
Michelle Wie's 'dark side' —
Michelle Wie is one of the most recognizable female golfers on the planet. The American has enjoyed a successful 2014, winning the first major of her career at June's U.S. Women's Open. But away from the golf course, Wie has a passion which allows her to express her darker side...

Michelle Wie's 'dark side' —
When she's not swinging a club, Wie likes to pick up a paintbrush. Her hobby started when a friend gave her a sketchbook and suggested she start drawing. The results, Wie admits, have been surprisingly morbid.

Michelle Wie's 'dark side' —
"My mom was like, 'You were obsessed with skulls ever since you were a baby,'" explains Wie. In recent years, Wie's confidence in her artwork has grown and her Twitter and Instagram accounts regularly display her pieces.

Michelle Wie's 'dark side' —
Although she now embraces her artistic talents, Wie hasn't always been so creatively minded. "I'm a big believer in just trying things out," she says. "If you fail, at least you tried."

Michelle Wie's 'dark side' —
Art offers Wie an avenue to express emotions you wouldn't ordinarily associate with a sporting poster girl. "I guess I'm half a very happy person, half a very morbid person," says the 24-year-old. "There's a lot of emotions and feelings you can't really get out any other way and I'm not a very good poet or lyricist."

Michelle Wie's 'dark side' —
"When I was in middle school I definitely went through a gothic, emo phase," she says. "I don't know how to paint happy. I think it releases a lot of the darker feelings in me. My happier ones are always on the exterior. There are definitely two sides of me, for sure."

Michelle Wie's 'dark side' —
On the course, Wie has enjoyed a standout 2014 season, doubling her career tally to four pro titles. After holing her final putt at the U.S. Women's Open, Wie was overcome with a mix of joy and relief as she ended her long wait for a major championship.

Michelle Wie's 'dark side' —
Wie kisses the trophy after finishing two shots clear of fellow American Stacy Lewis at Pinehurst in North Carolina.

Michelle Wie's 'dark side' —
Wie has been shouldering great expectations since a young age. She qualified for an LPGA tournament at the age of 12, making her the youngest to do so.

Michelle Wie's 'dark side' —
Wie joined an elite group of female golfers when, in 2004, she played on the men's PGA Tour at the Sony Open. Aged just 13, Wie carded an impressive 68 in the second round but eventually missed the cut.

Michelle Wie's 'dark side' —
In 2016, golf returns to the Olympic Games. Wie has set her sights on turning out in the stars and stripes and winning gold. "It's definitely a huge goal of mine," she said. "Being able to represent your country and being able to win a gold medal would be one of my highest achievements, for sure."