The ModGolf Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Golf For Women”

Attitude is Everything - How Kay McMahon Empowers Women In The Golf Industry

ModSport Media Inc. — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 05:30:00 -0700

What if everything we've been taught about how to teach golf is backwards? What if the reason millions of golfers struggle isn't their lack of talent, but the way the game has been explained to them? And what if one woman, who's been challenging golf's conventions for over four decades, has the answers that could transform your game and the entire industry?

In this compelling episode of The ModGolf Podcast, host Colin Weston sits down with Kay McMahon, a true force of nature in the golf world. Kay is a member of the LPGA Professionals Hall of Fame, an LPGA Elite Top 50 Best Teacher, a PGA member, the President of Women in the Golf Industry (WIGI) , and the creator of the revolutionary Golf 8.5 teaching system.

From her humble beginnings putting on a homemade three-hole golf course built by her innovative father in their cul-de-sac (complete with a lemonade stand that taught her entrepreneurship at age five), to playing in three U.S. Opens and working alongside Arnold Palmer at Ironwood Country Club for a decade, Kay's journey is nothing short of remarkable.

But this conversation isn't just a trip down memory lane - it's a masterclass in challenging the status quo, building inclusive communities, and reimagining how we teach and experience the game of golf. Whether you're a frustrated golfer stuck at the same handicap for years, a golf industry professional, or someone who cares about making the sport more welcoming to everyone, this episode will leave you inspired and armed with actionable insights.

Three Key Takeaways you'll discover:

1. The Golf 8.5 System: Why "Simple" Beats "Complicated" Every Time
Discover why traditional golf instruction has been teaching the setup positions in the wrong order for decades, and how Kay's breakthrough system - built on cognitive learning principles and "chunking" - can help you retain 300% more of what you learn. You'll learn why there are only four things to do before the swing and four-and-a-half things during it, and how this approach can shave 15-25 seconds off every shot (that's a half-hour round!) while dramatically improving your consistency.

2. The Power of Connection: How WIGI is Amplifying Women's Voices in Golf
Learn how the Women in The Golf Industry organization, founded in 2001 by 11 pioneering women, has become a vital network for connecting resources, mentorship, and opportunities across all facets of the golf industry - from tour professionals and golf architects to media members and entrepreneurs. Kay shares how the organization embraces a two-way mentoring model where seasoned professionals and young newcomers learn from each other, and why having a unified voice matters in an industry where women represent only 5-10% of professionals.

3. Confronting Golf's Uncomfortable Truths: The Callaway/Good Good Controversy and Beyond
In the wake of the controversial Callaway and Good Good video that sparked industry-wide outcry, Kay offers her thoughtful perspective on the "unacceptable undercurrent culture" that still exists in golf. Rather than simply condemning, she advocates for recognizing these moments as opportunities to change the conversation, ask "what were they thinking?" and work toward building a more inclusive, respectful sport for everyone, while acknowledging the many men who are supportive allies in this effort.

💬 Inspiring Quotes from Kay McMahon

"I said, 'I'm really sorry that all the members keep talking to you and interrupting how you practice.' And he looked at me very closely in the eye and said, 'Just remember the reason that you and I are here is because there are fans.'"
— Kay sharing a life-changing lesson from Arnold Palmer about humility and gratitude

"We never get to where we are alone. I ended by saying, and guess what? I just spun The Game of Life again and I ended up on the Hall of Fame."
— Kay reflecting on her Hall of Fame speech, where she honored the many women who mentored and supported her journey

"Keep your head up because it's all in the attitude, and I promise your scores will come down."
— Kay's signature advice to golfers everywhere

Are you more of a watcher than a listener? Then check out our extended bonus segment with Kay on The ModGolf YouTube channel. Click on this link or the image below to watch.

Episode Chapters

00:14 Welcome to ModGolf: Host Colin Weston introduces Kay McMahon
01:16 Kay's First Golf Experience: How her father built a golf course in the cul-de-sac
04:30 An Overview of Women in the Golf Industry (WIGI): Mission, history, and impact
09:00 International Reach and Mentorship: How WIGI connects women globally
12:45 The Callaway/Good Good Controversy: Kay's perspective on the industry's response
18:30 Partnerships That Matter: How WIGI collaborates with Women's Golf Day and other organizations
22:00 Becoming a PGA Professional: Kay's journey through nine qualifying schools and three U.S. Opens
25:44 Stories of Arnold Palmer: Lessons in humility, ethics, and treating people right
27:43 Influential Women in Kay's Life: Shirley Spork, Pat Lang, and the "Game of Life"
29:54 Making Golf More Inclusive: What clubs get wrong and how to fix it
32:30 The Golf 8.5 System Explained: Four setup positions, four-and-a-half swing thoughts
37:12 Closing Thoughts and Final Advice: "Keep your head up"

