What started as a way to get more women and girls to learn and play golf, Women’s Golf Day has continued to gain momentum over the last five years. By using popular platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, Women’s Golf Day has created a buzz through the social media golf world to help grow the game.

What is alluring is the mission itself.

To celebrate women and girls playing and learning the game of golf.

Women’s Participation in Golf

When I first started playing golf in the early 1990s, there really weren’t that many other women that I knew of that played. I usually was the only female at the driving range and ended up joining my boyfriend and his friends in a foursome.

While I grew up with two brothers, being the only girl amongst the boys was something I was used to.

It didn’t bother me too much to always have to play golf with the boys.

However, as I have gotten older I realize that many of my friends would like to play but it is hard to find the time and can be a complex game to learn. And it can be very intimidating especially to be the only female amongst the men.

Having other women for support is really important in keeping with the game.

Almost three decades later, my passion for golf has driven me to help grow the game. Blogging and using social media like Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest have been a great way to help me on this mission.

Along the way, I have discovered other women like me who are also trying to help female golfers and increase female participation in golf.

I was really excited to see the Women’s Golf Day event, as it is something that any of us can join and get on board with to help foster the game. It also unites us all to come together to celebrate women and girls playing the game of golf.

What Is Women’s Golf Day?

The Founder, Elisa Gaudet, had been working in the golf industry for quite some time and wanted to provide more opportunities to anyone who wanted to get into the game, specifically women and girls.

A global golf day dedicated to this group was created. And now five years later the movement and initiative have grown like wildfire across social media and within the golfing world.

She and her team have had great success in building the campaign and have made it easy for influencers and passionate golfers like me to get on board and help grow the initiative and participate in the celebration and fun.

Things like wearing the signature colors of red and white, having it as a one-day event, and expanding it globally to other countries around the world have all contributed to its overwhelming success.

Strong List of Supporters

With strong supporters like the Footjoy, Titleist, TopGolf, the Golf Channel, and the PGA Tour Superstore, it is great that the top businesses in the golf industry are showing such strong support.

I loved seeing the display at my local PGA Tour Superstore highlighting Women’s Golf Day. As a supporter and participating facility, they hosted a Women’s Golf Day event in their stores across the country with golf instruction, clinics, and free giveaways.

While my club did not have a Women’s Golf Day celebration or tournament, this year’s date happened to fall on our Invite a Friend golf tournament. My golf gals and I showed our support by wearing Women’s Golf Day red and white for the tournament.

As a bonus, we won first place. But more importantly, I loved that we could wear our red and white colors to show support for a great mission. Women’s Golf Day is all about women and girls coming together to play this great game.

When Is Women’s Golf Day

Women’s Golf Day is usually celebrated the first Tuesday in June of each year. They have also added a virtual day which was celebrated this past September.

WGD Palooza

WGD Palooza took place recently and included an introduction with Jack and Barbara Nicklaus as well as interviews and tips from Annika Sorenstam and other industry leaders from the golfing world.

Expanding Globally

With a dedicated team that supports its efforts across the golf industry, Women’s Golf Day has been able to expand globally. They are now operating in 900 locations in 68 countries all over the world.

Women’s Golf Day on Social Media

All you need to do to look for Women’s Golf Day is to type in the hashtag #womensgolfday or the profile @womensgolfday. The movement has reached almost 40 million people around the globe. It is inspiring to see so many posts celebrating this great day.

Love all the inspiring photos of women and girls enjoying their time together playing and learning golf.

How to Find A Women’s Golf Day Event or Participating Facility Near You

Be sure to visit the Women’s Golf Day website for more information.

And don’t forget to wear your red and white to help support the cause next June!

Women’s Golf Day – Celebrating Women in the Game of Golf

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I love to connect with others, especially women in the golf industry. These women are true innovators and are changing the game of golf. Recently I had the opportunity to meet and speak with Kay McMahon, Owner of EduKaytion Golf and Co-Founder of the Golf 8.5 Program.

And I became very curious about this somewhat new golf program, established several years ago. It has been very well received amongst all ages, genders and levels of golfers. I mean, wow, look at the quote below. That says a lot about what she is doing for the industry and for the game.

