When Azucena Maldonado participated in her first charity golf tournament, she realized the great benefits of golf - networking, bonding and its ability to break down gender and cultural barriers. However, tournament after tournament, it dawned on her that there were hardly any other women playing. Fourteen years and over 2,500 members later, Maldonado transformed her love of golf into a growing community where women of all walks of life can learn the game and develop personally and professionally.
Maldonado's organization, the Latina Golfers Association (LGA), hosts affordable lessons and clinics about the fundamentals of golf, proper etiquette and fashion in addition to social events. Their goal is to introduce women to the game in a non-intimidating environment. One way is through their Fiesta Golf Tournaments, where LGA has food, music and comradery for golfers and nongolfers alike to network and meet other players.
An important focus for LGA has been "Latina leadership through golf." Over the last five years, Maldonado created a highly coveted mentorship program where a cohort of 32 women participate in an introductory golf bootcamp with the end goal of playing business golf and dominating the corporate playing field.
That focus lends itself to the next generation of golfers too.
"Introducing girls and youth is important. Golf is a lifeline. Golf provides them opportunities and educational success," said Maldonado.
SCGA Junior's Southeast Los Angeles program recently partnered with the LGA to bring golf to more girls in the area and introduce them to successful Latina professionals to act as role models. The LGA also created their own youth programs across LA County and provides funding to a local high school girls golf team.
In her efforts of growing the game, Maldonado has received numerous awards and national recognition, but the thing she's most proud of? Her impact.
"On a weekly basis, women reach out to me and tell me how because of the LGA their world has grown and transformed. Women who have introduced their daughters to the game and women whose business lives are enhanced because they can now golf with their executives and clients. It's very fulfilling."
When she's not playing or planning LGA events, Maldonado is volunteering her time as a board member of various organizations like the California Alliance for Golf, the SoCal PGA Section, National Golf Course Superintendents Association and even the SCGA.
"Golf is such a big part of my world, but I can't get enough of it. Working in the space, it's not about me. It's about serving and helping and growing the game for women and the Latinx community."
