Michelle Wie promoting women's golf

Major champion Michelle Wie West will align with The R&A to expand her golf career off the course and into the global development of the sport.

One of the most recognised figures in women’s golf, Wie West made history at 12 years of age by becoming the youngest player to qualify for an LPGA Tour championship and the youngest to make a cut at a major championship before going on to establish a highly successful career, winning the 2014 US Women’s Open and a further four titles on the LPGA Tour.

Wie West has demonstrated a strong desire to elevate the visibility of women’s golf as well as foster an inclusive and diverse future for the sport. This is evident through her philanthropic endeavour #HoodieForGolf which harnesses the power of social media to drive awareness of women’s golf whilst selling tie-dyed hoodies to benefit selected charities.

Through their alignment, The R&A and Wie West will work together across a broad spectrum of areas including women and girls' initiatives with Wie West helping to drive participation, particularly in Asian markets as well as providing her unique knowledge to advise on elite performance and development.

Phil Anderton, chief development officer at The R&A, said: “Michelle Wie West is undoubtably an icon of women’s sport and we are delighted that in her post-playing career she has decided to work alongside The R&A to achieve its global development initiatives.

“She brings to the role her star power, broad audience but also a vast wealth of knowledge and experience which can be harnessed to help develop the future stars of golf.”

Wie West said: “Golf is an incredible sport which has given so much to me throughout my career. I now want to use my platform and knowledge to contribute to golf away from the course. I am excited to be able to help shape the future players, both those who like to enjoy golf recreationally and the young talent who aspire to a playing career.”