The Role of Golf in Business Networking & Development

Golf is a game of balanced contrasts, where relaxation and stress relief meet the demands of focus, precision, and finesse to navigate the challenges of the fairways and greens. This blend of strategy, camaraderie, and personal integrity translates perfectly into successful business interactions. From a casual round of golf with clients or managers to a charity outing, golf is integral to building business relationships and sparking deals.

How Much Business is Done on the Golf Course?

While it is impossible to track how many business deals are born on the golf course, we know that over 90% of Fortune 500 CEOs play golf (opens in a new window), as did 16 of the last 19 presidents of the United States of America. 

The 4 hours spent on a golf game help establish new business contacts and assess the character of potential partners in a relaxed, casual environment. Eighty percent of CEOs surveyed said they have conducted or closed deals while playing a round of golf (opens in a new window).

The Appeal of Playing Golf For Business Professionals

Golf gives business professionals time away from the confines of their offices. The game offers a neutral ground in the business world where discussions can take place, and you can build friendly relationships with peers, clients, and employees. Executives can unwind, recharge, and interact with other industry leaders, bringing opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Why do business people play golf together? Business people play golf to network with other professionals, facilitate conversation, bridge gaps over common interests, and learn about a person’s character. There are many soft skills necessary in playing golf that are present in a great entrepreneur or manager. It is also a way to get some fresh air and relieve stress. 

Networking on the Golf Course

Building a strong network is an integral part of doing business. From small businesses to multi-national corporations, a robust list of contacts leads to opportunities, relationships, and diverse perspectives for innovation. The leisurely pace of golf allows for extended interactions and deeper conversations, making it an ideal networking tool.

Business professionals agree that playing golf establishes new business contacts​. The relaxed atmosphere on the golf course encourages open communication, instead of superficial conversations that revolve solely around work.

Having unstructured and free-flowing talks on-course leads to meaningful connections before you leave the country club. These shared experiences and personal interactions are the foundation for stronger business relationships and increased trust.

It’s important to be mindful of golf etiquette when you’re on the links with a potential customer or your own manager. This is a time to get to know the other person or people you’re playing with and not bombard them with sales pitches. It’s acceptable to talk about business on the golf course, but it shouldn’t be the only topic you’re focused on. 

How to Talk Business During Golf

Talking business during golf requires a subtle and strategic approach, especially if it is your first time golfing with the person. Start with light casual conversation about more personal or non-business topics to build rapport. Pay attention to the other person’s willingness to chat and gauge their interest as you introduce some work-related conversation. 

Some golfers may prefer to focus on the game initially, especially if they didn’t have a chance to warm up their golf swing at the driving range before the first tee. Use natural breaks between holes or during downtime to bring up business topics, but don’t force these discussions.

Golf As A Tool For Business Development & Building Relationships

An astonishing 93% of professionals say that playing golf with a colleague or client is an excellent way to cultivate a closer bond​. The game requires players to deal with both successes and failures, creating opportunities for displaying integrity, patience, and resilience. These qualities are highly valued in business, and seeing them in action on the golf course can reinforce mutual respect and trust. Witnessing someone’s true character in a relaxed environment can lead to better relationship-building, collaborations, and business opportunities in the future.

Why is playing golf important in business relations?

The shared experiences and personal integrity on the course can begin to build trust and loyalty. This combined with the informal setting eases the pressure typically associated with formal meetings, making it easier to communicate openly.

How should my business use golf for business development?

By organizing or sponsoring golf tournaments, you can strategically pursue clients, partners, and particular businesses to develop better relationships. These events bring greater visibility to you, your directors and managers, and the services you offer subtly. 

Invest in a corporate membership at a premium golf club to have an attractive venue for informal meetings to invite clients or prospects to play a round of golf. It’s hard to say no to an opportunity to play a well-regarded course, and the 4 hours on the course will be much more enticing than a LinkedIn message.

Spreading Brand Awareness At Golf Outings

Sponsoring golf outings and tournaments is a way to get your name and logo in front of a large number of people. According to Golf Digest Planner (opens in a new window), there are over 800,000 golf events held in the U.S. each year. You can choose to sponsor a hole, provide branded merchandise for golfers, or host a charity outing for a cause your company cares about. In addition to spreading brand awareness, you’ll also develop a positive brand image as your company is associated with goodwill and fundraising efforts. 

Custom logo golf products, such as golf balls, apparel, golf towels, and accessories, are used by golfers of all skill levels and are effective promotional tools to keep your brand in the minds of participants. They’re a great way to break the ice and start a conversation when you see other golfers using your promo giveaways.

If the budget allows for it, your company can host a corporate golf day for employees and the surrounding community. How can hosting a corporate golf day benefit your business? Hosting a corporate golf day increases brand visibility through your event promotions and branded golf swag handed out at the event. Inviting clients out strengthens relationships and gives them a day off from the office and an enjoyable experience.

Hosting a corporate golf day open to the community and surrounding businesses creates opportunities to meet potential clients, partners, and industry influencers on the course or in the clubhouse. If your corporate golf day is for your organization only, you’ll still boost internal relationships and teamwork among employees.

Skills That Make Great Golfers Even Better Employees

The great Arnold Palmer once said, “Success in golf depends less on strength of body than upon strength of mind and character.” Golfers often exhibit skills that are highly transferable to the workplace. The game requires strategic thinking, focus, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Golfers learn to analyze situations, make informed decisions, and adapt to changing conditions—skills that are crucial in a business environment.

Additionally, golf is all about discipline and personal accountability. Players must accept the consequences of their poor putts and be honest about their strokes. These attributes contribute to a strong work ethic and reliable performance, making great golfers even better employees.

Does being able to play golf have an advantage in the business world?

Being able to play golf allows access to a network of high-level professionals and decision-makers. Even if you’re not playing a round with CEOs and higher-ups, you never know who you will run into at the clubhouse or be paired with in a tournament. 

Plus, if you’re great at golf, chances are you’ll be brought into a game of golf as a ringer when friendly competition arises on the course. 

Drive Brand Awareness on the Fairway

Golf and business are intricately linked, providing a platform for networking, building relationships, and making closer connections. The game transcends traditional business boundaries, serving as a catalyst for meaningful interactions that can shape careers and build your brand. You can start to foster relationships with your audience by offering custom logo golf products to your business connections. At 4AllPromos, we create branded golf merchandise that serves all skill levels, from beginners to PGA Tour Pros. 

Check out our custom logo embroidered golf shirts, promotional golf gift sets, divot tools, and more today. 

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Sources

Dosh, K. (2016, May 16). Golfers make better business executives. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristidosh/2016/05/16/golfers-make-better-business-executives/ (opens in a new window)

Curvin, T. G. (n.d.). Women Engineers: How golf Affects their careers - ProQuest. https://www.proquest.com/openview/9e32532fdb0e9daf3404faad0e6e0b82/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y (opens in a new window)

Golf tournament fundraising - GolfDigestPlanner.com. (2022, December 13). Golf Digest Planner. https://golfdigestplanner.com/fundraising/ (opens in a new window)