Did you know 24.2 million people play golf every year?
While a round of golf may not be your thing, you may be officially invited to play golf with your coworkers, your boss or even potential clients. And mixing business with pleasure can be intimidating.
How should you behave? Should you let your boss win at all costs? And what on earth should you wear?
Follow these tips and you’ll be tee-rific the next time you’re playing golf with coworkers.
Getting Down to Business While Playing Golf
How you play golf really depends on who you’re playing with. If it’s your boss, you need to have more of a professional demeanor than you would when playing with your coworkers. But if you’re playing golf games with potential clients, you have to step it up even more.
Of course, with anything, the way to success is preparation. These 9 tips will give you everything you need to know.
1. Golfing Etiquette
If you’re playing a round of golf with your boss or VIP clients, golfing etiquette is essential. Here are some vital points you should keep in mind.
Don’t be late! Try to be there 15 minutes before tee-time. Try to treat it like another day at the office.
If you have the responsibility of taking out a client, you should pick up the tab. You should also offer to buy drinks and snacks on the round, or at least take it in turns. And don’t forget to tip the caddies.
Make sure to control your frustration and show good sportsmanship. Don’t curse or throw your club if you miss a putt. Abide by the rules and show consideration for the other players, there is no referee after all.
2. Learn the Rules of the Game
If you’ve never played a round of golf before, you’ll need to learn everything you can about it before the big day. Whether you take lessons, watch videos or just read about techniques, make sure you know the basic rules of the game.
If you don’t, you’ll slow everyone down. And your coworkers may feel frustrated having to explain everything to you all day.
3. Learn the Lingo
When you’re learning the rules of the game, don’t forget to study up on common phrases used in golf. Seasoned golfers will use a lot of funny-sounding jargon. If you understand it, your game will run much smoother.
Some of the basic terms include:
- par
- birdies
- putts
- drive
- bogey
- eagle
- ace
- handicap
Always make sure you know what the word means before you use it in a sentence. Or you could end up sounding like a hacker (someone who’s terrible at golf!)
4. Look the Part
So what to wear golfing? Even if you don’t know how to play golf, dress the part. Make sure you look comfy and cool, yet professional.
There are some pretty eccentric outfits out there. But when it comes to golfing for business, keep it low-key and leave the snazzy prints at home.
Both males and females should wear a collared shirt, appropriate shoes, and golf hats. Men should pair the shirt with khakis, cotton pants or dress shorts. Women should wear slacks, khaki shorts, capris or an athletic skirt.
5. Do Your Homework
Another great way to do your research is to find out about the actual course. All you need to do is some research online to find out what to expect from the course. If there are any tricky shots or secret tips, you’ll find out all you need to know on review sites.
With this extra know-how, you’ll know what’s ahead and you’ll feel more comfortable playing.
6. The Business Pleasure Balance
If you have to play golf with potential clients or you have important information to discuss, make sure you get the right balance. If you chat someone’s ear off about business plans for the entire round of golf, it’ll be no more than an expensive business meeting. But if you talk about anything but work, you may miss an important opportunity.
Find the balance and make sure to cover all bases. For example, chat about family, hobbies, golf, and a little bit of business. Use the opportunity to strengthen your relationship, both as a friend and as a business partner.
7. Be Confident, Not Overconfident
One of the benefits of golf experiences with your coworkers is to show them your confidence. Some believe the way a person plays golf is an indication of how they overcome challenges in the business world.
Keep your cool and don’t throw your club down in frustration. Even if you’re doing really badly!
On the other hand, if you do have some golfing experience, don’t be a show-off. Play a quietly confident game. Your coworkers will like you all the more for it.
8. Do Your Best
Even if you’re playing golf games with your supervisor, boss or important clients, it doesn’t mean you have to lose the game on purpose. Don’t try to curry favor by playing badly, it’ll just make you look like a loser. Try your best to win, everyone loves a bit of competition.
But if you do win, don’t gloat about it. There’s an expression which says, “to find a man’s character, play golf with him”. Make sure winning (or losing for that matter) brings out the best in you.
9. Try to Have Some Fun
And last but not least, try to have some fun. Especially if you’re supposed to be relaxing with coworkers.
Even if you’re not a good player, try to bring some positivity to the game. The purpose of the team-bonding activity is to build up relationships with your coworkers. So try to relax, get to know each other better, and make fun memories.
A Bad Attitude Is Worse Than a Bad Swing
Yes, if you’re playing golf with your coworkers, follow these essential tips. Because even if you’re a lousy player, you’ll still be on good terms with the rest of your workplace after the game!
For more essential tips to make your life a success, both in the business world and at home, check out the “Lifestyle” section of this blog.
