THE ROOTS OF RAZA GOLF
In 2010, after about a year of golfing. I heard that most golf courses have a men’s club on the weekends. Excited about the possibility of becoming a member, I tried my luck at a local course. Upon arrival I was directed towards the club president, an older white man who didn't seem too happy that I asked for a few minutes of his time. I presented myself and shared my interest in joining. He then replied with, “ Do you know how to play?", "Do you have your own golf clubs?", " Golf's expensive you know, do you have money to play?"
Feeling humiliated I walked away angry and chose not to respond. Using that moment as motivation, I started my own club 2 weeks later. Although we only had five consistent players it felt good to belong to something. It gave me purpose. It also allowed me to focus on Latino representation. As it is lacking not only in golf but in everyday life. Our men's club is now entering its 15th season with over 100 players.
AND THE BRAND WAS BORN...
In 2020 the COVID golfer was born and as a result many Latinos are now turning to golf for recreation since COVID guidelines made most other sports unplayable. Excited to see more Latinos golfing I saw an opportunity to launch our own golf apparel that was intentional by design and name, something that promoted Latino representation without exclusion. Raza Golf Co. was established in 2021.
As Raza Golf Co. continued to expand and connect within the golf community, we came across a need to help the new generation. By meeting families who have their kids golfing but have financial restraints, we found the need and determination to help the younger generation. So, in 2023 the Raza Golf Foundation was established. Which will help us create a golf tier program to help kids meet their potential and for others to get an introduction to the sport.
We are a growing force in the golf community but lack proper representation. Our goal is to do our part to reach this goal without exclusion. For many years and still to this day, there are racial undertones in this world, whether it's at the golf course, golf shops, or social gatherings. RAZA GOLF CO. wants to do our part in ending exclusion and favoritism. Although we want to represent the Latino community, we also want to be completely inclusive and intentional in our mission. Inclusion is something we want to offer as well. In present day, the word RAZA has evolved, although it's roots are in the Latino community to mean "Your People". Living in the United States has really diversified who our people are, we are now proud to say that "Your People" come in different colors and from many different backgrounds. NEVER FORGET YOUR ROOTS is a cry to remind everyone to remember and celebrate their culture and ancestors, without the need to belittle others. As a company we have focused on three main goals:
1) Promote Latino representation without exclusion
2) Build community through events and networking
3) Remind all to NEVER FORGET YOUR ROOTS
OTHER WAYS TO ENGAGE WITH RAZA
