Golf and Corporate America

Millions of dollars in deals are made over a round of golf. It is the top game for American executive and has likely brokered more of the deals that shape our world than any other round of any other sport. So what makes this happen and why is this so important?

Golf and corporate America have been linked for close to a hundred years. Many believe the romance began with Rockefeller’s love for the game.

The golfing world has been the backdrop for corporate decisions and business deals since the first exclusive country club opened its doors in the late nineteenth century. It has become so important that playing a good game of golf can help clench some of the best corporate jobs!

One of the reasons for this phenomenon is the pace of the game of golf. It is considered a relaxing game with plenty of downtime. While playing the game there is plenty of time to discuss business propositions.

Not only that, but since all players are working at a common goal, a sense of camaraderie develops while on the course. When you play a round of golf with a potential business associate, you will spend four hours with the same person. This allows quite an opportunity to get to know someone!

Golfing tests the abilities of the players against several sets of obstacles. When golfing with potential business partners or clients, you get the opportunity to see how they strategize to accomplish their goals.

You also get to observe the way they handle difficulties. These two skills come into play in the business world every day. By watching how someone plays golf, businessmen can determine whether or not they want to build a working relationship with their fellow golfers.

The character of the person you are working with comes out to prominence in the game of golf. You can determine, because of the very nature of the game of golf, whether the person has the resilience, the persistence, and the drive needed to accomplish something in working with you in business.

The relationship can also have the building blocks of the game of golf and the deal can be closed up nicely in the club house. It all goes together so well, leading to the unification of two constructive ideals in America: golf and money.

When golfing with a potential business partner, the timing of bringing up business discussions can be tricky. You do not want to appear over eager by bringing the subject up too quickly, but at the same time, you are there to discuss the business proposition.

One rule of thumb that seems to work well is to wait until after the first five holes to even consider talking business. This gives you time to get to know your comrades and gauge their moods. If the atmosphere seems right, go ahead and start talking work after five holes.

If you are looking to move your way up in the world of business, it might not be a bad idea to take a golf lesson or two. Golf and American business are joined at the hip, and the appeals of the game will probably keep it that way for a long time to come.