“This may sound unlikely, but I’ll go ahead and write it anyway: Kay McMahon may be golf’s most important person.”

— GARY VANSICKLE, PRES. GOLF WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

I was so intrigued, I offered it up to my followers here and we have now just finished up with the 5 week online program. If you scroll further down, you’ll see my personal review of the course and my experience learning from this LPGA Hall of Fame Teaching Instructor.

The Kay McMahon Way – Teaching a Simpler Way to Golf

Kay has a desire to teach and help golfers simplify the golf swing. As a golfer, I know how science and physics-driven it has become and trying to learn the correct way to swing a golf club can be extremely overwhelming. Especially when you start to think about it too much or watch too many videos like many of us do.

The Golf 8.5 program and teaching methodology makes it easy to remember and execute so you can actually enjoy your round of golf out on the course.

I asked Kay a few questions about her background and story of how she came to where she is today.

Questions & Answers with Kay McMahon

Q: Tell us about your journey to where you are today with golf.  When did you start playing? 

A: I started playing probably around 5 or 6 years old. We had lots of kids in the neighborhood. My Dad made a little 3 hole golf course in the yard where he cut down the grass around the holes. Each hole contained a flag and was made with a flower pot. We were able to cut down some golf clubs and had them available for kids in the neighborhood.

Kids could play for a dime – a penny a hole and a penny for the clubs. I always said we were entrepreneurs because we also sold lemonade to the kids as they went by the garage. We were entrepreneurs because my Mom made the lemonade, but we kept the money. That was only the start.

Both my parents played golf and I played with them along with my brother and sister. We started playing on a public golf course and eventually joined a Country Club – Wayzata Country Club in Minnesota, which is located in a suburb of Minneapolis.

Q: Did You Compete?

A: My mom and I played in the Mother-Daughter tournament as a young teenager. We usually won. I did not play in college but earned a B.S. teaching degree in Physical Education & Health. Afterward, I entered a few golf tournaments. With lessons, my handicap got down to a 10. Two years, I entered and won the Minnesota State Publinks Championship.

I then headed off to California to continue working on my game in hopes of joining the LPGA Tour. I played in the CA state amateur which was held at Pebble Beach and went all the way through to the semi-finals for a few years. I then joined the American Golf Tour, which consisted of both men and women. I was the only woman.

I played in that Tour for about 6 months, then joined a women’s mini-tour, the Women’s Professional Golf Tour (WPGT). And went on to try to get on the LPGA through 9 Qualifying Schools to miss by a shot 3 times.

Q: When Did You Start Teaching?

A: During that time I ended up working at Ironwood Country Club in Palm Desert, CA, which is an Arnold Palmer managed golf course. I worked there for 10 years as an Assistant and Teaching Professional. I also got to play a lot of golf with Arnold.

Q: Seems like your Golf 8.5 Program is well received and easy to follow.  When and how did you come up with the program?

A: Golf 8.5 was trademarked about 10 years ago with the name. It came about from me working on my own game. In the past, I had to come up with ways for me to practice on a limited budget.

And I also know that from my teaching background, we learn faster and better by “chunking” – doing something in small parts – and then doing it slowly.

So I have been teaching versions of Golf 8.5 since the early 1990’s. I look back at my notes when I gave lessons and people had certain positions or parts that they had to do to accomplish changing their swing.

But today’s version is even simpler. Today there is no need to teach posture at all. Alignment happens more automatically, distance from the ball is consistent, and less thinking over the ball. Our method, called GCAP includes 4 pre-swing elements, which make it sooooo simple.

Q:  What would be your best advice to a brand new golfer learning the game?

A: Learn it through Golf 8.5. It is simpler, faster, and much more rewarding. You will now know your swing and not have to take advice from all the “Helpful Harrys”.

Q: What do you think is the biggest challenge for golfers today?

A: There is too much information out there that sounds like “TIPS” or what I call “Post-it-Notes”. And then when you go to play – you have no idea of
what post-it-note to take with you.

The golf industry sends out the message that golf is hard, but it is not.

