Meet Karina Barrero of Woodland Hills

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Barrero.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Karina, a Los Angeles Native from Pasadena. Growing up, I was a bit of a wild child. I was not afraid to express my opinions, emotions, or be the center of attention. I loved having an audience and being in front of a camera. I did theater and musicals and a few TV commercials. When I graduated from UCSB I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I worked in SO many industries, started new ventures, tried to launch a few businesses, but nothing ever took. Until I found golf.

In 2024, I went to the driving range in Westlake Village. I had never swung a golf club before. I started hacking away at golf balls, missing them left and right. It was so hard! When I left, I looked around and realized I was the only woman there, so I got curious.

Well, actually, I became obsessed. Why weren’t there any women? I searched everywhere on social media for someone like me: a female golfer completely new to the game. All I found were instructors, LPGA golfers, and Golf Models with subscription packages. So I dared myself to try it. I didn’t know what would happen, but I thought sharing my story might be fun. I started recording my swings on my phone. I edited funny clips into self-deprecating blooper reels. I thought I was hilarious (even if no one else did) and I was having a blast coming up with new ideas to film.

What started as a joke turned into a video journal of my golf journey. My content was not highly edited, and I was just trying to be my authentic self. I guess it resonated with people because my presence grew and my creativity blossomed. I did NOT have (of all things) golf on my bingo card, but here I am, and I feel grateful that my hard work as led me here.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being the only female at the driving range was really intimidating. I made it my mission to not only challenge to myself and my own self-discipline, but to challenge the limits of a traditionally male-dominated golf space as a woman. As I fell in love with the game of golf, I discovered why I felt uninformed and out of place. Historically it’s been an exclusive sport meant for men who could afford expensive private memberships and equipment. In the past, country clubs banned women and people of color. These days, more casual players are getting into the game, and it’s changing the landscape of golf as we know it. It’s much more accessible with municipal and public courses. I want to be an example to women and beginners that they can do things that scare them… and maybe end up with a new passion.

Golf isn’t something you can just “pick up” and be good at. There is a significant learning curve that takes time and commitment. You’re failing more often than not, so it’s easy to quit and get discouraged. But that’s the point. Golf constantly tests your patience with new challenges every time you play. Every new golf course is a new puzzle to solve.

I’m in my 30s; I’ve worked in many industries and had many passions: Entertainment, Music, Tech, Law, Real Estate, Advertising, Jewelry Design, and more. As a creative person with an entrepreneurial spirit, I was always wanting something more. Something I could be passionate about, something that could impact or help people. After trying to launch several businesses, I stumbled upon golf, and it has been the most rewarding experience in my career thus far.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a one woman show: I film, edit and create short form videos as well as UGC ads. My content is genuine, relatable, authentic, humorous, fun, & playful. I’ve grown an organic, loyal following with no fancy cameras and zero ad spend. I’m extremely proud of that.

My content includes interviewing people at events, reviewing golf courses, recap/ vlog event experiences, and creating silly, self-deprecating videos just to make people laugh. My Instagram is my portfolio, but creating content is just the beginning. I want to be behind the scenes as well, keeping my pulse on golf culture and what’s going on in the industry.

I’ve had some amazing opportunities come my way — I’ve been a brand correspondent at PGA events like the Genesis Invitational and Waste Management Open. I was invited to be a TGL ambassador — Tiger Woods’ new golf league. I was lucky enough to travel to Palm Beach, Florida and experience TGL’s state of the art technology. I’ll be covering the JM Eagle Classic, Grass League Open, and many other events this year. I’ve worked with brands like JBL Speakers, Northwestern Golf, Vice Golf, Bad Birdie, & Pur3 Golf.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The industry is undergoing a massive overhaul. It’s the old way of doing things vs. what the newer generations want. Companies (especially small businesses) can no longer put all their eggs in one (retail) basket. With the influx of direct-to-consumer companies emerging, the “big brands” of golf like Titleist, Callaway, and Taylormade are no longer the only options. Companies like LAB, Takomo, and Malbon apparel are disrupting the industry. New leagues like LIV, Grass League, and TGL offer a different, more interactive format than the typical way of watching golf and appeal to younger viewers. More women, beginners, and casual players are entering the game. With social media and Youtube creators, the potential for digital growth is huge.

There are so many unique nuances in golf. It’s the only sport that, besides having a professional league, is also a recreational activity that everyday people can play, often late into their years. You can’t say that about contact sports like football or basketball. It’s a game that lets you enjoy nature, the company of friends, and meeting new people. Sons and daughters can play with their parents and grandparents. Strangers are brought together by their love of the game, despite belief systems and age gaps. Local tournaments are being held. Communities are being built. The added element of social media community and culture is an unprecedented twist. It will be interesting to see how golf transforms in the coming years, and I’m just happy to be along for the ride.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://karinaivesmedia.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/karinatriesgolf
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Karina-Tries-Golf/61574585442245/#
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kb03678495/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@karinaivesgolf