The greatest male Mexican professional of all time with over 700 PGA Tournaments under his belt, graces our show to share his remarkable journey from humble beginnings – a childhood devoid of plumbing and adorned with dirt floors. He discusses the unwavering determination demanded on the PGA Tour, a path that emerged after a stint in boxing cut short by appendicitis, where he first learned of the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez.
His entrepreneurial spirit shone through as he sold golf balls for a living, even resorting to unconventional methods like fishing them out of ponds with his feet. Starting his golfing journey with just one club, a 7 iron, he encountered a turning point upon meeting John & Rita Minnis, whose impact on his life was profound.
Turning professional in 1986, he faced the grueling Q School a dozen times, contemplating quitting in 1993. However, he persevered, overcoming adversity to clinch victory in May 2013, becoming the first Mexican to triumph on the PGA Champions Tour on Cinco de Mayo, an achievement dedicated to his late brother.
He shares the significance of celebrating victories with a left hook and delves into the current state of golf in Mexico, seamlessly transitioning to discussing his passion project – The Esteban Toledo Foundation, aiding orphaned and foster care children through initiatives like the "Home of Love" facility.
We delve into his future, his poignant reflection on the meaning of "nothing," and his outlook on life after golf. Additionally, he discusses his book, a tribute to John Minnis and Mexico's National Soccer Teams, encapsulating his journey of triumph and dedication to his roots.
Esteban Toledo Links:
Official Website: https://www.estebantoledo.com/
Esteban Toledo Family Foundation: http://estebantoledofamilyfoundation.org/
HBO Special with Bryant Gumbel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhSKDXQ4JVQ
Reflection Bay Golf Club: https://www.reflectionbaygolf.com/
Before the Lights Links:
Hire Tommy to Speak: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/public-speaking
Become a BTL Member: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/support
Before the Lights Website: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/
Get Tommy a Glass of Vino: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beforethelights
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/beforethelightspodcast/
Follow the show on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beforethelightspodcast?lang=en
Follow Tommy on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/tcanale3
Rate & Review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-the-lights/id1501245041
Email the host: beforethelightspod@gmail.com
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Nikki Glaser Podcast
Every week comedian and infamous roaster Nikki Glaser provides a fun, fast-paced, and brutally honest look into current pop-culture and her own personal life.