About Kay McMahon

Kay McMahon is a pioneering figure in the golf industry with a career spanning over four decades. She is:

A member of the LPGA Professionals Hall of Fame
An LPGA Elite Top 50 Best Teacher
A PGA member
President of Women in the Golf Industry (WIGI)
Creator of the Golf 8.5 teaching system
Founder of EduKaytion Golf (a clever play on her name and her passion for education)
Former National President of the LPGA Teaching & Club Professionals
Played in 3 USGA Women’s Opens and competed in nine LPGA qualifying schools
Worked alongside Arnold Palmer at Ironwood Country Club in Palm Desert, California for 10 years

Connect with Kay McMahon & WIGI

Women in the Golf Industry (WIGI) : womeninthegolfindustry.com
Join WIGI: Look for the "Join" button on the website
Junior Membership: Only $25/year for teenagers (and can be waived if needed)
Contact Kay directly: president@womeninthegolfindustry.com or kay@edukaytiongolf.com
EduKaytion Golf and Golf 8.5: edukaytiongolf.com

We want to thank Big Swing Media for presenting this episode and supporting Season 20 of The ModGolf Podcast!

Anyone can tell you what happened in golf. The Big Swing Golf Business Intelligence Brief tells you why it matters, and what’s coming next. Twice a week, Big Swing delivers original reporting and expert analysis of the money, trends, technology and personalities reshaping the game. It’s essential reading for anyone who works in, invests in or cares about the future of golf. ModGolf listeners receive a special first-year rate with code MODGOLF26. Visit BigSwingMedia.news to subscribe.

About The ModGolf Podcast: Host Colin Weston speaks with entrepreneurs, innovators, disruptors, and influencers shaping the future of the game and business of golf. Now in Season 20 with nearly 300 episodes produced since 2017.

Join the ModGolf Community

Subscribe to The ModGolf Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen in.
Become a Patron!: Join our ModGolf Patreon community at patreon.com/ModGolf for exclusive content and entry in our ModGolf Giveaway contests. Special Guest: Kay McMahon - President of Women in the Golf Industry (WIGI) and creator of the Golf 8.5 teaching system.

The Bridge Between Sport and Fashion - Scott Davis, CEO of J.LINDEBERG North America

ModSport Media Inc. — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:45:00 -0800

Okay, I'll admit it. I've been a huge J.LINDEBERG fan for over 20 years, so when I had the opportunity to connect with CEO Scott Davis I immediately asked him to share the company story on The ModGolf Podcast. Although we recorded as audio podcast, I couldn't help but wear my favourite JL biker jacket that is still in my outwear rotation. I hope you enjoy this fun episode with Scott as much as I love wearing that jacket!

Here are three key inspirational and informative takeaways that you will discover from the episode of The ModGolf Podcast featuring Scott Davis, CEO of J.LINDEBERG North America:

1 Embracing Innovation and Disruption: Scott emphasizes the importance of innovation in the apparel industry, particularly in golf fashion. He discusses how J.Lindeberg aims to disrupt the market by focusing on sophisticated designs that blend style with functionality. This commitment to innovation is not just about aesthetics; it involves using advanced materials and techniques, such as the self-cooling fabric derived from volcanic ash, to enhance performance on the golf course. This approach encourages you to think creatively and embrace change in your own endeavors.

2 Sustainability as a Core Value: The conversation highlights J.Lindeberg's commitment to sustainability, particularly through the use of recycled materials and natural fibers. Scott acknowledges the challenges in the textile industry regarding sustainability but emphasizes the brand's dedication to making incremental improvements. This focus on eco-friendly practices serves as a reminder for listeners about the importance of sustainability in their own businesses and the impact of consumer choices on the environment.

3 The Power of Community and Feedback: Scott shares how he actively seeks feedback from his family and friends, particularly his children, to understand the preferences of younger consumers. This practice of engaging with the community and valuing diverse perspectives is crucial for any brand's success. It encourages you to foster open communication and collaboration within your teams and networks, ensuring that they remain relevant and responsive to customer needs.

These takeaways not only provide insights into the fashion and golf industries but also inspire you to apply these principles in your own professional journey.

