Kay McMahon - President of Women in the Golf Industry (WIGI) and creator of the Golf 8.5 teaching system

Kay McMahon is a trailblazing figure in the golf industry whose career spans more than four decades as a player, instructor, author, and advocate for women in the game. A member of the LPGA Professionals Hall of Fame, an LPGA Elite Top 50 Best Teacher, and a PGA member, Kay has built a reputation as one of golf's most innovative educators. She played in three USGA Women's Opens, competed in nine LPGA qualifying schools (missing by a single shot three times), and spent a decade working alongside Arnold Palmer at Ironwood Country Club in Palm Desert, California - an experience that shaped her philosophy of humility, service, and putting people first.

Her teaching career has been defined by a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, leading her to create the Golf 8.5 teaching system, a cognitive-based approach that simplifies the setup to four positions and the swing to four-and-a-half movements. By teaching in the correct order and using "binary feedback" (yes or no), Kay's system helps students retain 300% more of what they learn, shave 15–25 seconds off every shot, and improve pace of play, all while building genuine confidence on the course.

Beyond her work as an instructor through her company EduKaytion Golf, Kay serves as President of Women in the Golf Industry (WIGI) , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2001 by 11 pioneering women to connect resources, mentorship, and opportunities for women across every facet of the golf industry—from tour professionals and golf course architects to media members, entrepreneurs, and equipment manufacturers. Under her leadership, WIGI has become a vital network and unified voice for women, who represent only 5–10% of golf industry professionals, while championing a two-way mentoring model that pairs seasoned veterans with young newcomers eager to make their mark.

A sought-after speaker, mentor, and advocate, Kay continues to inspire golfers of all ages and skill levels with her signature blend of expertise, curiosity, and infectious positivity. Whether she's teaching a beginner how to set up to the ball, mentoring a college student dreaming of a career in golf, or sharing stories about the legendary women who paved the way before her - including LPGA founders like Shirley Spork - Kay remains committed to a simple but powerful philosophy: "Keep your head up because it's all in the attitude, and your scores, I promise, will come down."