Business on the Green: Tips for a Successful Meeting

Conducting business on the golf course can reap huge rewards if done correctly; on the other hand it could be career suicide if you make some basic mistakes.

Having personally conducted or witnessed many meetings both on the course and in the club house I have had a close-up view of what works and what doesn’t; I am surprised at some of the things that go on. In a short blog it’s difficult to cover every scenario but we can cover some of the basics.

Golf can be a look into the soul of a person, and how you handle yourself on and off the course speaks volumes. The following are some general guidelines to follow:

• Dress appropriately - collared shirt and dress pants or mid-thigh length shorts. Never wear denim.

• Know the basic rules of golf- If a situation comes up and you don’t know how to proceed ask your playing partners and abide by the decision of the group. Better yet get a current USGA rules book. Keep it in your bag and become familiar with the basics.

• Always repair ball marks on the greens, rake sand traps, and replace divots.

• Play ready golf.

• Never ever cheat!

• Turn the cell phone off; or better yet leave it in the car- why take the chance of it going off by mistake? If you can’t be without it, make sure it is on silent and only check it between nines or if another opportunity presents itself and you are not holding up play or disturbing others.

• Drinking on the course is permitted if your host is drinking, never get drunk and abide by the two-drink rule.

• All bets should be kept at a comfortable and friendly level.

• Never offer advice unless asked.

• Play your best. Don’t make excuses, don’t whine, or cry. You need to build credibility and trust. Letting someone win or not playing your best is transparent and may end up costing you.

• At the end of the round be sure to say thank you and shake hands with everyone in the group.

Playing golf is about building trust and building relationships, business talk should be casual. If you’re invited to a private club odds are your host will be paying the tab. At a public course offer to buy drinks, lunch, etc. - it will be appreciated. If you invite someone obviously you’re paying, even if offered do not accept money from your guest.

The golf course is a great opportunity to build relationships but it has its potential pit falls as well.

-Scott

Scott Millman
Master Golf Teaching Professional
Certified Adaptive Golf Instructor
The Simple World of Golf