Allow Me To Introduce Myself: Sadie Martinez

Feb 17, 2025Sadie Martinez
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For as long as I can remember, I’ve been known as “Sadie the Golfer.” At social gatherings, I’m often introduced as “the golfer friend.” It’s always amusing to see how people associate me with the game. Honestly, I love it–it’s a reflection of how much golf has shaped my life and identity.

But there’s more to my story than just being “the golfer.” Here are four key facts about my life in golf – and the lessons it’s taught me along the way.

1. Golf Has Been With Me Since I Was Five

I didn’t fall in love with golf right away. As a kid, I much preferred soccer and basketball. But my older brother kept me involved in the game, and eventually, I realized golf had something unique to offer. By the time I was in high school, I discovered I had a talent for it–and more importantly, I learned golf could be my ticket to college.

School was always a challenge for me, but golf kept me disciplined and focused. It gave me direction and opened doors I couldn’t have imagined. For that, I’ll always be grateful

2. The First Tee of Connecticut Changed My Life

Golf wasn’t a part of my family’s culture. As the daughter and sibling of Colombian immigrants, soccer was the sport that connected us to our roots. But everything changed when my parents discovered the First Tee, a youth developmental program that introduces kids to golf and its values.

Through the First Tee, I learned not just how to swing a club but also about life skills like
confidence, perseverance, and respect. I’ll never forget my coach, Dan Malarney, who made golf fun by teaching us to hit marshmallows with our clubs. It’s a reminder that while the technical details of life may fade, the joy and fun moments stay with you forever.

3. High School Golf in New England Was a Challenge

Growing up in Connecticut, winters were brutal, and spring golf often started with snow on the ground. At Northwest Catholic High school, I remember an entire week of matches being rescheduled because of bad weather.

Those cold seasons motivated me to seek warmer opportunities–and when the chance to play collegiate golf in the South came along, I jumped at it.

4. Collegiate Golf Taught Me the Value of Connection

I played collegiate golf at the University of the Cumberlands in southeastern Kentucky. It was here that I experienced the magic of southern hospitality and learned the power of golf to bring people together. My teammates came from all over the world–Sweden, England, Germany, the Czech Republic, and South Africa. We played incredible courses, built lifelong friendships, and celebrated our shared love of the game. Golf became more than a sport; it became a way to connect with people from all walks of life.

After college, I moved to Houston, Texas where I worked as an assistant golf professional at Royal Oaks Country Club. Living alone and learning the fundamentals of managing a golf operation taught me independence and balance. It also confirmed my true passion: coaching. I made a promise to myself that if I ever returned to the golf industry, it would be to coach full-time.

Today, I’m proud to say I’ve made that dream a reality. I now run my own business, Martinez Golf, coaching out of Chris Cote’s Golf Shop locations in Portland and Southington, Connecticut.

I offer private lessons, clinics, and corporate outings. Coaching allows me to give back to the game that has given me so much, and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.

If you’d like to connect, have questions, or are ready to book a lesson, feel free to reach out to me at sadie@martinez.golf or hit the lessons tab to book a lesson today. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @martinez.golf for updates and tips!

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