The experience of drinking is never the same in your 20s and in your 30s. Reflecting the contrast between youthful party culture and socializing as adults, Kira K Dixon shared her recent drinking experience in the Quiet Please podcast. The NBC reporter shared a behind-the-scenes peek at Michelle Wie West‘s birthday last week. At one point during the birthday party, Dixon found herself alongside West and their friends holding water bottles instead of alcohol shots.

The group eyed a group of 22-year-olds partying in a wilder, more chaotic way, with more booze. Calling them “feral”, Dixon highlighted the humorous generational difference. While the adults preferred a more sober, present hangout, the youth indulged in wild, carefree partying.

Sharing the incident with co-host Mel Reid, Dixon said in the podcast, “Feral is a state of being. It’s a state of mind. Yeah. Um, speaking of uh, just having three beers, I went out over the weekend for Michelle’s birthday in Las Vegas. And at one point, all of us are just holding water bottles like in the club. So, we’re like cheers-ing with water bottles. We look around at all these feral 22-year-olds.”

Retired LPGA pro Reid shared a funny story about modern pre-drinking culture. During lunch with her niece, she was shocked to learn that “pres” now start around 11 p.m. “It’s my worst nightmare—to pregame a party till 11,” Reid laughed, reflecting on how times have changed.

Even as a self-proclaimed “party girl,” Reid couldn’t understand the idea of late-night pregaming. Dixon agreed, and the two shared a hearty laugh over it.

Dixon also recounted celebrating Michelle Wie West’s 36th birthday. Though she had planned a quiet weekend, West invited her out for Korean food at Coat. “It was sick,” Dixon said, describing the meal.

The next day, the pair played pickleball, where West challenged Dixon to a one-on-one match. With West’s fitness routine and Dixon’s lack of one, the game quickly turned intense. “She was running me ragged,” Dixon admitted, nearly collapsing from exhaustion.

By the end of the celebration, Dixon walked away with fun memories—and a renewed fitness goal—while West marked another birthday filled with laughter and friendly competition.

Michelle Wie West is celebrating a new chapter beyond the greens

The retired LPGA pro turned 36 only a week ago, on October 11. This marks a subtle milestone in her life, with 2 years away from the circuit and 2 kids. However, a throwback to her career would portray her as one of the top female golfers of all time. Often compared with Tiger Woods, West saw both the highs of fame and the lows of societal judgment. Now in her wiser phases of life, West has learned to embrace herself for who she is.

Since retiring from professional golf in 2023, she has embraced a life that balances family, fitness, and advocacy. Spending more time with her family and her kids, West has assumed the role of a full-time mother. Her youngest child, son Jagger, turns 1 in October, too. Setting an example for her children, West continues to fuel her fitness freak, running half-marathons and going on morning runs.

Although she doesn’t compete anymore, West still finds ways to stay connected with her passion. In May 2025, Michelle served as the tournament host for the Mizuho Americas Open at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey. “I’m just entirely grateful to be in this situation and to have people. I get to look good, but it’s the people that are behind the scenes that are doing the job,” West commented about her involvement.

Moreover, at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA), West attended the game, walking the course for the first time. Reflecting on her own ambitions of competing in the Masters, the moment was full of emotion and ecstasy for the former LPGA pro.

Now embracing life beyond competition, Michelle Wie West continues to inspire other women. Her 36th birthday marks not just a milestone in age but a celebration of growth, legacy, and new beginnings.