FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A new golf tournament is coming to the Central Valley in April offering a one-of-a one-of-a-kind golfing experience for all.
Putting more brown on the green, while also encouraging everyone to never forget their roots, that’s the mission behind Raza Golf Co.
“One of the big things about Latinos in golf is truth be told, at a lot of places we’re not welcomed still,” said Ruben Cardiel, the founder of Raza Golf. “Some people might say things have changed and they have, but there’s still those undertones of people who don’t want us to be there.”
It was those closed doors that pushed Cardiel into action by starting his own club in 2010. Ten years later in 2020, he launched Raza Golf Co., promoting Latino representation without exclusion through clothing and apparel.
Raza Golf also launched a non-profit called “The Raza Golf Foundation”, supporting young golfers in need.
“We’re helping kids learn how to golf at an early age, but we also want to help the kids who are golfing because financially it can be tough for their parents. We want to be able to help through our foundation,” Cardiel said.
Now Raza Golf Co. is known for hosting golf tournaments full of networking opportunities, entertainment, vendors, mechanical bulls, Banda and 16 hours of competition.
Over the weekend Raza Golf came to the Central Valley for the first time, hosting “A Day at the Range” at Riverside Golf Course in Fresno.
“It actually, feels great. I don’t see a lot of women out on the course, especially being pretty new to golf, so definitely getting more Mexicanos’ out on the course, and Latinas out here to represent,” said Kim Duarte who came out to the event with her husband.
Local businesses set up in hopes of expanding, including Blowin’ Smoke Mobile Cigar Lounge the first and only mobile cigar service in the Central Valley.
“I think it’s awesome, it’s a great turnout,” said Robert Baeza, who is the owner of Blowin’ Smoke Mobile Cigar Lounge. “I can’t wait to come back on the 25th for the tournament. I’ll be here also and just seeing the Mexican culture, it feels great.”
The day was full of live music, culture, drinks, community and golf— a glimpse of what Raza Golf’s tournament will be like in April.
The date for their upcoming golf tournament at Riverside Golf Course in Fresno is April 25. It’s a 16-hour experience and promotes Latino representation but encourages everyone from all backgrounds and skill levels to come out and enjoy the party.
For Cardiel and his team, it’s all about the Raza.
“Raza, we need more of us out here,” Cardiel said. “If you’ve never played and you’ve been thinking about trying it this is the time. A lot of business deals are happening out on the golf course, and we’ve been left out. And this is a time for us to make a change. We belong out here. We need to stop asking for permission and just do it. Raza Golf is telling you let’s get more brown on the green.”
To sign up and purchase tickets, click here.
