Michelle Wie West and Ford launch 'Power Her Drive' mentorship program for LPGA rookies

The new initiative aims to support young golfers on and off the course as they start their professional careers.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 6:04am

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Retired LPGA star Michelle Wie West has teamed up with Ford to launch a new mentorship program called 'Power Her Drive' that will support a group of six LPGA Tour rookies in 2026. The program is designed to provide guidance and resources to help the young golfers navigate the professional world, including personal brand building, financial advice, and leadership development, in addition to on-course support.

Why it matters

As an individual sport, golf can be challenging for young professionals to navigate without a built-in support system like team sports provide. Wie West's own experience as a teenage LPGA player inspired her to create this mentorship program to help the next generation of talent get the off-course support they need to succeed.

The details

The 'Power Her Drive' program will work with a group of six LPGA rookies in 2026: Camille Boyd, Briana Chacon, Hailee Cooper, Laney Frye, Melanie Green, and Yana Wilson. In addition to on-course coaching, the program will provide guidance on personal brand development, financial planning, and leadership skills to help the young golfers thrive both on and off the course as they start their professional careers.

  • The 'Power Her Drive' program will launch at the Ford Championship event in Phoenix, Arizona on March 26, 2026.

The players

Michelle Wie West

A retired LPGA star who won the 2014 U.S. Women's Open and is launching the 'Power Her Drive' mentorship program to support young golfers.

Lisa Materazzo

Ford's global chief marketing officer, who helped develop the 'Power Her Drive' program as part of Ford's commitment to supporting the LPGA Tour.

Camille Boyd, Briana Chacon, Hailee Cooper, Laney Frye, Melanie Green, Yana Wilson

The six LPGA Tour rookies who will make up the inaugural 'Class of 2026' for the 'Power Her Drive' mentorship program.

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What they’re saying

“This is probably the easiest yes I've had when it comes in terms of sponsorship. This really, deeply aligns with my passion. Now that I'm retired and in my post-retirement career, hosting my tournament, having juniors involved and mentorship was a big part of it as well. I think what Ford is doing is amazing.”

— Michelle Wie West, Retired LPGA star (FOX Business)

“We don't want to just sponsor the tournament. It's very important, so I don't want to downplay that at all, but we saw an unmet need when we began speaking with the LPGA and an opportunity for deeper connection with the athletes. Really authentically supporting their development, and this to us felt very right for Ford, to demonstrate that we have this unique commitment to the players and the LPGA, and more broadly, this sport and women's sports in general.”

— Lisa Materazzo, Ford's global chief marketing officer (FOX Business)

What’s next

The 'Power Her Drive' program will officially launch at the Ford Championship event in Phoenix, Arizona on March 26, 2026, where the inaugural 'Class of 2026' of LPGA rookies will be introduced.

The takeaway

By providing mentorship, resources, and support beyond just sponsoring tournaments, Ford and Michelle Wie West are aiming to empower the next generation of LPGA talent and help them succeed both on and off the course as they start their professional careers.