Meet McKenzie Lyng | CEO – Co Founder BackSwing Golf Events

We had the good fortune of connecting with McKenzie Lyng and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi McKenzie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When we first started BackSwing, it was honestly just a fun way to fund our next tournament. We didn’t set out to build a business—it was more about enjoying the moment and seeing where it would go. But as the company grew, and so did our team and our families, everything shifted. Suddenly, there was more on the line. More people depending on us, more responsibilities, and more decisions that impacted more than just ourselves.

Balancing family life with running a business has easily been one of the biggest challenges. But when you have that entrepreneurial drive, you just figure it out. You find those quiet hours—early mornings, late nights—when no one’s watching, and you get things done. I’ve learned to be intentional with my time and block out space for both business and family, so each gets the attention it deserves.

As BackSwing continues to grow, so does the need to protect that balance. I’ve come to realize that making space for myself isn’t selfish—it actually makes me a stronger leader and a better mom. When you’re taking care of yourself, you show up more fully for everything else.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I played professional golf for five years, grinding it out from tournament to tournament, often living paycheck to paycheck. I was chasing a dream, but it didn’t take long to realize how financially difficult the journey really was. I worked at a restaurant late into the night—sometimes until 1 a.m.—just to afford travel and entry fees. Waking up the next day and trying to sharpen my golf game after that kind of shift wasn’t sustainable. I kept thinking, there has to be a better way.

That’s when the idea for BackSwing was born. What started as a creative way for us to make money between tournaments turned into something much bigger. Once things started to take off, I began to see the real need for this company—not just for me, but for so many other women in the same position. Our goal became clear: to be the go-to opportunity for professional women golfers chasing their dreams. Through BackSwing, they could support themselves financially without giving up on their careers.

What sets us apart is our mission. We’re not just creating fun experiences at charity golf events—we’re building a platform that empowers female athletes. And honestly, I feel like I’m making a much greater impact now than I ever did when I was playing professionally.

It hasn’t been easy. Building a business, especially one rooted in a niche like women’s golf, takes grit, sacrifice, and constant belief in the vision. But I’ve learned that nothing worth having comes easy. My dad always used to say, “You get out of it what you put into it.” And he was right. That mindset has carried me through every challenge.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and this brand, it’s that BackSwing isn’t just a company—it’s a purpose. It’s proof that when you blend passion with persistence, you can create something that truly changes lives.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would absolutely take them golfing! Another fun thing to experience Arizona is hiking! You can never go wrong with a good meal and Arizona has a ton of awesome spots based on the type of food you like!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without a doubt, my parents deserve a huge shoutout. They were both incredibly hardworking in their own ways and set the foundation for everything I’ve accomplished. My dad was a successful businessman who taught me the importance of drive, grit, and thinking big. My mom, on the other hand, managed our household and raised three daughters with so much strength, grace, and organization—it was like running a company in itself! Watching both of them in action gave me a deep appreciation for all kinds of hard work, and I carry those lessons with me every day in both business and life.

I also have to recognize my husband, who believed in me from day one. He worked hard at his own job to give me the freedom and support to build this dream of a business. His sacrifice and encouragement have meant everything, and I wouldn’t be where I am without that unwavering support behind the scenes.

Website: https://www.backswinggolfevents.com

Instagram: @backswinggolfevents

Linkedin: BackSwing Golf Events