Why play golf for business

Why play golf for business

Playing golf as a tool to grow your business is a no brainer.  Any experienced golfer and businessman will tell you the best business is done on the golf course.  Close the deal with prospects on the links. 

People do business with people they know, like, and trust.  Playing golf with someone creates the ideal environment to quickly develop all three.  Spending 4 plus hours with prospects gives plenty of time to get to know and like each other.  As a fundamental rule golf is a gentleman’s game which rely heavily on the individual golfer’s integrity. Show a prospect they can trust you by abiding by the rules of golf.  Remember, spending that much time with local golfers will tell a lot about their character.

Find a golf tournament to play in and help grow your business. Many 501 (c) (3) charities will host an annual golf tournament as a way to raise funds. Find out if your favorite charity has an annual golf tournament and register as a single. Let the charity pair you up with 3 other golfers. It’s important to remember that players are playing in the tournament to support the charity and not be solicited. Make sure to take a subtle approach when talking about your business on the golf course. Bring plenty of business cards on the golf course. 

Companies like Golf and Grow host regular golf tournaments designed to help business professional’s network on the links with other golfers.  These monthly golf tournaments are typically held in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Playing in a Scottsdale golf tournament  can be rewarding an challenging at the same time. Scottsdale, AZ has some of the most desirable destinations to play golf.  Visit www.GolfandGrow.com to book your spot in the next Networking Golf Tournament.

Here are a few tips to follow when playing golf for business:

• Never drink too much. It’s fine to enjoy a few beers or a bloody mary, aka swing lube, on the course, but don’t overdo it.
• Don’t cheat. This includes using a shoe wedge to improve the lie.
• Acknowledge pace of play. If the round is beginning to take too long consider playing “ready golf". 
• Don’t throw a temper tantrum on a mishit. This should be a given, but golfers too often take themselves too seriously and forget they’re out there for fun and business and not to win the PGA tour FedEx championship.
• Show up early to warm up.  Nearly every course includes a complimentary driving range, and for good reason too.  Your first hit of the day should not be on the number 1 tee box.
• At the end of the round after all players make their putt on the 18 green shake hands with all golfers.  Shake their hand like you want to close a deal. Use a firm web-to-web handshake.   

If you are new to golf and are looking to take a golf lesson or grow the game of golf check out some of the special events the PGA, USGA, Arizona Golf Association (AGA) and other golf clubs put on.