If you would like to connect with Scott, visit his bio page for contact information. To learn more about J.LINDEBERG click on the image below to visit their website.

We want to thank our friends at Golf Genius Software who have supported The ModGolf Podcast since 2019!

Golf Genius powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries. So if you’re a golf professional or course operator who wants to save time, deliver exceptional golfer experiences, and generate more revenue, check them out online at golfgenius.com.

Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... plus you can WIN some awesome golf gear!

As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building.

I'm excited to announce that I just launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! As my Patron you will get access to exclusive live monthly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests.

I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf.

Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf

I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin

Special Guest: Scott Davis, CEO of J.LINDEBERG North America.

Fun is The Leading Message - Jay Karen, CEO at The NGCOA

ModSport Media Inc. — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 13:00:00 -0700

"When you take those trend lines of the supply side of the American golf industry, it would not be surprising if 75 years from now we have 10,000 golf courses not 15,000, and we have 5,000 golf cafes like there are in South Korea. So if the future we will have a very different mix of supply of golf experiences in America."... Jay Karen, CEO at The NGCOA

Host Colin Weston speaks with return guest and friend of the show Jay Karen, CEO at The National Golf Course Owners Association to hear his take on how golf courses will navigate the upcoming decades as climate change, technology, entertainment and sustainable practices present new opportunities and challenges for the golf industry.

To watch our extended conversation, go to our ModGolf YouTube video with Jay at: https://youtu.be/INfpvwSLq8U

"It's in the DNA of the citizenry to keep those city golf courses as green spaces and not convert them to urban development. There's a protectionism towards not developing our existing city golf courses to keep them intact. For as many people who say we should shut these down, there are stronger voices that say "no, we should keep them open and here's why it because they are good for our communities".

Jay has been the CEO at The NGCOA National Golf Course Owners Association since 2015. Click on this link or the image below to learn more.

"I would call it The American Dream Story where a family had a golf course for 50 years and they sold it to developer for 10 times more than it's worth as an operating golf course. But the problem is from a supply and demand standpoint is those courses are closing down. So where is the affordable public golf going to be? Municipal golf courses are positioned perfectly to continue to be the place where everybody can play golf because they're near urban population centers".

If you would like to connect with Jay, visit his bio page for contact information. To learn more about the 2025 Golf Business Conference January 20-22 located at The PGA Show in Orlando, click on the image below.

We want to thank our partner inrange® for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast!

inrange® is a radar-based ball-tracking company that enhances the driving range experience by offering the most engaging gameplay and precise ball-tracking on the market. From private clubs and standalone commercial ranges, to multi-storey “Big Box” entertainment venues and limited-flight ‘compact’ ranges, Inrange® creates unparalleled experiences for every type of player - and unleashes your business’ growth potential. They are also the only software in the world offering a bay vs bay link up feature - allowing large groups to play against one another in teams across the entire venue. To learn more check out www.inrangegolf.com.

Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... plus you can WIN some awesome golf gear!

Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf

I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin

Finding Her Ikigai Through Golf - Lehua Wise, Director of Golf at Kohanaiki Golf Club

ModSport Media Inc. — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 18:00:00 -0700

"Some of my members say, "Oh, I didn't start playing until after my career was over" and that's in their 50s or 60s. That makes it very hard to learn the game. So every little kid plays soccer, plays t-ball. Golf has to also be in that mainstream just to get the young ones in there as soon as possible. Doing what we can within our clubs, no matter their level skill or age to get them comfortable. Meaning we cover every skill, from different tee boxes, playing different games."

Host Colin Weston speaks with guest Lehua Wise to learn about her golf journey from top Hawaiian junior player, DI athlete, mini tour player to the Director of Golf at Kohanaiki Golf Club.

Ikigai (ee-key-guy) is a Japanese concept that combines the terms iki, meaning “alive” or “life,” and gai, meaning “benefit” or “worth.” When combined, these terms mean that which gives your life worth, meaning, or purpose. Lehua has found her Ikigai. Have you found yours yet? Check this book to learn more.

Lehua is the Director of Golf at Kohanaiki Private Club & Community on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Click on this link or the image below to learn more.

"Getting to know our membership on a deeper level where you have to know what do they want to do. Do they want more silly things, do they want more big things? Getting them to come out to the golf course. That's the biggest part of it. You can go and create these things, but if they don't come then it's not going to be worth it."

If you would like to connect with Lehua, visit her bio page for contact information.

Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... plus you can WIN some awesome golf gear!

Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf

I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin