| Building and maintaining solid business relationships is | | | | and meal reservations. |
| the key to success, but how can you legitimately | | | | Confirm the tee-off time. |
| escape the tense office environment and spend | | | | Send confirmation to guest with directions and |
| dedicated time getting to know a customer, client or | | | | contact information for the course. |
| boss on a personal level?Business Golf, once the | | | | Be the cart driver. |
| domain of the executive elite is now accessible for | | | | Focus on your guest, not on improving your game. |
| anyone wishing to create and strengthen business | | | | Play the same tee as your guest. |
| relationships in a relaxed atmosphere. In fact, | | | | Invite your guest to play first at the first hole. |
| according to a 2002 COMPAS Leader Poll, "business | | | | Behave yourselfThe links is not the place for you to |
| leaders use golf as an important tool in doing business | | | | get in touch with your inner child. No tantrums, |
| and say that it is extremely remunerative; for each | | | | throwing of clubs, foot stamping, swearing, whining, |
| dollar they spend on golf they earn over $1500 in | | | | making excuses or indulging in other demonstrations |
| business revenue as a result. Further, only restaurants | | | | of poor sportsmanship. Conversely, when you are |
| surpass the golf course as an effective place to | | | | playing well, be gracious. Don't interpret the relaxed |
| conduct business outside of the office."The strong | | | | environment as an opportunity to behave in a |
| demand for golf has resulted in several new courses | | | | manner unsuitable for the office, such as making |
| being opened every year thereby reducing | | | | jokes, gestures or remarks that may be considered |
| membership costs. Corporate and charity | | | | by others as offensive.Business or birdieThere is a |
| tournaments also represent a tremendous | | | | time and place for everything. Spend the day building |
| networking opportunity where organizational hierarchy | | | | rapport and developing relationships. Only talk |
| may be temporarily eliminated and a common ground | | | | business if your guest brings it up first. Otherwise, |
| created for building rapport.An important benefit of | | | | save it for the 19th hole.You Got GameDon't |
| golf is that it provides a unique window into the | | | | compromise your credibility by playing badly unless, of |
| personality, values and conduct of others. This could | | | | course, you are an Oscar winning actor. Don't gloat |
| prove to be very useful in future business dealings as | | | | when you are playing well, instead, turn it into a |
| one's behavior on the course is a reflection of their | | | | compliment, "You must be bringing me luck, this is my |
| business character and ethics. For example, a golfing | | | | best game this year!" Sincerely compliment specific |
| partner who cheats on every hole might be someone | | | | aspects of your partner's game. Never coach or give |
| to be careful with when making deals. It must be | | | | unsolicited advice. If you are a beginner, warn your |
| realized, however that this window is made of two | | | | partner about your skill level and make sure they are |
| way glass. Take advantage of this opportunity to | | | | o.k. with it.Be an Etiquette Eagle |
| project a positive image of yourself by | | | | |
| demonstrating proper Business Golf Etiquette.Follow | | | | No cell phones / pagers/ PDA's. |
| these Business Golf Etiquette Tips to a tee and not | | | | Always be ready for the next shot - don't make |
| only will you and your partner enjoy the day, you will | | | | others wait unnecessarily. |
| also stand out as being polished, professional and | | | | Never brag or complain about the cost of |
| trustworthy.Scout's MottoBe prepared. Arrive early | | | | membership or green fees. |
| to get organized and to practice. Plan ahead and | | | | Take care of the course, remove your tees, replace |
| identify the outcomes you want from the day. | | | | kicked-up turf and rake after a bunker shot. |
| These goals are just as important as any other | | | | Don't walk into or cast shadows over someone's |
| business meeting. Prepare sound bites for your | | | | putting line. |
| company or yourself that you can draw on if | | | | Maintain a safe golf cart speed. |
| needed.Don't be green about the greensNever attend | | | | Get out of the cart whenever your opponent does. |
| a golf event for business purposes if you don't first | | | | Dress appropriately. If in doubt, call the club. |
| make the effort to learn the basic game and the | | | | No cheating or creative scorekeeping. |
| lingo. You'll only embarrass and alienate yourself and | | | | Don't distract other golfers by loud talking, laughing, |
| your company. Take lessons or attend a clinic.When | | | | and crinkling food wrappers. |
| Hosting... | | | | Don't let your manners be your handicap. Ace this |
| | | | opportunity to make a good impression and create |
| Inquire about any time constraints before choosing a | | | | shared memories that will enhance your business |
| venue. Proximity may be more important than | | | | relationships and increase your bottom line.Aviva Shiff |
| beauty of a course. | | | | is the co-founder of Spark Training and Coaching |
| When choosing foursomes, carefully consider the skill | | | | Associates. Spark Training and Coaching Associates |
| levels, compatibility and networking opportunities for | | | | helps individuals amplify their personal impact, |
| the players. | | | | influence and effectiveness through their corporate |
| Pay for your guests ahead of time. Make sure | | | | training workshops and coaching programs. |
| everything is arranged for your guest such as lockers | | | | |