TEEING UP FOR WORK

Phil Mickleson’s success at the US Masters will no doubt have swayed many men towards the local golf store or course for a leisurely 18 holes. In today’s hectic business world golf isn’t viewed as just a mere leisure sport, it’s the alternative boardroom where
managing directors, executives and sales managers meet customers and potential clients in the hope of securing deals and important partnerships.

Golf is a complex game in itself, but when you throw a business element in to the mix it can be a recipe for success or disaster. From picking your partner, choosing a caddy, order of play, even the clothes you wear – every decision about the game should be clearly thought through in the same way you would a boardroom meeting.
Executive careers site TheLadders.co.uk has compiled a list of the unwritten golf laws for a game of golf for business:

1. Pick the right players
You are not playing to win the US Masters. You want to play with decision-makers, not the golfers who can shoot the lowest scores so choose the players who are most important to your business.

2. Don’t play to win or lose
To win, or not to win – that is the question. The answer is: play to your ability, fair and square. Gauge the personality of your partner and determine how intense he or she is about the game. If you decide to play a match, use the handicap system to establish even ground. An intentional "tank job" can be insulting to a potential client. But a flagrant sandbagging can be even worse.

3. Patience is essential
Don't discuss business before the 5th hole or after the 15th hole. Like golf itself, you're in this for the long haul.

4. Play Ready Golf
Par is less important than pace of play. Playing golf in the business circles is like a "six-hour sales call," that includes post-round drinks or dinner. Six hours on the course is way too long.

5. Know Thy Partner
The "platinum rule." Don't do unto others as they would do unto you. Treat people as they want to be treated. Pay attention to the personality. If your playing partner is solemn and serious, act accordingly. The same goes if he's a garrulous goofball. Remember: though the course isn't a stage, you're still performing. Just as you get to see them in an informal setting, they get to see you too.

6. Focus on Results
And by results that’s not the score. Before the round, think about what you hope to get out of the day, outlining your goals and how you plan to meet them. It's a vital component to playing golf for work, as key to good performance as a pre-shot routine.

7. Play for the 20th Hole
Don't feel like you have to have everything wrapped up by the end of the round. Sign your scorecard before you worry about signing a deal. Your first priority is making sure your playing partner has fun. Spare the formalities, unless they're called for.