Esteban qualified for the PGA Champions series in 2013.The upward trajectory of his career is due to his discipline and perseverance.
[dropcap]E[/dropcap]steban was born in Mexicali, Baja California. He tells us his father moved the family to a home that was located just opposite a golf course, separated only by a lagoon. It was there he began his relationship with the sport. He collected errant golf balls while on his way to becoming a caddy.
“I lost my dad when I was five years old. My mother had to take care of our 12-member family. We had a difficult life, very poor. My childhood was painful because a brother also died. All of us had to work from a very young age.”
Esteban remembers the day when, as a child, he found a Tom Lehman driver. He swam across the lagoon, took some balls he found in the water and played holes 14, 4 and 5.
“In elementary school, my classmates bullied me until there came a time when I thought I should do something about it. I asked my brother to take me to learn boxing. It was then I met Gavilan Rios, who taught me the sport. Maromero Paez was training at the same gym. Boxing provided the solid base and the maturity that I needed in my career as a golfer. It gave me determination and the ability to control the pressure, stay focused, and fight for what I wanted. Golf is the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me.”
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“I am proud to represent Los Cabos. It is a beautiful part of the country with a great future. The view we have is paradise. The 14 golf courses and the environment are unique. You will not find anything like it anywhere else in the world.”
His dream to become a boxer came to an end when he was injured for the second time. It was then he decided to give golf a try. At the age of 19, Esteban managed to find sponsors and move to America. While working as a caddy, he met many people who offered the support he needed to reach his goal.
The golfers who influenced Esteban the most at the beginning of his career were Ben Crenshaw and Tom Watson. He dreamed of playing in a tournament with the two professionals. Today, he knows Tom Watson but has not had the opportunity to golf with him. He did golf with Ben Crenshaw in New York and admits he could not help being nervous.
Encouraging young talent is of great interest to Esteban. He believes that it is important to set the right example and provide the necessary support to make inroads into tournaments. Along with Lorena Ochoa, Esteban is committed to promoting young golfers. He relishes the rating of Carlos Ortiz and Oscar Frausto on the PGA Tour and is convinced that more Mexican players will be participating soon.
[two_first]“I want to encourage Mexican golfers; teach them what they need to do to participate on the PGA Tour. Only a strong will and heart will keep them moving forward. Never stop dreaming.”
Esteban Toledo is the second Mexican to participate on the PGA Tour international series. He has won the Mexican Open and has represented Mexico in World Cups. In November 2012, Esteban competed with 3000 participants to qualify for the PGA Champions series where he began representing Los Cabos.
A famous Mexican golfer officially appointed Ambassador of Golf for Los Cabos in 2013 by Los Cabos Tourism Board thru Ruben Reachi Lugo, State Secretary of Tourism. Esteban Toledo reaffirms the international leadership of this Golf destination and serves as a representative in every tournament he plays.
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