Secrets to Business Golf

Secrets to Business Golf

Follow these guidelines for successful business golf outings!

Planning the Outing:

Create your first impression. Be sure to bring your guests a copy of Great Games for Golf!!!

q Invite the right people - are they compatible?

q Know your objectives and don’t plan too much focus on business

q Know the skill levels of your playing partners - manage expectations

q Play a familiar course and know local rules

q Ask your guest for any time constraints before or after the round

q Arrive plenty early and help your guest get acclimated

q Tell your guest both the arrival time and the tee time.

q Plan for meals

q Understand course etiquette and basic rules

q If you’re the host, consider bring them a golf gift such as a book of Golf Games!!, or a sleeve of balls, divot repair tool, ball marker ect..

Be Prepared:

Your image is first affected by how well you appear prepared.

q Schedule tee times well in advance and confirm the day before

q Give the pro shop the names of your guests

q Inform your guests of any dress codes or weather concerns

q Have extra business cards with you

q Know about the driving range and where to get practice balls

q Have cash ready for tipping.

Attitude:

Remember, your guests will remember more about conduct and integrity than what score you got!

q Maintain a positive attitude and sense of humor

q Be encouraging to your guests

q Avoid foul language and displays of temper.

q Focus on your client or guest, not your golf score

q Be sensitive to your guests sense of rules on the course – be compatible

q Watch your language and temper tantrums

q Offer to keep score – or not - if they would rather

Conduct on the Course:

You don’t have to be a great player to be great to play with!

q Stand still and be quiet when your partners are hitting a shot or putting.

q Understand the basic rules – but don’t be the rules enforcer

q Know where carts are not supposed to be (around tees and greens)

q Be a good citizen and fix your divots, ball marks and rake traps

q Beware of casting shadows in other players putting line

q Buy beverages and snacks if you’re the host - Limit alcohol consumption

q Keep your conversations quiet – be aware of golfers on adjacent holes

q Count every stroke and penalty shot of your own when scoring

q Let your playing partners tell you their score - don’t challenge them

Speed of Play:

Don’t make your guests wait on you!

q Be at the first tee on time and ready to go

q Ask the group if they mind playing “ready” golf (no order to teeing off)

q Keep it moving. Have a simple pre-shot routine– one practice swing

q If you’ve hit more than 7 shots consider picking up to keep it moving

q Don’t take too long hunt for a lost ball – be ready with a spare

Betting:

If planned well, a little bet can add a lot of fun to the outing.

q Agree on the game and stakes before you tee off.

q This can be dangerous territory. Let your guest take the lead on betting –

q Use the book Great Games for Golf for fun game options for betting!

q Keep the stakes low – consider non-cash awards (like drinks)

q Pay any debts immediately at the conclusion of the round

q If you win, it’s courtesy to offer to buy a round of drinks

q Play your game … don’t lose intentionally

q Be a gracious winner or loser – keep a smile on your face.

Doing Business During the Round:

Maintain a careful balance of fun to business for a great outing

q Listen attentively-let the client/prospect take the lead on business talk.

q Be ready with important information about your company

q Ask general business questions to open the conversation

q Observe behavior traits for clues to business style

q Don’t press for commitments on the course – keep it general

q Think “long term” relationship.

Follow Through After the Round:

Leverage your opportunities

q Try to include a casual lunch, refreshments

q Watch for an opportunities to get commitments you’re seeking ie.
“I would like to follow up with you…, Can we plan on…, Shall we go ahead and…..?

q Schedule a date for the next meeting and agree on objectives

q Send a thank you note within 24 hours

q Keep your promises!

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