Golf is open to all
Women and girls
Inspiring Growth: Women in Golf Forum LATAM celebrates first edition in Argentina
18 Sep 25
4 mins
The first Women in Golf Forum LATAM, hosted by The R&A, recently took place in Pilar, Argentina, bringing together delegates from across the region for three days of discussion, learning and collaboration.
The inaugural forum represented an important step in supporting the growth of women’s golf in Latin America and created a unique space to connect with peers, share ideas and explore ways to grow participation and identify opportunities. It also provided a platform for attendees to share experiences and discuss challenges they have faced. Reflecting on the milestone event, Mark Lawrie, Regional Managing Director - Latin America & Caribbean at The R&A, said, “This is the very first time we have hosted a Women in Golf Forum in Latin America and it’s been an incredible opportunity to gather federations and representatives from across the region to focus on women and girls participation, as well as greater representation in leadership and the wider workforce. Bringing everyone together under one roof was extremely valuable and there were lots of insightful discussions.” The programme featured a wide variety of voices from the golf industry, each bringing their own perspective and experiences. The event also included a programme of panels, workshops and keynote presentations, highlighting both the progress already being made and the opportunities that lie ahead. Industry leaders shared their personal journeys, offered insights into working in the industry, challenged stereotypes and discussed pathways for greater female participation.
Members of the panel in discussion at the event.
Interactive workshops and panel discussions encouraged participants to reflect on their own experiences while also exploring new ways of working. By sharing ideas openly, attendees left the forum with practical insights and fresh energy to continue driving growth back in their home countries.
Commenting on being a part of the forum, Casey Ceman, VP - Tournament Business Affairs at the LPGA said, “It was an incredible honour to be a part of this forum. The energy and passion in the room was incredible. After seeing everyone take part in the interactive workshops and sessions, I can tell they are enthused and excited to take their learnings and ideas back to their respective countries and really make a change.”
What united every conversation was a sense of optimism, passion and determination. Stories of innovation and local success offered inspiration on how golf can evolve in communities across the region.
Speaking about why the forums like this are so important, Brazilian Golf and Fitness Coach, Africa Alarcón said, “It was really important for me to be a part of the first forum for women in Latin America. It was a great opportunity to meet likeminded people from all different countries, environments and fields – all of them have a vast array of experience to share.
Juan Martín Hernández, R&A Development Ambassador, (left) and Mark Lawrie, Regional Managing Director - Latin America & Caribbean (right) in discussion on stage.
“Previously the door wasn’t open for us, it was closed and there were barriers in our way. This forum represents that we are not giving up. We are supporting each other, learning from one and other and growing the game.
“Something I will take away from the forum is that I can make an impact on more than one individual, my goal is to inspire other women to become trainers or coaches. When I started, I didn’t have someone I could look up to and show me that it is possible for me. I want to inspire the next generation and show them that it is possible – we should have a space.”
One other highlight of the three-day event was a special appearance from Juan Martín Hernández, former Argentina rugby player - who was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2023 - and R&A Development Ambassador in Latin America. He spoke about the values of sport, the importance of role models, the growth of women’s sport in Latin America and how golf can be a powerful platform for inclusion and opportunity.
The Women in Golf Forum LATAM showcased the passion, creativity and commitment of those working in the golf industry across the region. There were new voices being heard, new ideas being shared and new opportunities discussed that will continue to shape the future of women’s golf across in Latin America in the years to come.