Guatemala trip inspires RangeGoats
Wins don’t just happen on the course. That’s the mantra RangeGoats GC Captain Bubba Watson thoughtfully crafted when creating his team. It has not only become a signature phrase, but more importantly, the team has worked to make it happen in the real world.
“That mantra is based on two ideas that we see as the foundation of our team,” Watson said. “The first is that we have to prepare and put in the work ahead of time if we want to win on the course. The second is that we want to make a sustainable difference in the world.”
A recent example this month perfectly illustrates the team’s purpose-driven goals.
Watson and teammates Peter Uihlein and Matthew Wolff got an up-close and hands-on visit to Convoy of Hope’s programs while in Guatemala. The three stars not only learned about the work the organization does, but also came up with a unique way to contribute and get involved.
Among Convoy of Hope’s programs are ones focused on women’s empowerment and agriculture benefits. The three players immersed themselves in both, starting with the Convoy of Hope Center for Outreach, Development and Friendship (or the Spanish acronym CADA). The vocational training center helps Guatemalan women learn job skills and gain confidence, which can lead to job opportunities and break the cycle of poverty not only in their families but also in their communities.
Watson, Uihlein and Wolff learned that the women in the program receive weekly mentorship while focusing on specialized training in trades such as sewing, cosmetology, culinary arts and computer skills. The women also receive information in creating sustainable businesses that can be certified by the government.
The players dove deeper into Convoy of Hope’s work by visiting a rural community where the organization has provided goats for the community. Goats have proven to be essential animals for these areas since they provide families with essential nutrition and sustainable income from milk, cheese and butter.
It should come as no surprise that a perfect partnership between Convoy of Hope and RangeGoats GC was created. The team’s mantra to win off the course, coupled with its name and the type of animal being provided by Convoy of Hope were a perfect match. What resulted was the Goats Give Back impact program. For every team it beat in 2024, RangeGoats GC would donate a goat to Convoy of Hope. At season’s end, a total of 65 goats were donated.
“Our partnership with Convoy of Hope is one of the ways we pursue the goal by building strong communities and improving the lives of people who need it the most,” Watson said. “This could be food security, education or financial independence.”
As RangeGoats GC looks ahead to more on-course success in 2025, it’s safe to say the players are also looking forward to providing more goats – and help – to communities around the world.