Let's get to know Arisleyda a little better...
Q: Why golf?
Golf teaches great lessons about life. Golf also relaxes me. When I play golf, my mind is quiet. Plus, you meet wonderful people!
Q: Biggest accomplishment on the course?
I had one goal this year and it was to establish a handicap. I got it early in the summer. Now of course, it’s all about lowering it. I took lessons and am playing more. Just hitting par is an accomplishment. But I also have to say that I am working on not letting a bad shot affect me and ruin my day (and the entire game). I am competitive and I can easily get frustrated after a bad shot or a bad hole. It’s a process, but I am making progress. The gals at the Saturday league are helping me.
Q: Biggest accomplishment off the course?
There are many things I am proud of in my life. My family, my education and my work have always been important priorities for me. I think that having an open mind, maintaining good relationships with people and being able to adapt to new situations have helped me greatly.
Q: What do you do for a career?
I have been in the wealth management industry since 1992. I work with Merrill Lynch as a Senior Financial Advisor helping people with their financial needs: buying a home, putting their kids through school, caring for elderly parents, saving for retirement, passing on a meaningful legacy. I like it a lot.
Q: And if you weren't doing that, what would you be doing?
I would be definitely spending more time outdoors, reading more, hosting parties at home. I would maybe take dancing lessons, do yoga and Pilates. I would love to go back to school for a Doctorate degree. And of course, I will be definitely playing golf a lot.
Q: What is your perfect weekend day?
It starts with a nice walk , a delicious old fashioned breakfast, a good book, temperatures in the 70’s and no humidity, a round of golf, lunch , spa treatments, and a fabulous dinner with a great bottle of red wine!
Q: Last book you read?
Recently, while browsing through the shelves in my local library, I picked “The Secret Path” by Paul Brunton. It turned out to be a gem. It’s a practical guide to the spiritual wisdom of the East. The author is recognized as one of the pioneers who introduced yoga and meditation to the West.
Q: Favorite movie?
I can’t say that I have a favorite movie. I enjoy a good movie regardless of genre. I recently watched Caddy Shack again. What a classic. Great lines from an amazing group of comedy superstars. It’s really a very funny movie.
Q: Describe yourself in three words...
Honest, caring, driven.
Q: What three words would others use to describe you?
Passionate, energetic, supportive. Can I add a fourth one? Fun. A few people actually said that. I was impressed.
Q: Ideal foursome?
A comedian, golf pro, a CEO of a Fortune 500 company and a priest.
Q: What can our EWGA chapter do to help you get more out of your membership?
There are a good number of women already doing an amazing job at maintaining fellowship and making sure we stay focused on what matters most, which is golf. Any opportunities that would allow members to get to know each other better and make meaningful connections are welcome. Also, it helps to have access to more golf courses and lessons/clinics so the members can improve their game.
Q: Favorite course you’ve played?
I love it when the course incorporates the natural features of the landscape into its topography. Last year, while in my honeymoon in Dominican Republic, I dragged my husband to the Punta Espada golf course. This is the first of three jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses in Cap Cana. You play along and over the Caribbean’s blue waters. The experience was absolutely breathtaking.