The swing is actually easy if you understand it. And that is what we do with Golf 8.5.

Kay McMahon, An Impressive Teaching Career

Kay’s impressive resume and teaching career is a wonderful testament to her commitment and dedication to the game and to her students. In addition to her being named as a Top 50 Golf Instructor in both Golf Digest and the LPGA, she has been inducted into the LPGA Teaching Hall of Fame.

Her list of awards includes:

• LPGA T&CP Hall of Fame
• LPGA Top 50 Best Teachers – 2018
• International Network of Golf – 2015 Player Development Winner
• NENY PGA Section Teacher of the Year – 2016 (3 times)
• Golf Digest 50 Best Women Teachers in America
• NENY PGA Section Horton Smith Award for Education
• LPGA Ellen Griffin Rolex Award
• Golf Magazine Top Regional Teachers
• NENY PGA Section President’s Award
• LPGA National Teacher of the Year
• Past National LPGA T&CP President

Eloise Trainor, Co-Founder of Golf 8.5

I would be remiss to not mention Kay’s trusted business partner, Eloise Trainor, who also has an impressive background in the golf industry.

From their website, “Eloise is co-founder of eduKaytion Golf and is passionate and dedicated to Golf 8.5 making the game simpler.  Her 20 years operating the FUTURES Tour, and 15 years of teaching, brings a wealth of experience and overwhelming enthusiasm to the learning environment.

Here are her achievements:

• Director of Business Development and Innovation
• Founder & CEO – FUTURES Tour (now the LPGA Symetra Tour)
• Golf 8.5 Master Certified Teacher
• LPGA Life Member
• LPGA T&CP Hall of Fame – Nominee (3 times)

Golf 8.5 – “The Best and Simplest Way to Learn – from Anywhere”

A few testimonials on the power of Golf 8.5.

“In 15 minutes, Kay made me 20 years better!”— Mark

“I’ve seen other nationally known teachers. Kay helped me in 30 seconds in very clear terms. I have never been hitting the ball better!”— Dean Knuth (USGA Inventor)

“Amazed at how simple it is” – Student

Personal Review of Kay’s 5-Week Golf 8.5 Online Instruction

I have just finished up my first Golf Fundamentals webinar series, the online 5-week program with Kay McMahon and I wanted to post here my personal experience.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure how much I would actually learn through a weekly 1-hour session online, especially as I am a visual and hands-on learner.

Each session was to focus on learning different aspects of the 8.5 steps of the swing as this was the Golf Fundamentals program. I was interested in these steps as the golf swing can be extremely difficult to teach because everyone is different.

First Takeaway:

In the first 2 sessions, there was a lot to take in as she was teaching her methodology of the swing. However, because it is such a simple step by step technique, I finally had my aha moment in week 2 when I was practicing at home. One thing that I have had issues with is taking the club back properly in my backswing. With her simple method, I now know how to take my club back fully and easily transition to the downswing.

As a golfer who has been playing for many years, I love that she has broken the swing down into steps that I can practice. I think she mentioned something about breaking it all down, learning each step before being able to get in the proper zone and not have to think about it any longer. All athletes and all golfers, even the professionals need to go back to the basics, to their foundational technique routinely to ensure they are performing correctly.

Second Takeaway

From her program, I am now working on my grip. As simple as this seems, Kay stressed how important this is in the golf swing. And I hate to admit this, but I had really never thought about it before. As part of her teaching, she had mentioned that the hands are one of the 3 top essentials that affect every golfer’s swing.

So, I have been working on practicing the correct grip for the last couple of weeks and I am feeling as though it is now becoming second nature now. And the great thing – I am feeling much more freedom and feel in my hands.

Third Takeaway

The way the program worked was we would have a 1 hour live Zoom call where she would teach and demonstrate. It was highly interactive with the group, many times going over the alotted time, which she was totally ok with. She loved our questions and always had a great answer.

After the live session, she sent us the video recording of the call, in addition to helpful video links, .pdf’s, and slides to help enhance what we had learned that week. Very helpful info. As part of the program, Kay offered video analysis of our swings or any problems we seemed to be having, which was such a great resource of feedback to have.

