Tai Palacio is a commercial real estate finance attorney at Hogan Lovells. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Miami, Tai studied at Florida State and began her career in nonprofit fundraising and development. After meeting her husband in South Africa, she spontaneously moved to Dublin, Ireland—earning her first law degree while living abroad.
In 2013, Tai and her husband relocated to Colorado to fulfill a lifelong dream of living near the mountains. Tai attended law school at the University of Denver, and despite never intending to practice law, she graduated at the top of her class and found her calling in the legal field.
Tai is also a mother of two, a dedicated snowboarder, and a passionate golfer since 2020. She’s become a strong advocate for women in golf and serves as a trustee for PGA REACH Colorado. When she’s not on the course at Red Rocks Country Club with her family, she’s likely chasing powder, planning her next travel adventure, or sneaking in a few swings at the range.
KK: In your bio, it says that you did not get into golf until 2020, who or how were you introduced you to the game?
TP: It was May 2020—we were in lockdown, and everyone was stir-crazy. I lived on the 8th fairway at West Woods Golf Club, and each time I’d look outside while working, I’d see people just loving life. At the time, I was one of those people who thought, “Is golf even a real sport?” But something about what I saw made me want to try.
I rang my colleague, Josh Savage, and asked him to teach me. And after a couple range sessions, he pushed me onto the course. That was huge. I think a lot of women hesitate to leave the range until they feel totally ready, but with golf, that’s a mistake—you learn by doing.
From that moment on, I was hooked. I was fitted for clubs three months later, started lessons, joined a women’s league the next summer, and eventually joined Red Rocks. Now I play several times a week. I’m obsessed—and passionate about helping other women take that first step too.
KK: That is amazing! It seems like when you commit to something, there’s no stopping you.
TP: I try! I grew up watching my mom do it all—I was 5 when she, widowed with two children, went to law school. I saw her resolve firsthand. So, when I started as a new associate with a 6-week old, I laughed when people asked how I was managing—I had a supportive husband, and I kept thinking, “My mom did this with less.”
I was raised by strong women—my grandmother ran a cement factory after leaving a difficult marriage—and they set the tone for how I approach life. From a young age, I learned to never ask if I could do something, only how I would get it done.
KK: Wow! So tell me-how did you first hear about the CGA?
TP: In 2023, I was looking for a new board to join—and I knew I wanted it to be golf-related, with a focus on supporting youth or women.
I’ve found that women often learn to golf either as kids or empty nesters, but the time it really matters—especially in professional settings—is in your 30s and 40s. Business still happens on the golf course, and once I started playing, doors opened. I was suddenly invited to client tournaments and building real connections.
So I started thinking: How can I help more women get out and play? That curiosity led me to PGA REACH and the CGA.
No one recruited me—I went after it. I learned about the CGA through getting a GHIN handicap when I joined a women’s league. And my role on the board is more of a bridge between the CGA and PGA REACH – helping to keep both organizations aligned and connected.
KK: Can you share a bit more about how you’ve used golf professionally—any specific experiences or opportunities that stand out?
TP: My passion for golf has really impacted me professionally. Four uninterrupted hours with someone is a rare opportunity in today’s fast-paced world. You build relationships in a way that’s just not possible over a lunch meeting or Zoom call.
My colleagues all know I’m obsessed with golf, which led to me joining the deal team representing Fenway Sports Group in their $3 billion investment into PGA Tour Enterprises—a groundbreaking transaction that created a new PGA Tour subsidiary and gave equity to the top 200 players. Sitting across the table from legal teams for both the PGA Tour and Fenway Sports Group was surreal.
Through my real estate practice, I’ve also worked on financing and development for several world-class golf properties globally—most recently for Cabot Highlands in the Scottish Highlands. It’s fulfilling when my passion for golf and my professional work come together like that.
KK: As a member at Red Rocks Country Club, what do you like most about it?
TP: Red Rocks is a hidden gem. It’s just 30 minutes from downtown Denver, yet it feels like a world away – surrounded by dramatic red rock formations and rolling hills, with stunning views at every turn.
We loved it so much, we moved onto the course months after joining. The community is incredibly welcoming—most members live in the neighborhood, which creates a warm, familiar atmosphere both on and off the course.
The junior golf program is fantastic and the women’s golf scene is thriving—our LGA has around 150 active members of all ages. I feel very blessed to be part of this community.
KK: That sounds like a dream! What is your favorite golf memory?
TP: Last summer, my 8-year-old daughter decided—just a week before—to play in the Junior Club Championship. She ended up paired with older boys who could drive the ball twice as far, and after a couple of holes, she was visibly discouraged.
I pulled her aside and teased, “Did you really think you’d win this?” She broke a smile, and I explained, “This is about learning, failing, and having fun.” Her frustration faded and she started enjoying herself and playing better.
Afterward, several parents complimented her attitude. When I asked if she’d want to do it again, she said, “That totally sucked—but I’ll do better next year!” That mindset made me proud, and made me laugh — it was such a perfect snapshot of the resilience, humility, and drive that keeps us coming back.
KK: Your daughter sounds like the coolest-I need her as my alter ego. If you were to meet a group of women that were hesitant about getting into golf, what would you tell them?
TP: I get it – golf is intimidating at first. But that’s no reason to stay away. It’s not about having a perfect swing or shooting low scores; it’s about showing up, keeping pace, and enjoying everything the game offers.
For me, golf has added a new layer of fun to my marriage —whether its 18 with friends or a golf and spa getaway, it’s a way to recharge and reconnect. And it’s a great way to spend quality time with the family.
It’s wild that women make up only 19% of golfers in a sport that’s truly accessible to all—regardless of age, ability, or background. Golf brings connection, opportunity, and joy. So I’d say: be bold, start swinging, and forget perfect. Just get out there – and be the reason another woman picks up a club.
KK: If you could give one piece of advice to younger generations, what would it be?
TP: Dream boldly—and don’t fear the pivot. I’ve always believed in setting ambitious goals, and then embracing the detour because life is rarely a straight path and progress isn’t linear. Adaptability is a strength. Being open to change has often led to some of my most meaningful accomplishments. So aim high, and if you land a little short, celebrate that too. Growth happens on the journey, not at the destination.
