When I founded the Latina Golfers Association (LGA) in 2008, I had no idea the impact it would have on my life. Golf transformed my world and I have seen, first-hand, how it has the power to alter women’s lives both personally and professionally.
Through the LGA, I’m fulfilling my mission to introduce as many women as possible to golf. So far, over 2,000 women—95% of whom have never even held a golf club before—have attended our golf clinics, lessons, and outings in Los Angeles, CA.
Today, they are confidently engaging in social golf outings and have learned to leverage golf as a business tool. The LGA has been on an upswing for the past few years and the start of 2020 brought in the best two months we ever had. But like most of the world, our activities came to a complete halt in March of this year.
While we’re back in the swing of things, the local health orders have drastically limited our programming. We did not, however, let COVID-19 define the LGA, and we put into practice one of our long-range plans, which was to conduct virtual lessons and activities. I could not have asked for a better response. Our sessions have been a hit!
We started with 19th Hole Zoom Happy Hours and are now hosting monthly Zoom Power Lunch gatherings where we feature amazing women who are closely or loosely tied to the golf world. Our guests have included an LPGA Tour Player, powerful women in the business world, and our next guest is the only Latina owner of a golf course in the United States.
We’re hosting “How to Play In A Business Golf Outing” zoom sessions and soon we’ll be conducting virtual golf lessons. We now have women from all over the country attend our virtual events. We have grown our base exponentially and will be rolling out national programming for our new members.
No doubt, these are uncertain times for everyone, but what I know for sure is that when I keep showing up day after day and put my best foot forward, no matter how scared I am by what is happening around me, positive things happen.
We have to create what we want to see happen in our lives and our businesses. As the wonderful living golf legend Nancy Lopez has said, “A competitor will find a way to win. Competitors take bad breaks and use them to drive themselves just that much harder.”
I love the Latina Golfers Association zoom sessions! Always informative, positive and uplifting. Thank you Azucena for bringing the world of golf to all of us – especially during these challenging times!!
Thank you Laura for being a part of the LGA familia and now our 2020 Latina Leadership Through Golf Cohort!
Appreciate how the Latina Golfers Association events keeps us connected and informed even when we cannot meet in person. The virtual event topics are relevant and timely and a great reminder of why I support this important organization.
Even during these social distancing times I’m glad we get an opportunity to share and learn from other women golfers through the Latina Golfers Association zoom events. Thanks Azucena for providing that space for us.
The Latina Golfers Association has brought diversity, teamwork, and unity. Being able to zoom in order to stay connected is a great channel for our voice. Thank you Azucena Maldonado and the LPGA for allowing others to network.
During this unprecedented time, I have yearned to connect with other likeminded women who enjoy golf, and I feel really lucky to have stumbled upon the Latina Golfers Association website. I recently joined and already feel connected, albeit virtually. I am grateful and looking forward to the upcoming events!
The members of the Latina Golfer association bring joy, freedom and love to the game of golf. I feel so connected to my fellow players on the course and now on zoom. Thank you Azucena for bring us together during these unprecedented times.
I have loved being part of the Latina Golfers Association. This year has presented challenges interms of meeting in person. Real leaders PIVOT. The shift to Zoom events and courses have allowed members to connect, learn and continue to feel we are part of the LGA community from wherever we are.
It’s a place where ladies can talk golf.
Many women are in executive level positions and have opportunities to golf but don’t have many places we can go to learn and practice.
Thank you for bringing this opportunity to our homes and local golf courses.
The Latina Golfers Association has done more for than just introduce me to a new sport that I always wanted to learn. It opened my eyes to a world of networking, acceptance and true friendships. I’m so grateful that they didn’t go into hibernation during covid and that Azucena continues to keep us connected while also updating us on our local health requirements to get back on the greens. Thank you LPGA for promoting such an amazing group of golfers.
The Latina Golfers Association has helped many women advance in the business world and enjoy the process through the game of golf. It has connected like-minded people and opened doors once thought locked. With the pandemic their Zoom sessions keeps us connected, something crucial in these times. It has been a lifeline for me and many others. It has proven that the game of golf births friendships that are enduring and business partnerships that do not break. It is with great anticipation that I look toward our Zoom meets and I thank the Latina Golfers Association and Azucena Maldonado for keeping us connected and thriving.
Latina Golfers Association is a launch pad for dynamic Latinas intrigued with golf. Equally eager to learn & excel in the sport. In true cultural form, Azucena has created a Comadre community, with a hint of exclusivity with the cohorts, & retaining connections in the zoom events. Thank you LPGA for highlighting LGA!
Thank you Azu for all you do for women’s golf in California, Texas and across the nation. You are the best and with you leading the way, women’s golf is in good hands. Keep it in the fairway and keep playing it forward.
Thank you for this, Azucena! Your national leadership in growing the game of golf is sorely needed for a demographic that is under served. Golf offers so many fantastic opportunities to not only enjoy a round outdoors, but lends itself so easily to building strong relationships that often lead to business transactions. Men have this access at much higher rates than women; it’s about time “we” achieve some equity, especially for women of color. We applaud you, we are grateful for you, and we are proud of how you represent Latinas in CA and beyond!
Great article Azucena Maldonado! Your continuous support & empowerment for the LGA community & partners during these challenging times is why you were chosen as our 2020 Prospanica Los Angeles President Award- Comunidad Awards. Muchísimo éxito & blessings to you and all of the LGA familia. ⛳️🎉🏌🏽♀️🏌🏽
I”m proud to be a founding member of the LGA – and super proud of Azucena Maldonado. She has touched so many lives and brought this magnificent game to Latinas across the nation. The best times I’ve had on the golf course has been with the LGA – especially joining in the introduction of the game to the younger generation. ¡Que viva La LGA!
Latina Golfers plays such an important role in our community creating opportunities for skill building as well as personal empowerment. How wonderful that the leadership of the organization has been so innovative in finding ways to continue its work. Congrats on the great efforts!
The Latina Golfers Association gave me the competitive edge I needed in the banking world. You learn more about your clients in one round of golf than a company visit and a business lunch. My business relationships improved dramatically.
Now, during the pandemic, golf is my therapy!! I am able to play golf with my friends which helps me stay connected and healthy. Thank you Azucena for all you have done for us and continue doing during the pandemic!!
I am proud to be a golfer, proud to be a member of LGA and super proud to call Azucena a “Frientor”, a Friend and a Mentor. LGA has given me a community where I’m surrounded by strong empowered women.