The bonus for me was that Kay hosts an additional weekly live zoom call sometimes with guest speakers and also a chance to ask any questions. Kind of like a weekly check-in for any of her Golf 8.5 students. This has been a wonderful way to ask questions and interact with other golfers, as well as receive Kay’s insight and wealth of experience. I found this to be such a welcoming group and an additional place to learn.

Final Thoughts:

I have sadly finished the 5 week program, but am excited to attend her next session which is on course management and strategy. Something we all can think more about on the golf course.

What I have noticed from taking her course is that I live in a region that has a cold winter, and she has given me the motivation to keep learning and practicing my golf game through the winter.

If you are interested in her program and her offerings, keep reading below.

How to Sign Up and Register

Kay McMahon’s online 5-week program includes Golf Fundamentals, Golf Strategies, Course Management, and Practice Plans.

After receiving such great feedback and success from their participants and students, she has plans to continue with these through the winter and spring.

To join in the next online webinar, or for more information, visit her website here. Don’t forget to use the discount code, LynnLinks for $20 off the 5-week course or other offerings.

Hope to see you in her online class and Friday calls!

Lynn

Related Posts:

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Golf Fitness – Work on These 3 Key Things

Club Distances in Women’s Golf

Kay McMahon – EduKaytion Golf

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Every now and then, you come across someone that is truly making a difference and is changing the way we think of doing things.

In the last several months working and meeting with various people in women’s golf and the golf industry, I feel like I have met that person.

Donna Hoffman, the Owner and Founder of Women on Course, an organization whose mission is to help women become more confident and comfortable with golf. 

Having worked closely with Ms. Hoffman on a few projects, I am thrilled to be a part of the Women on Course organization and have signed on recently as an Ambassador to further support their efforts.

My first impression of Ms. Hoffman was from an article I read in the LPGA Women’s Network, which named her a “Disruptor”, amongst a hefty group of female influencers in the women’s golf industry.  A group of women that are Spearheading a Revolution in Golf.  

Webster’s dictionary defines a disruptor as one who “interrupts the normal course or unity of”, which to me means that these women are changing the course of how things are typically done in the golf industry, particularly women’s golf.  

This describes Ms. Hoffman to a tee!

She is not just an influencer, saying that she wants to grow this game, she is actually making significant changes in the world of women’s golf and she is doing it by using her unique perspective and experience.

She believes that golf can used as a tool for business connections and networking.  And for women particularly, business can be done outdoors in a lifestyle environment, and not in the office or boardroom.  

So how does one make change or move something so large…like a whole industry?

With an unwavering passion for something, she believes in.  

Having patience and sticking with it for the long haul.  

And taking it one day, one change at a time.

Ms. Hoffman’s organization, Women on Course has been around for almost 15 years and she works tirelessly, creating opportunities for women to connect and to feel more comfortable and confident in a “golf environment”.  

She does this out of a love for what she does and the impact she is making.  You can see it from her work and from those members who have had the opportunity to meet her.  They speak of her with reverence and respect and yet speak to her like a friend.

Because Women on Course has been around for many years, the organization has amassed a reach of over 20,000 women. It is not surprising to have met many individuals who know the name Women on Course, whether as a past member, current member or as an attendee at an event.  

These events are all-encompassing.  Over 800 events per year are planned in 15 + markets or regions across the United States and new markets are opening up and actively growing.  

The events include everything from Learn to Swing Clinics, Play 4 holes Plus Clinic, Indoor Sip & Swing Socials, 9 & Wines, Ladies’ Golf Trips all over the world, Signature Socials & Events, as well as corporate networking, and leadership workshops to help with personal growth and empowerment.  

Yes, they have something for every type of golfer and even non-golfers.  

Non-golfers have the benefit of joining Women on Course for the 19th Hole, consisting of business networking and leadership workshops. 

Ms. Hoffman has teamed up with Tina Cross, Women on Course National Chairperson. Together, they bring together their respective experiences and focus on providing women in business and entrepreneurs with the tools to connect and create business opportunities and relationships.

Ms. Hoffman has been named a “disruptor” in the world of women’s golf for a reason.  

