Not all meetings take place indoors. Here, Brad Brewer, Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teacher in America and Author of Mentored by the King, Arnold Palmer, explains how to impress on the fairway and come away with more than a good round to explain to your colleagues.
The best way for you to conduct yourself during a round of business golf, is for you to not conduct yourself as though it is just another Saturday morning round.
This article on Business Golf Etiquette is for every level of golfer, especially the better player. Over 30 years of conducting corporate golf entertainment for some of the largest companies in America, has allowed me to witness many wrong moves made by seasoned golfers when it comes to Business Golf. Why? Because it is treated like a Saturday morning game with fellow club members instead of with attention to Business Golf Etiquette.
Here are a few of the unconscious errors being made and how improving your ‘BGE’ just may increase your ‘ROI’ on the links.
Business Golf Tip #1: Scout’s Motto
Be prepared. Arrive early to get organised and to properly warm up. Plan ahead and identify the outcomes you want from the day. These goals are just as important as any other business meeting. Rehearse sound bites that you can draw on as needed.
Business Golf Tip #2: Don’t Play Green
Never attend a golf event for business purposes without first making an effort to learn the basics of golf and the lingo. Take lessons or attend clinics to spare yourself embarrassment and the possible alienation of your company. If golf is going to be a business tool then expect to invest time and money. If you are a beginner, be upfront about this with your guest(s) and make sure they are OK with it before teeing off.
Business Golf Tip # 3: Be the Consummate Host
Enquire about any time constraints before choosing a venue. Proximity may be more important than the beauty of a course. However, there is the lure for every avid golfer to take on a Top 100 rated golf course in the world. That will get the attention of those hard nuts to crack.
Choose your foursome wisely; carefully consider the skill levels, compatibility and networking opportunities for the players.
Pay for your guests ahead of time to eliminate any awkwardness or potential squabble over who picks up the tab. Make sure everything is arranged for your guest such as lockers and meal reservations.
Confirm tee times and send confirmations to guest with directions and contact information for the course.
Walking with caddies is certainly a treat. If riding is mandatory then be the cart driver allowing your invited guest to be chauffeured throughout the round.
Always keep in mind that the priority is to entertain your VIP. Don’t lose that important objective because you are focusing too much on your own game or score. Don’t make excuses for your poor shots and certainly keep your cool. These people you are trying to do business with are also observing you and how you conduct yourself away from the board room.
Allow your VIP to select the tee box and play from the same tee box if your ability level allows you to do so. On the first hole, always invite your guest to tee off first.
Business Golf Tip #4: Business or Birdie
There is a time and place for everything. Spend the day building rapport and developing or enhancing a relationship. Discuss business only if your guest brings it up first; otherwise, save it for the 19th hole or a post round meal or meeting.
Business Golf Tip #5: You Got Game
Don’t compromise your credibility –play your normal game. No one expects you to apologise for being the best in your foursome.
However do not gloat when you are playing well, instead, turn it into a compliment, “You must be bringing
me luck, this is my best round so far this year!”
Sincerely compliment specific aspects of your guest’s game.
Never coach or give unsolicited advice.
Business Golf Tip #6: Be An Etiquette Eagle
No mobile phones.
Always be ready for the next shot; don’t make others wait unnecessarily.
Be mindful of pace of play. On average your foursome should finish a round in 4.5 hours.
Take care of the course; pick up your tee, repair divots, rake after a bunker shot and fix your ball marks on the greens.
Spend no more than five minutes looking for a lost ball.
Dress appropriately and when in doubt, call the club and ask for their dress code policy.
No cheating or creative score keeping.
Know and observe basic golfing etiquette at all time. If you need to study up, go to: www.randa.org.
Brad Brewer is the author of Improve your ROI With Business Golf Etiquette.
This was first published in issue 77 of CMW. Any comments? Email: Zoe Vernor
