play in the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera.”

As the host of the Mizuho Americas Open, West can choose who gets an exemption in the event. With the tournament being played a few weeks before the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open, it will be a great opportunity for her to get some competitive reps. West has also claimed that this will be her last shot at golf, with her U.S. Women’s Open eligibility window closing this year.

However, preparing for the major in California might be complicated, as the Mizuho Americas Open is held at Mountain Ridge Golf Course in New Jersey, a 2,790-mile cross-country trip from Riviera.

However, since she’s coming back to the golf course after three years, playing on familiar fairways will help. She has been visiting Mountain Ridge to host the Mizuho Americas Open for the past three years. After watching Rose Zhang, Nelly Korda, and Atthaya Thitikul win the title there, she would be eager to test her swing in a competitive atmosphere at the venue herself. That would also give her enough practice to play in the majors.

Even during her retirement, West remained deeply connected to the sport.

Three years of Michelle Wie West’s retirement

As one of the biggest names on the LPGA Tour, West had plenty of stories to share from her career, leading to numerous interviews where she reflected on her highs and lows.

West was also part of a two-woman team with Hally Leadbetter, who hosted the Golf, Mostly podcast. The YouTube videos gained a lot of popularity and received love from the community.

She has also joined as an expert panelist on several podcasts. West has been on the Fried Egg Golf channel, the Sky Sports golf podcast, and many more.

Her continued presence in the golf community ensures she will probably receive a great reception from fans upon her return to the course.