Through her efforts, along with those she partners with, we are changing the game for women everywhere. 

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• How to Drastically Improve Your Handicap and Golf Game

Women on Course – A Women’s Golf Organization

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On the topic of women’s golf fashion, hot off the press and coming to a golf course near you is a new golf pants line available this April 2020.

The world of women’s golf fashion is changing and very exciting.  And I can’t wait to see what the major trends will be this year.

I recently had the chance to sit down with Emily Farrell, Founder & CEO of Abendroth Golf. 

I first met Emily at a golf wellness event, where golf professionals and amateurs came together to spend the day learning everything from health, wellness, golf fitness, and swing mechanics.  

It was interesting because she realized that we had first connected through social media and golf on Instagram a while back.   

Emily and I were able to chat more recently about our paths, goals, similar missions and the state of the industry for women and golf. 

Starting A Clothing Line While Juggling a Family and A Full-Time Career

It was a 2-hour chat that could have gone on for much longer if we had more time. I was looking forward to our meeting as I had the chance to do a little research beforehand on her background, her professional career, and how she decided to start a clothing line all on her own while working a full-time job and juggling a family.  

Emily, like many women I know, is a multi-tasker.  Yet, she seems to do it with ease and inner confidence.  

She didn’t say this, but she didn’t need to.  I figured it out pretty quickly.  

Not only is Emily the Founder and CEO of a start-up clothing company, but she is also a wife, mother, PGA Professional & Assistant Pro at The Country Club, a prestigious golf club in Brookline, Massachusetts, and she offers and teaches a women’s golf clinic at the Harmon Club.

Ok, I could barely fit that all in one sentence.  

Emily grew up in Minnesota, played high school golf and like many during her time, was the only girl on her high school golf team.   

It was at Methodist University, in North Carolina where she played collegiate golf and was surprised and thrilled to find so many young women like her who were just as passionate as she was about the game of golf.  

Opting to go the corporate route after college, Emily found her niche in advertising, then creative work, and brand strategy at Titleist.  Here, she cut her teeth working hard for a large well-known golf brand. 

However, she truly missed the golf side of the industry and making personal connections with people on the golf course.  She thought a career move might give her a bit more free time to follow a childhood dream of someday owning her own clothing line. 

The change was a really good move. Working at The Country Club, Emily is fortunate to be a part of an incredible team and have the time to follow her other passion.

The Peggy Pant – Women’s Golf Pants

The idea of starting a pants line came when she was working several years ago on location doing photo shoots and working on golf courses with Titleist.  

The options for women’s professional attire were limited for female professionals in the golf industry.  

Emily decided to do something about it and designed her own line of comfortable, wearable, and professional pants.  Starting from scratch, she started a Kickstarter campaign which was very well received, raising all the money she needed to launch her Peggy Pant line.  Though starting up a clothing line has been quite a journey, complete with new challenges every day, and a steep learning curve, she has been able to navigate the process with much success.  

“My goal is to transform the way women dress on and off the golf course.

The Peggy Pant is femininely cut, high-waisted with premium performance materials that include four-way stretch, water resistant and sweat wicking, and comfortably worn for any type of weather.”

Already on her 4th sample, she continues to tweak and perfect the pants so she can have a good solid product.

Just in time for the spring golf season.

Though these pants were originally marketed for women going from the golf course to the office and vice versa.  What she has found through market research and talking to others is that the Peggy Pant would be useful for women in other professions, like teachers and business travelers that also require being active on the job, and yet still need a professional look.  

There has been much interest in the Peggy Pant.  I personally am hoping to see her pants line on the racks in golf clubs, leisure athletic stores and golf courses across the country.

Where to Find These Golf Pants for Women

For now, pre-sales are available for purchase on her website at www.abendrothgolf.com and you can follow Emily on many of the social media channels like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.    

Related Posts:

• How to Drastically Improve Your Handicap and Golf Game

• Golf Fitness – 3 Key Areas to Prepare for Your Best Golf Season

• Top Women’s Golf Organizations – Find Out Where to Play!

Women’s Golf Fashion – Abendroth Golf

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