By Elle Laur
A career in golf doesn’t have to hide in the shadows of past beliefs that women don’t belong in the game. And a life in golf for women isn’t only limited to being a player or a coach. The options are limitless.
The beauty about working in golf is that it’s a daily escape from reality and an introduction to a hobby that’ll last a lifetime.
Lina Gutierrez discovered the beauty of golf 30 years ago, taking on a gig as the beverage cart attendant at Steele Canyon GC, a semi-private course that sits just east of the hustle and bustle of downtown San Diego. Gutierrez found the job through her sister-in-law while looking for part-time work with her youngest child on the way.
The former accountant stepped back from her familiar office job and found herself on the golf course three days a week, serving golfers beverages, snacks and motivational pointers.
Without any prior exposure to the golf world, the San Diego native quickly acclimated to the welcoming environment and fit right into the Steele Canyon family.
Gutierrez watched the sport form into a space for women, something it never seemed to be before. “When I first started working there, it was rare to see a woman golfer,” Gutierrez says. “It was more common for women to play with their husbands but now so many women come out on their own and play with their friends.”
Before golf, Gutierrez worked at a photo lab and checking company as an accountant. The expertise she acquired in these roles brought her priceless management skills which brought a seamless transition into Steele Canyon GC.
As one of the only bilingual employees onsite, Gutierrez found herself interacting with most people who walked through the clubhouse doors and on to the first tee box.
“I love talking to people and meeting new people,” Gutierrez says. “I’ve made some incredible friends, it’s just a really fun atmosphere.”
Everyone is always excited to see her. When golfers see the beverage cart in the distance, there is a sigh of relief knowing that their refreshing drink awaits them, and their favorite snack will soon be in their hands and fuel them for the final holes.
Gutierrez flourished in her role as the beverage cart girl. 15 years into her job at Steele Canyon, Gutierrez became the supervisor of food and beverage, and just five years ago, Gutierrez started overseeing housekeeping, employees and ordering supplies. She witnessed four different ownerships, but her dedication to the club never persisted.
Being the beverage cart girl brought Gutierrez to her second family.
“Most of the people at the club have been members for so long,” she says. “I’ve watched their kids grow up. It’s like a family there and the family bond has always been strong.”