Trailblazer

FORT WORTH, TEXAS | Mina Hardin may have been the first female Mexican native to win a USGA national title as part of a lengthy golf resume, but these days her biggest thrill is the daily scratch game here at her home club, Mira Vista. At noon on Sunday through Friday, 24 of the best players at Mira Vista, often including PGA Tour champion Tom Hoge, gather for a no-holds-barred match. Hardin describes it as, “there might be some money changing hands and an adult beverage or two when we’re finished.” Just as she has done during her entire career, Hardin is the only woman in the group playing from the men’s tees, breaking down barriers again in an amazing golf life that began in Mexico City and reached the heights of the American amateur game. “It gives me so much personal satisfaction to become the first player from my country to win a USGA title and again be a pioneer and break down doors for others,” said Hardin, the 2010 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur champion and a runner-up in the 2001 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur and the 2011 U.S. Senio...