Game Changers
How a Love for Golf Gave Me a Career for Life
By Kayla Gutierrez
Published on
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Many people experience a love-hate relationship with golf. If you’ve ever picked up a golf club and tried to hit that tiny white ball, I’m sure you can agree: Golf is hard.
Yet even through many ups and downs, long days spent at the course, and years of practice, I wouldn’t give up golf for the world. Instead, like so many others, I’ve fallen in love with the game.
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I was born and raised in the small town of Hammonton, New Jersey, also known as the “Blueberry Capital of the World.” I grew up on a blueberry farm spending most of my days riding on tractors and forklifts, helping my family on the farm and, of course, filling my face with blueberries.
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Life wasn’t easy, however. As a Mexican Latina raised by young, divorced parents, I always felt like the cards were stacked against me — the daily challenges seemed more challenging for me than others. So, I sought out to find something that would allow me rise above the fray, embrace my diversity and fulfill my passion.
For me, that was golf. And I have my grandfather to thank for it.
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He’s one of the main reasons why I play, and taught me everything I know to this day about the game. I admire his hardwork and dedication to the sport and saw how much of a profound impact it had on his own life. It all led him to becoming becoming owner of Vineyard Golf at White Lake in North Carolina, which I hope to help with and one day take over for him when I grow older.
It wasn’t until high school that I began to take golf seriously. I was team captain, MVP, and played as the only girl on an all boys team. Despite having to compete against the guys, I embraced the challenge and used it as motivation to play my best. Those moments of adversity I faced on the golf course are what helped prepare me for the ones I face off the golf course and, for that, I am thankful.
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Golf can truly take you anywhere, too. For me, I first landed at Florida Gulf Coast University, where I am now a junior in the school’s PGA Golf Management program. I also currently serve on the program’s Student Association Board, work on campus at the Financial Aid office, and have a job as a Junior Golf Instructor and Communications Manager at a local junior golf academy. I’ve had impactful paid internships, played at amazing golf courses, and have met a number of inspiring and influential people — all of which would not have been possible without golf.
Honestly, golf has given me everything, and I hope that my story can inspire more young women to give golf a try, and turn their passion into a career. As an aspiring PGA Professional, it’s so great to see the direction the game is going and how much it has grown since I first started playing. The golf industry has a place for everyone, and that’s what truly makes it special.
Interested in exploring a career in golf or PGA Membership? You can find more information today by visiting pga.org/workingolf.