Planning the Outing:
Its all about the impression you create – plan well!

• Invite the right people – are they compatible?
• Know your objectives and don’t plan too much focus on business
• Know the skill levels of your playing partners – manage expectations
• Play a familiar course and know local rules
• Ask your guest for any time constraints before or after the round
• Arrive plenty early and help your guest get acclimated
• Tell your guest both the arrival time and the tee time.
• Plan for meals
• Understand course etiquette and basic rules
• 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 etc.

And be sure to tell them about Great Games for Golf.com !!!

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

• Schedule tee times well in advance and confirm the day before
• Give the pro shop the names of your guests
• Inform your guests of any dress codes or weather concerns
• Have extra business cards with you
• Know about the driving range and where to get practice balls
• Have cash ready for tipping.

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

• Maintain a positive attitude and sense of humor
• Be encouraging to your guests
• Avoid foul language and displays of temper.
• Focus on your client or guest, not your golf score
• Be sensitive to your guests sense of rules on the course – be compatible
• Watch your language and temper tantrums
• 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!

• Stand still and be quiet when your partners are hitting a shot or putting.
• Understand the basic rules – but don’t be the rules enforcer
• Know where carts are not supposed to be (around tees and greens)
• Be a good citizen and fix your divots, ball marks and rake traps
• Beware of casting shadows in other players putting line
• Buy beverages and snacks if you’re the host – Limit alcohol consumption
• Keep your conversations quiet –  be aware of golfers on adjacent holes
• Count every stroke and penalty shot of your own when scoring
• Let your playing partners tell you their score – don’t challenge them

Speed of Play:
Don’t make your guests wait on you!

• Be at the first tee on time and ready to go
• Ask the group if they mind playing  “ready” golf (no order to teeing off)
• Keep it moving.  Have a simple pre-shot routine– one practice swing
• If you’ve hit more than 7 shots consider picking up to keep it moving
• 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.

• Agree on the game and stakes before you tee off.
• This can be dangerous territory.  Let your guest take the lead on betting –
• Use the book Great Games for Golf  for fun game options for betting!
• Keep the stakes low – consider non-cash awards (like drinks)
• Pay any debts immediately at the conclusion of the round
• If you win, it’s courtesy to offer to buy a round of drinks
• Play your game … don’t lose intentionally
• 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

• Listen attentively-let the client/prospect take the lead on business talk.
• Be ready with important information about your company
• Ask general business questions to open the conversation
• Observe behavior traits for clues to business style
• Don’t press for commitments on the course – keep it general
• Think “long term” relationship.

Follow Through After the Round:
Leverage your opportunities

• Try to include a casual lunch, refreshments
• 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…..?
• Schedule a date for the next meeting and agree on objectives
• Send a thank you note within 24 hours
• Keep your promises!

Be sure to order our Business  Golf Event Planners Guide

Great Games for Golf Book Cover

The legendary Pocket Guide to Great Games for Golf is now available in an easy to use, eBook pdf format. And you can get your copy today!

The long tradition of having a side game during a round of golf is captured in this easy to use eBook. View Table of Contents >

• Traditional games like Match Play, Nassau, and Skins explained
• Over 50 easy to follow game descriptions for individuals and partners
• Options for designing your own “points” game
• Learn how a “Press” bet works
• Team games and formats for multiple foursomes
• Crazy games for maximum entertainment
• Glossary of golf terms

Impress your friends with your golf game knowledge! Be informed when your golf group starts talking about a betting game for the day.

$9.95