By Tony L. Starks
As Eastside Golf continues to celebrate diversity in the game of golf, we’re proud to highlight the journey of our brand ambassador, Michael Herrera, during Hispanic Heritage Month. Michael, a professional golfer with Guatemalan roots, embodies hard work, resilience and a love for the sport that defied odds.
A Journey Rooted in Hardship and Hope
Michael’s story begins with his parents, both hailing from Guatemala. His mother is of Jamaican descent, with a rich family history tracing back to his great-grandmother, who journeyed from Jamaica to Belize and eventually settled in Guatemala. His father grew up in Guatemala City during turbulent times marked by civil unrest. A pivotal moment for the family came when Michael’s grandmother survived a gunshot wound while simply sitting at the bus stop. The traumatic event prompted the family to move to Los Angeles in search of a safer life.
For Michael, his parents' journey and sacrifices have always been a source of inspiration. His father, a former national basketball player in Guatemala, left behind everything he knew to build a new life in the U.S. The family eventually moved from Los Angeles to Moreno Valley, California, where Michael would unknowingly stumble upon his passion for golf.
Discovering Golf Against the Odds
As a child, Michael was an avid baseball and basketball player. But a curious glance at a local golf course while driving to the mall sparked a lifelong love for a sport his father had initially deemed out of reach.
“In Guatemala, only the rich played golf. My dad told me it wasn’t a sport for us,” Michael recalls. But after persistent questioning, his father finally gave in and took him to Cottonwood Golf Center, a local municipal course with affordable rates.
It was there, with $5 green fees and rented clubs, that Michael and his father fell in love with the game. "We didn’t know anything about golf," Michael says, "but we had a ball." What started as a modest introduction to the sport soon became a deep passion, one that would lead Michael to a career playing all over the world.
The Importance of Access
Michael’s story highlights the critical role access to affordable golf played in shaping his career. “If it had been $50 to play, we would’ve walked away, and I never would’ve picked up a club again,” he says. He stresses that affordable access is key to diversifying the game and making it more inclusive for the next generation.
“There are so many kids out there who could fall in love with golf if they just had the chance. Municipal courses offering $5 rounds for juniors can change lives, just like it did for me,” says Michael, who earlier this year won the 2024 APGA Tour Farmers Insurance Invitational at the famed Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California (pictured above with his family).
A Professional Grind and Global Ambitions
Today, Michael is competing on the Asian Development Tour, the Gira de Golf Professional Mexican Tour, and the APGA Tour, balancing tournaments across Asia, Mexico and the U.S. The travel can be grueling, with trips spanning 22 to 30 hours, but Michael embraces the opportunity to experience different cultures, particularly his love for Thai cuisine.
Michael’s dedication to his craft is evident in the way he approaches each competition. “The grind is real,” he says, acknowledging the challenges of chasing full status on the Asian Tour while staying sharp for Korn Ferry Q-School. His commitment to excellence and constant improvement drives him forward, and he remains focused on his long-term goal. Making it to the PGA TOUR.
Eastside Golf's Commitment to Diversifying the Game
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Michael Herrera’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and opportunity in golf. His journey from a small muni course in Southern California to playing professionally around the world is an inspiration to all those who dream of breaking into the sport.
Eastside Golf is proud to stand behind Michael as he continues to trailblaze and elevate the game. His story reinforces our mission to diversify golf and make it accessible to people from all walks of life. By supporting athletes like Michael, we aim to inspire the next generation of golfers who will continue to shape the future of the sport.
We invite you to explore more stories like Michael’s, showcasing the diverse voices and talents shaping the game. Join us as we continue to celebrate diversity, inclusion and the power of community.