The five most important things to watch at the U.S. Women's Open

PINE NEEDLES, North Carolina -- The U.S. Women's Open is back at the Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club in Southern Pines for a record fourth time with a purse of $10 million -- more than double last year's purse of $4.8 million -- and plenty of storylines.

Between Michelle Wie West's impending retirement, the return of three-time champion Annika Sorenstam, and the crop of young players at the top of the game, here are five things to keep an eye on this week:

Michelle Wie West's last dance (sort of)

As one USGA staffer quipped on Monday afternoon, when Wie West arrives at a tournament, there's a palpable buzz. On Monday it wasn't there. Wie was supposed to play a practice round but couldn't make…