With more than 27 million golfers in the United States alone, golfing for business purposes is a great opportunity. Whether you're opening doors or closing deals, golf can enhance almost any business relationship.
Golf is a networking game par excellence. In what other environment can you see your customer for four to five hours interruption-free?
In the United States, an estimated $28 billion in annual sales is attributed to contracts and relationships initiated on golf courses. That's why more than 20 million rounds of business golf will be played this year.
And women are taking up the game in droves. More than 25 percent of the golfers in this country are women, up significantly since the early 1990s.
"Women are seeing golf as an informal network to advance their careers," said Carol Bresnicky, representative for the Executive Women's Golf Association, whose membership has soared to 20,000, from 1,500 in 1991.
A survey of corporate meeting planners by a trade magazine found that golf was more important to attendees than a beach, a spa, shopping, cultural attractions or other outdoor sports.
It's also important to note that golf tends to expose your true character. In one study, 47 percent of those surveyed believed that behavior on the course usually paralleled behavior in business.
It tests your fortitude, your confidence and your humility. If you're making a key hire or closing a business deal, golf can show you how people act in all kinds of circumstances. You can take note of their appearances, how they carry themselves and how well they follow the etiquette and rules of the game -- even if they know how to have fun. And remember: They can see how you handle yourself as well!
