Paloma Santiago, PGA: Setting an example of the doors that golf can open

Originally Published: Wednesday, September 18, 2019 | 1:31 p.m.

I started playing golf in an inner-city program in Trenton, New Jersey, called “Greater Trenton Junior Golf” and fell in love with the game immediately. My mother introduced me to the game through that program, and if it were not for Greater Trenton, I would have never been exposed to the game. Golf is a unique sport, and it is has opened my eyes to many different opportunities as a youth being introduced to the game. The game has allowed me to network with many diverse industry individuals; and has granted access to opportunities most youth would not have. 

It was an opportunity to continue to learn techniques to make the golf industry more inclusive for everyone of all ethnic and financial backgrounds; with direction on how to approach different people from different backgrounds as well. PGA LEAD teaches us how to bring people together as leaders so that everyone is included and exposed to the great opportunities that exist in this business. 

PGA LEAD has allowed me to see the different diversity issues that we, as golf professionals, face day to day. I want to make a difference to help make the industry become inclusive, so that everyone feels welcome. I have always dreamed of making an impact in my community and would like to provide those opportunities to those who are underserved. ‘Live Golf’ was founded to expose and introduce the game of golf to everyone; along with growing the game. I want to provide insight on the opportunities that golf has to offer; whether it be as a career, business venture or a therapeutic alternative, there a numerous amount of opportunities.

Live Golf is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the community with a focus on the business of golf, through mentorship by enabling access to PGA Professionals and industry professionals dedicated to growing the game of golf. Our organization exposes and introduces the game of golf, its’ values, and opportunities to youth, military, and everyday laymen in the community, while creating an outlet. We are currently in Mercer County, New Jersey and provide services to other communities Nationwide and Internationally. We hope to grow the game of golf, while exposing the various opportunities golf has to offer, whether it be career-wise, business opportunities or for therapeutic alternatives.  

Having diverse community members in positions of all ranks of golf will be crucial to the growth of the golf industry. As the saying goes, “our perception of the world is defined by what we see and what we hear”; and I hope to be the representative of the many faces of the PGA of America and the Golf Industry.