If you look in the rearview mirror long enough, the details start to blur. But there are certain feelings from my rookie season on the LPGA Tour that remain as clear as day.
I remember the adrenaline, of course. The first tee jitters. The weight of expectations. But mostly, I remember the miles. The endless stretch of highway between the airport and the hotel. The quiet hum of a rental car dashboard when you’re driving alone to a course in a city you’ve never visited. Trying to figure out how to be a CEO, a brand ambassador, and a professional athlete all before you’ve turned 20.
They tell you that golf is an individual sport. And on the scorecard, it is. But survival out here? Longevity? That is a team sport.
That is why, as I transition into this next chapter of my life, I am so incredibly proud to announce my partnership with Ford as Global Ambassador with the launch of the Power Her Drive mentorship program.
When I first learned about Lisa Materazzo’s vision for this program, I felt a clear alignment around what this partnership could be. It was obvious that we shared the same perspective. At its core was the belief that true brand momentum, whether you’re a global automaker or a rookie golfer, comes from authenticity. What stood out to me most was that this wasn’t about a traditional sponsorship. Ford wanted to build something more meaningful: a deeper support system that helps athletes succeed off the course so they can be their best on it.
We are starting with the Class of 2026 — Camille Boyd, Briana Chacon, Hailee Cooper, Laney Frye, Melanie Green, and Yana Wilson — a group of rookies, women who have fought their way to the highest level. This season, we’re making sure they don’t have to navigate that lonely highway by themselves.
The Power Her Drive program is built on the understanding that talent gets you to the Tour, but capability keeps you there. Through a series of mentoring conferences kicking off at the Ford Championship in Phoenix, we are focusing on the pillars that are rarely taught on the driving range: leadership, professional development, and individual brand development.
Too often in sports, support is conditional. It’s there when you’re winning and gone when you miss the cut. But the vision we have for 2026 is different. We are creating a year-long ecosystem. We aren't just meeting once for a photo op; we are building a curriculum that spans the entire season. We’re going to have the hard conversations. We’re going to talk about financial literacy. We’re going to talk about mental health and the pressure of the spotlight. We’re going to talk about how to network, not just to get a sponsor, but to build a community that lifts you up when the putts aren't dropping.
This partnership is personal to me because I know how much I would have benefited from it. I had an incredible support system in my family, but having a corporate partner who is invested in your growth as a human being — not just your performance on Sunday afternoon — is a game changer. It shifts the dynamic from pressure to empowerment.
We’re going to have some fun, too. Part of "Power Her Drive" is about rediscovering the thrill of the journey. We’ll be taking these athletes out to the Bronco Off-Roadeo, getting a little mud on the tires, and reminding them that life is meant to be an adventure. It’s important to step away from the scorecard and remember that resilience is built through experience. We want to bring that sense of thrill back into the grind of a professional season.
To the rookies joining us this year: I am ready to share everything I’ve learned — the wins, the losses, and the miles in between. I’m ready to be the sounding board I wish I had. We are going to work on your game, yes, but we are going to work harder on your foundation.
And to the fans: When you tune into the Ford Championship later this month in Phoenix, I hope you see something different. Yes, you’ll see incredible golf. But I hope you also see a group of women who look a little more confident, a little more supported, and a little more ready to take on the world. You’re going to see athletes who know that their value isn't just in their swing, but in who they are.
I’ve spent a lifetime driving toward the next trophy. But I’m realizing now that the most rewarding journey isn't the one you take alone. It’s the one where you pass the keys to the next generation and say, "You’ve got this. Now drive."
Michelle Wie West is a 5x LPGA Tour Winner and a Ford Global Ambassador.
