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Article:
How to Play Golf and Make Money by: Suzanne Woo Although most of us don't get the chance to win a million dollars by playing in the final group on Sunday, we can still play golf and make lots of money. Unlike most other sports, golf is the game of business. Men and women across the globe, play the game as both recreation, and as a way of doing business. From pro tours to recreational golfers worldwide, golf is truly an international sport. As a business golf speaker, consultant, and author, I teach business professionals how they can utilize golf to strengthen their business relationships and increase sales. I discovered the power of business golf while I was a practicing attorney in San Francisco specializing in commercial real estate transactions. Whether talking with clients, or at a networking event, I always felt the rapport level deepened when the conversation turned to golf. Golfers always seem to enjoy talking about the game, whether it's their own, or the great shot they saw on television by a tour pro. Here are six tips on how you can play golf and make money. For those of you who play already, choose one or two and make them a part of your business golf game. If you don't play yet, I hope they'll inspire you to take up the game. Golf & Money-Making Tip #1: Schedule Your Golf! If you don't play golf often, or don't know how to play at all, you're less likely to obtain the benefits of playing business golf. It's like the lottery. If you don't buy a ticket, you'll never win the jackpot! One obstacle for many people is that they believe they don't have time to play. If time is an issue for you, then make it a goal, schedule time in your organizer or PDA for a reasonable number of rounds of golf or practice sessions you want to have per month. Perhaps you want to play a business golf round once a month (when weather permits) and spend 30-45 minutes per week at a driving range. If you fine-tune your swing during the winter, you'll be ready for golf in the spring. One way to fit golf into your schedule: put a few irons, your 3-wood, and putter in the trunk of your car. The next time you're stuck in traffic or have time in between appointments, stop at a local golf course or driving range, and have a practice session. It beats sitting in traffic and getting road rage. If you don't play golf yet, winter is the best time to learn how to play. Why? Golf professionals at your local golf course usually have more time for you. During the peak summer days, the professional is in high demand, with lessons scheduled back-to-back, and will be less inclined or unable to spend extra time with you. Ask some golfing friends for referrals to a local golf professional at a covered or indoor driving range. If you take lessons now, you'll be ready to hit the course when everyone else is ready to play. It's also a good time to read about golf, so you can become familiar with the language, etiquette, and rules of the game. For an easy-to-read primer on the game, check out my book, On Course for Business (Wiley). Whether you're a beginner or an experienced golfer, you'll find a nugget or two of information that will help you make your business golf rounds more profitable. Golf and Money-Making Tip #2: Maximize Your Links on the Links The beauty of a golf round with clients and prospects is it's five hours of soft selling who you are, your company, and what you know. Each golfer spends only a total of a few minutes actually hitting the ball. The rest of the time is spent talking and getting to know one another's background, personality, and character in a relaxed atmosphere. Unlike tennis where you're across the net from one another, golf allows you to be with your playing partners. Golf also provides better relationship-building opportunities because you're not hitting a shot for your playing partner to miss. If you're playing business golf properly, you should be thrilled when your client hits a good shot and plays well. Play more golf with clients, prospects, and referral sources to build and deepen your business relationships. Golf & Money-Making Tip #3: Golf Never Lies When talking to sales teams about playing business golf, I emphasize the importance of playing with proper etiquette and adherence to the rules of golf. As noted in Tip #'2
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