Image Is Almost Everything
Goal: Reassure your boss that you can handle yourself in any situation.
If you are a novice golfer (or just rusty), taking some lessons would be a smart move. If you don’t have time for that, check out some online resources, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) or the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) web sites. There you will find the rules and etiquette of the game. “It’s not about skill, it’s about knowing how to conduct yourself,” says John Hughes, director of instruction for Advantage Golf School, which has locations in eight states including Florida, Arizona, and California. It’s also important to dress appropriately — no jeans, cutoffs, or tank tops. Going with a conservative look is the smart play here. Leave the bling on your dresser.
Technically Speaking
How to Sling the Lingo
If you think the phrase “learn to improve your drives” refers to how well you maneuver your golf cart from the tee box to the snack bar, you need to brush up on golf jargon. Here are a few pointers:
- A “slice” is a shot that curves dramatically to the right; a “hook” is a shot that snaps to your left. (Reverse all that if you’re a lefty.) Both are to be avoided.
- “Hitting it fat” means you’re hitting the ground before you hit the ball. This is a bad thing. An extreme example of this is called a “chili dip.”
- “You’re hitting it thin” is not a compliment — it means you’re hitting just the top half of the ball.
- “You’re away” means your ball is farthest from the cup. It means it’s your turn to swing (or putt), so be ready. “You’re still away” means you just hit a terrible shot that didn’t travel very far.
- When your ball is on the green and your playing partner tells you, “that’s good,” it means he is conceding your putt. Immediately pick the ball up, put it in your pocket, and be grateful.
Show Your Boss That You Have Confidence
Goal: Your boss needs to know that you are dependable — and cool under pressure.
The most pressurized shot in golf is the tee shot, particularly the first one, when everyone is standing around watching you. The key is to know your strengths and limitations. If you don’t hit your driver well, use a 3 wood or a long iron instead. Bryan Gathright, an instructor at Oak Hills Country Club in San Antonio, Texas says, “Once you’ve gotten over the first set of jitters, then it’s going to be a more comfortable setting for everyone.”
Voice of Experience
“I’ve played many rounds of golf with people who have worked for me. It’s a great environment for developing business relationships because you’re out there for at least four hours with no interruptions, no cell phones. That gives you a chance to bond. Even if the person I’m playing with is not a good golfer, I remember him if we had a pleasant day together.”
—Jim Thompson, president of the Broadcasters Foundation of America, which helps former broadcasters who have fallen on hard times. Thompson served as president and CEO of Liberty Broadcasting and was the president of Westinghouse Broadcasting.
Know Your Place and Always Remember Where You Are
Goal: Show your boss that you are a savvy team player.
Know when — and if — to talk shop. The right moment may or may not arise. Also, don’t throw the match to let your boss win. “In my view, it’s a false belief that beating your boss is a bad thing,” says Mitchell Spearman, an instructor at the Manhattan Woods Golf Course. “Everyone admires someone who can play this game well because it’s so darn difficult. If you do that, you’re actually gaining respect.”
What Not to Do
- Do not slow up play. Always know when it’s your turn to hit, and don’t spend too much time looking for errant shots. (That’s why you brought plenty of balls.)
- Never step on someone’s “line.” Imagine a line from the ball on the green to the cup. Step over or around it.
- Don’t cheat. Besides being wrong, it will eventually come back to haunt you on the golf course. Cheating when your boss is there could be career suicide.
- Avoid the lone-wolf syndrome. Golf is an individual sport, but unless you’re playing in a tournament, it is also a very social game. It is good to have a competitive nature, but never forget why you are out there.
- Turn off your cell phone. If your plan is to show the boss that the office can rely on you 24-7, this is the wrong place to do that.
Remember to Relax
Goal: Creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere can help you forge a strong bond with your boss.
While your stress levels may be a bit higher than usual, remind yourself that you want to keep the mood light and fun. Enjoy the experience — after all, you are out of the office for a day. This is a great opportunity to learn more about your boss. “Take the good with the bad, have a good attitude about it, get through it, and in the end the boss should have a tremendous amount of appreciation for you,” says Travis Fulton, senior master instructor at the PGA Tour Golf Academy.
Hot Tip
Using the Wii for Zen Golf
Nintendo offers a game for the Wii, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 All-Play, that transports you to a virtual course where you can work with Tiger Woods’ coach or test your skill on courses around the world. But does it actually improve your swing? The answer: No. However, Dan Pasquariello, an instructor at the Pebble Beach Golf Academy, says a Wii golf game can put you in a nice, relaxed state of mind that can carry over to the real course. “When you relax, you do your best. Tension is a killer in life, and it ruins a golf swing. So, if you could carry that feeling from the Wii over to the golf course, I think it will definitely help to relax you.”
More on Business and Golf:
