Learned to play golf while working at a driving range in Mexico. Youngest of 11 children who grew up in a home with dirt floors and no plumbing. Was a professional boxer for four years, but appendicitis ended that career. Had 16-1 record. As youngster, fished balls out of pond at Mexicali CC and sold them back to golfers. A future dream is to build a church for impoverished children in the La Posalera section of Mexicali. Featured on HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" in 2002 and hosted "Inside the PGA TOUR" on Feb. 22, 2004. Ambassador of To Get a Grip Foundation, which makes golf and education accessible to all children. Also hosts the Esteban Toledo PGA TOUR Pro-Am every February, benefiting the Foundation. Nominated by 2003 Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as top Hispanic sports figure of the year.

In January 2007, while riding in a car on a Los Angeles freeway, he rescued two sisters after their car collided with another, then crashed into a divider, flipped, rolled over twice and stopped on its roof. He pulled them from the wreck, called 911 and took control of the situation until paramedics arrived.

Is a big supporter of Mexico's national soccer team and favorite athlete was Hugo Sanchez, a striker on the national team who also played professionally in Europe.

Enjoys cooking, and lists "Pretty Woman" as his favorite movie.