Golf has historically been seen as a male-dominated, elite sport. In the United States during the late 1800s, women golfers at Shinnecock Hills Club in Southampton, New York managed to build a nine-hole course just for them to play, in response to the men’s refusal to share the golf course and facilities. For communities of color, similarly have long been excluded from the sport of golf due to systemic barriers and a lack of access. The 2024 Netflix film The Long Game, based on a true story, sheds light on history by following a group of Mexican American teenagers in 1950s Texas who defied discrimination to compete in and win a national golf championship. This powerful narrative not only challenges the traditional face of golf but also echoes the ongoing efforts of Latina golfers today who continue to break down barriers and claim their space 'on the green' and set a new standard for next generation Latinas to come!
Let's not forget there exists prominent professional Latina golf players. Several Latina golfers have not only made their mark on the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Tour, but have left a legacy in women's sports. Trailblazers like Lorena Ochoa, a former world No. 1 from Mexico, now retired, shattered records and redefined what’s possible for women in general in the sport of golf. Lizette Salas, known for her consistency and fierce pride in her Mexican-American roots, has become a fan favorite and role model. María Fassi, another rising star from Mexico, brings power and passion to the game, inspiring young Latinas to pursue their dreams on and off the course. Together, these women are breaking stereotypes and proving that Latinas belong on the green.
Here are more Latinas trailblazing in the sport of golf:
Estela Morales: Swinging with Purpose in Connecticut
Mexican-born Estela Morales discovered her passion for golf at a young age, thanks to her parents’ influence. In 2007, after getting married, she moved to Hartford, Connecticut. While learning the language and adapting to her new community with the support of her husband, Fernando she decided to get actively involved in the world of golf. In just two years, she became a certified instructor with the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), a program that typically takes five years.
Her first formal exposure to the sport was through First Tee, an organization that gave her the chance to volunteer teaching kids and later provided her with a recommendation letter that propelled her career. Over the years, the Mexican golfer has used her experience to positively impact the Latina community in the U.S.
In 2018, she co-founded the CT Latina Golf Team with her friends Carmen Sierra and Lena Rodríguez, aiming to attract more Latinas to the sport. Currently, 70% of the team’s members are Latinas, though anyone is welcome to join. This initiative became the starting point for other impactful projects. One of these is the Girls Golf program, which empowers young girls through golf while instilling core values such as confidence and community. This program has gained popularity within the Latina community, inspiring many young girls to get involved in the sport.
“The LPGA changed my life, and I want others to have a similar transformational experience like mine. We also need to recruit more Latinas to become LPGA Professionals in the golf industry. Growing the Latina Golfers Community with the CT Latina Golf Team Co-Founders is a huge accomplishment,” Morales said.
In 2022, Estela also partnered with Karen Palacios-Jensen, a first-generation Latina and creator of Cardio Golf. This new partnership helped Estela offer Cardio Golf classes in Spanish, expanding her reach and providing an accessible option for the Latina community, especially during the winter. In addition to her work in the U.S., she has traveled to Mexico to train and certify local coaches.
With big dreams ahead, Estela Morales aspires to write a book in honor of her maternal grandmother, who always wanted to share her story. Inspired by the renowned Mexican golfer Lorena Ochoa, Morales is proud to be Mexican and hopes to continue empowering the Latina community, encouraging them to dream big and reach their goals.
“To the girls, I want to tell them that it’s okay to dream and that it’s possible. We need to be persistent, put love and passion into what we do, and be proactive. Sometimes, it’s not just about worrying; it’s about taking action, getting organized, and setting deadlines to achieve our goals. Take action and be persistent because it is possible. Dreams and goals can be achieved,” said Morales.
Azucena Maldonado: Building Business Networks Through Golf
Azucena Maldonado’s entry into golf, as founder of the Latina Golfers Association, came almost by chance. Just weeks after arriving in California, she was invited to a meeting at a golf course. Not knowing what to expect, a friend introduced her to the world of golf. For years, she played recreational golf until one day, members of the Latina community invited her to play in charity tournaments, allowing her to discover a new world—a world that blends competition, networking, and business.
“Golf is not just a sport; it’s a gateway to countless business opportunities.”
“I always say, if you know how to play the game, you know how to play the business game. Golf has that magic of connecting people and offering a space for networking,” Maldonado said in an interview.
Maldonado quickly realized that golf was much more than a game or sport; it was an opportunity to meet and build relationships with people she otherwise would never have encountered.
While venturing into charity tournaments, Maldonado noticed there were hundreds of men and only three or four women. Seeing the potential that golf could offer the Latina community, she decided to invite all the women she knew to an event at a banquet hall in a public golf course, where she explained her goal of starting the Latina Golfers Association.
“Ninety-four women showed up at our very first event, and this was all just through emails,” Maldonado said.
The event was simple but highly successful. The women were interested in golf but didn’t know how to get started or where to find access. This showed Maldonado that there was a community ready to get involved in the sport; they just needed a helping hand to guide them.
Maldonado began organizing specialized training sessions to improve participants’ skills and techniques, known as "golf clinics." Later, she incorporated golf lessons and organized networking events at the driving range. This shift was crucial, as it allowed the women to feel more comfortable while forming valuable connections.
“Through networking, Latina women can build strong, lasting relationships that help open doors and reach their goals. What I want is for them to see golf not just as a sport but as a tool to move forward in life,” Maldonado concluded.
Currently, the Latina Golfers Association has more than 5,000 members, who can share their empowerment stories through golf. LGA has gained presence at renowned events and formed strategic alliances with organizations like the PGA and USGA. Additionally, the association has launched programs like Latina Leadership Through Golf, which uses golf to strengthen leadership skills and break cultural and gender barriers.
Maldonado has also expanded LGA’s mission by launching youth golf programs and family events that span up to three generations. The association focuses on training Latina women and girls to seize opportunities in the golf industry, from careers in engineering to hospitality.
Fleriser Bello: Where Events Meets Fairways
Fleriser Bello, founder of Bella’s Fashionistas, has spent 10 years empowering Latinas to gain visibility and new opportunities. Her organization promotes leadership and inclusion for Latinas in various sectors, particularly in business. In 2024, the third Latina Golf Outing Tournament was held, a successful event that highlighted the representation of Latinas and Latinos in the sport of golf.
According to Bello, women make up 36% of golfers in the industry, and her goal is to continue educating the community about the opportunities golf can offer. Bella’s Fashionistas also offers personal development workshops to help young people identify their careers and connect them with scholarships.
Bello continues to work toward providing visibility and recognition to Latina leaders who deserve to be acknowledged, fostering an empowering environment with every opportunity.
Golf as a Tool of Empowerment for Latinas
Golf has become a vehicle for empowerment particularly for Latinas, who have found opportunities for both personal and professional growth. Latina golfers like Estela Morales, Azucena Maldonado, and Fleriser Bello are demonstrating how this sport offers more than a recreational opportunity; it has become a crucial space for leadership, networking, and visibility for our community in various sectors.
