On the steep slopes of the Andes, at the highest golf course in the world, a group ofwomen are breaking barriers and doing it in polleras.
Known as the Cholitas Golfistas, these Indigenous women from Bolivia’s Aymara communityare bringing cultural pride, resilience, and visibility to a sport traditionally seen as exclusive. Their presence on the course is redefining what golf can look like, not just in South America,but globally.
In an exclusive interview with Diego Arana, Member of the Board of Directors of the Bolivian Golf Federation, Golf Americas learned more about how these women began playing, the challenges they’ve faced, and how their story is inspiring a new vision for women’s golf in Bolivia and beyond.
A Movement Born on Mondays
The story of the Cholitas Golfers began as an inclusion initiative by La Paz Golf Club, the only golf course in Bolivia’s capital and the highest-altitude golf club in the world, sitting 3,342 meters above sea level. The club, located 10.56 miles from the city center, opens its course to staff on Mondays, a day when members are not present due to course maintenance.
Among those staff members are several women of Aymara origin who took that opportunity to learn the game. With guidance from fellow employees, caddies, and instructors, they began practicing regularly and formed a close-knit group: the Amakuyas de La Paz. Today, they’re more than a local curiosity, they are symbols of perseverance and cultural dignity.
Golf in Polleras
One of the most striking aspects of the Cholitas Golfers is their traditional attire. They play in polleras, the layered skirts emblematic of Aymara heritage, paired with golf shoes and wide-brimmed hats. This choice isn’t just aesthetic, it’s a statement. “Their clothing reinforces their cultural identity,” explains Diego Arana, Member of the Board of Directorsof the Bolivian Golf Federation.
“They’ve developed their own swing technique that adapts to the limitations of the outfit. It’s a fusion of sport and tradition.”
And while some might view their attire as a barrier, the Cholitas prove otherwise with every swing, showing that performance and tradition can coexist on the same green.
Barriers Beyond the Course
While the Cholitas have participated in internal tournaments at La Paz Golf Club, they haven’t yet competed at a national or international level. The main obstacles? Economic limitations and restricted access, as Bolivia’s golf clubs are predominantly private.Despite these challenges, their passion for the game is unwavering. Most of them have not yet acquired a handicap, but they play regularly, follow the rules of the sport, and serve as unofficial ambassadors for an inclusive future in golf.
Golf as Empowerment
For the Cholitas, golf is more than a sport. It’s a source of confidence, visibility, and social transformation. “Through golf, these women have become a symbol of resilience in their communities, ” says Arana.
“They’re changing perceptions, showing that golf doesn’t have to be elite or inaccessible.” Tourists visiting La Paz are often drawn to the course, intrigued by the striking landscape, and even more by the women proudly playing in traditional dress. Their presence challenges stereotypes and invites a broader conversation about who golf is for.
Investing in the Next Generation
The Cholitas Golfers are part of a broader movement to grow women’s golf in Bolivia. Through the “Misioneros de Bolivia” program, the Bolivian Golf Federation is providing access to the sport for young players from low-income backgrounds. Several girls from the program have already competed internationally, including a standout nine-year-old now playing in junior tournaments abroad.
There’s also growing support for women’s golf at every age level, with national tours likeVuelta a Bolivia and dedicated senior women’s circuits drawing strong participation. Arana also shared plans for a public driving range and pitch & putt course, aimed at expanding access and bringing more women into the sport.
Women’s Golf Day: A Global Celebration of Local Stories
In the spirit of Women’s Golf Day, the story of the Cholitas is both a celebration and a call to action. It highlights the importance of creating space for women to participate, lead, and belong in golf, no matter where they come from or what they wear.
By choosing to play in polleras, by stepping onto courses that weren’t originally designed for them, and by doing so with joy, pride, and determination, the Cholitas Golfers are not just adapting to the game. They are transforming it.