Golf is a microcosm of life, and the way we relate to the people and the world around us in that it seems a complicated motion with lots of variable and moving parts, but when dissected, the fundamental tenets are few and relatively easy to understand.  We rarely know how or why when we’re doing it correctly, yet it becomes painfully obvious when we’re doing it all wrong.  At it’s core, everything that occurs is a chain reaction of events which begins with the knowledge that in the absence of a solid base and/or a proper grip on things, you’re destined for disaster from the very start.

There’s a lot more to bunker etiquette than simply raking your footprints before you leave.  The next time you ball ends up on the ‘beach,’ consider these following customs: Continue reading Bunker Mentality

There’s a certain protocol that should be thoroughly understood and effortlessly executed on the first tee. Although this list might seem like a lot to remember, it’s all worth it. Done right, all these habits will go unnoticed. Done wrong, you’ll be the center of attention for reasons you’d rather not be.

Continue reading On the First Tee

Ladies, I want to talk to you directly for just a moment – but make sure your husband reads this too!

Let’s just get it out in the open.  There’s a joke that floats around the clubhouse of most golf courses that says this game got its name as an acronym for the words Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden.  Although some of the old codgers at your local course might think this is funny, and/or wish that it was true; trust me, it’s totally and completely false – and those guys are idiots.

Continue reading The Rules of Engagement for Couple’s Golf Competitions

Although these job titles are often thought to be synonymous, each has quite different responsibilities. Since these guys and girls are paid by the golfers—usually to the tune of $100 minimum per round – it’s important for you to understand their roles and put their services to proper use.

Continue reading Caddies and Forecaddies

In my post about Client & Guest Hosting, Barry Mahoghner asked, “why wait until after the round to discuss business?”

This is a great question, and one which I thought was important enough to warrant it’s own post.  Here’s what I think…

Instead of trying to close a deal, your time on the course with clients should be focused on two things:

1. Having fun, and
2. Creating a good impression. 

Trust me, managing the subtleties and the highs and lows of a round of golf will demonstrate much more about your character and your personality than a board meeting or power point presentation ever will.  It’s human nature to want to do business with people we like and respect.  Spend your energy here first.

Then, when it’s time, get to the point after the round when you’re off of the course and when you won’t be interrupted or distracted.  If you make the pitch or go for the kill too soon, you will seem transparent – that this was all that you wanted.  Make it about golf, fun and possible friendship before you make it about work.

This doesn’t mean that work related topics can’t be discussed on the course – such as product information, services, costs, production, budgets, projections, etc., etc., etc…  But it does mean that you should keep work chatter to an information gathering and giving level.  Then, when it’s time, use that information after the round to help you close the deal.

You really don’t want to screw this one up. You’ve invited a potential customer, or perhaps your soon-to-be father-in-law, the hot chick who works in the snack shop, or the VPs of your multibillion-dollar empire. You must impress. You’re the director and they’re the cast.

Continue reading Client/Guest Hosting

It’s important to understand that nothing can ruin a golf experience like slow play. Nothing. Bad weather, a poorly conditioned course, a man behind the wheel of the beverage cart, lousy play, or idiot playing partners all pale in comparison. Slow play trumps all.

  Continue reading Slow Play

One of the most frustrating things for golf pros everywhere to deal with is the damage caused to the surface of a green by pitch marks. Well, actually, it isn’t the damage that’s frustrating. The damage is inevitable. What’s frustrating is when players are too lazy to repair those pitch marks.
Continue reading Fixing Pitch Marks

So you’ve just been invited to play golf with your boss at the fancy private golf club across town. Cool. If you haven’t been there before, or to any private club for that matter, there are some things that you should consider as you’re preparing to play, and when you get to the course.

1. The course probably requires a dress code. Now this doesn’t mean that you have to run out and buy expensive or name brand clothing. It just means that there are some basic expectations for your attire. For men, it’s safe to assume that all you’ll need to wear is a collared golf shirt and some decent pants or shorts. Avoid ‘cargo’ style shorts and cut-offs, and tuck your shirt in, of course. For the ladies, it means that your shorts or skirt will need to be at least mid-thigh in length, and that halter tops, tank tops, or low scoop-neck shirts are out. You may discover when you get there that there isn’t a dress code – but believe me, you’ll be glad that you’re overdressed at that point, rather than being embarrassed and feeling out of place for being underdressed, or worse, being asked to change by the staff.

2. The next thing you’ll need to keep in mind is that it’s generally considered bad form to change your shoes in the parking lot. You’ll want to carry them in a shoe bag with you to the locker room and change there instead.

3. Another thing to think about is that the staff is likely going to be expecting you to tip them when they assist you along the way, so bring some cash and kick down. The valet attendant and the guy or girl who gets your clubs at the bag drop should get a buck or two. The shoe shine attendant in the locker room should get between 5 and 10 bucks if he cleans up your kicks before you go. If you take a caddie, the average fee is around $25 per person – not counting the tip. So plan to pay the caddie $30 or $40 or more to cover the total amount.

4. Keep in mind also that most private clubs don’t permit cell phone use these days. So what’s that mean? It means don’t use your phone until you find out from the staff or your host that it’s okay to do so. Simple.

5. One final thing to think about is just because you were invited to play, it doesn’t mean that the host intends to pay for your round. After you’ve changed your shoes in the locker room and met up with your host, ask him or her how you can settle up for the guest fee. If they plan to take care of it, you’ll find out at that time, if not, they’ll give you directions to the golf shop. But, believe me, in either case the host will appreciate your offer to pay.

Now confidently get out there and have a great time – and remember, nobody ever remembers your score, because they’re too busy worrying about their own. But they will remember how you look and act.