1. Face to Face Interaction
What other sport can you spend four plus quality hours with your company CEO or clients? With today’s busy schedules most of us are lucky if we can get on a quick phone call or even get a response to an email. There is simply no other sport with the amount of quiet time between shots that allows for intimate conversations or mutual interests to be discovered. "Playing golf allows you to spend far more meaningful time with business associates than you ever could in a more traditional setting. Some of the deepest professional relationships I have were born or nurtured out on the course and it remains my favorite place to get to know someone." Sam Kestin, VP of Course Partnerships at Forelinx.
2. Beautiful Surroundings
You can plan a meeting in an office surrounded by trees, water and nature instead of four white walls. This instantly creates a more relaxed and friendly environment in which to do business without the normal distractions.
3. Emotional and Business Intelligence
You can learn more about a person in four plus hours golfing than in a lifetime of meetings. Not just by what they say but by how they handle themselves on the course. Do they play throw clubs? Can they control their temper? Do they cheat? A round of golf can provide a clear look into someones personality and demeanor.
4. Life Long Friendships
An interest in golf alone can be enough to move your friendships several notches up the corporate ladder. Best of all, the friendships built around golf tend to last a lifetime so as people move around new opportunities will open up for you.
5. Game for Life
Golf is a sport that suits all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Thanks to the handicap system, people of widely different abilities can play together and still compete. So the 60-something CEO can still beat his 30-something prospect or employee. Try doing that on basketball or tennis court!
6. Competitive Advantage
If you are a businessman or businesswoman, playing golf is an even greater advantage. Being able to talk golf in the office gives you a chance to bond with the your colleagues, clients or CEO.
7. Post Round Drinks
After your round, the 19th hole (aka the bar) provides the perfect setting to take your newly enhanced relationship to the next level, close the deal or simply share a drink or a meal in a casual environment where conversations flow.
8. Relationship Building and Networking
One of the great things about golf is you can just show up at a club and get a game. Depending on your career, you could be looking at three prospects each and every time you tee it up! Golf is the ultimate networking environment for all kinds of professionals and services. “Nothing fortifies a relationship like a mutual love for golf. It’s all skill, strategy, and integrity. Four hours of connecting and seeing someone’s process often makes doing business a formality.” Roger Steele, President and Lead Creative at HIPE Media.