How Rickie Fowler's Yardage Book Led Michelle Wie West to U.S. Open Victory
A pivotal moment in Michelle Wie West's 2014 U.S. Women's Open victory at Pinehurst came from an unexpected source: Rickie Fowler's detailed yardage book.
During the historic back-to-back U.S. Open Championships at Pinehurst No. 2, Wie West made a strategic request to Fowler for his yardage book after the men's tournament. Fowler, who finished tied for second in the men's event, provided extensive notes about optimal positions, bunker strategies, and crucial putting breaks for various pin positions.
The notes proved particularly valuable on the 17th hole, where Wie West faced a critical birdie putt. Fowler had encountered the same putt during his round and documented the break in his book, ultimately contributing to her tournament victory.
After claiming her U.S. Women's Open title, Wie West signed the yardage book and returned it to Fowler, creating a unique piece of golf history that connected two championship weeks at Pinehurst.
This collaboration between two golf stars demonstrates how sharing course knowledge can impact major championship outcomes, even across different events. Wie West's strategic thinking in requesting the yardage book and Fowler's detailed note-taking exemplify the methodical approach required to succeed at the highest level of professional golf.