Hispanic Heritage Month
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Latina women say “Yes We Can” to making golf part of their lives
Azucena Maldonado knew she was onto something when 94 participants attended an exploratory Latina Women Golf Association event in 2008. But she had no idea the group she founded would grow to 3,500 members throughout Los Angeles County 16 years later.
In fact, Maldonado knew nothing about golf until a former boyfriend taught her the basics. She then started playing in charity events, an experience that opened her eyes to how the game could be used. “I was meeting all these Latinos who were influencers, elected officials, corporate leaders, and entrepreneurs by playing golf,” she recalled. “I could engage with them on a personal and business level just because we played golf together. But I wasn’t seeing many other women. I started asking the event organizers why, and they said bring your friends next time.” Instead she formed her own organization.
The first clinic they held, which more than 60 women attended, was held at Alhambra Golf Course, where a special bond was formed. “We always feel so welcome there,” said Maldonado. “We just feel at home. Fernando Vasquez, the general manager, and his team make our events run smoothly and really let us take over the place.”
Using golf as a networking tool was not something Maldonado had seen done in the Hispanic community. “A lot of the women I would approach did not have a positive view of golf, so we worked really hard to transform that image,” she said. “Once they got a taste of it, they just all loved it. Our niche has been to empower women by teaching them how to use golf as a business tool.”
Golf facilities are seeing the growth of the Latina Golf Association and are learning how to welcome different communities. “We don’t wait for them to just show up,” said Maldonado. “We invite them to show up. It wasn’t that way years ago, so it’s a big change that the golf industry is reaching out to more communities to explore what golf can be.”
Not a week goes by now that Maldonado doesn’t hear from one of her members who is grateful for what the group has done for them. “They feel a part of the golf community, and they’re utilizing the game to transform their professional lives,” she said. “I’m proud of the impact we have had by introducing our community to golf and seeing all of these professional Latinas now playing golf on their own.”
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated at designated Troon facilities during the month of Sept. 15 – Oct. 15. Check with your local Troon course for additional details.
