March 14, 2006

During last week's LPGA tournament, an exception was made for the players to ride in a cart because of the severe elevation changes of the course. To my surpise, the top golfer drove the cart while her caddie was the passenger.

February 28, 2006

Is winter getting you down and you can't wait to play? Your local golf course is probably muddy and messy, but go ahead and play 9 or 18 holes. Hit some old balls, carry towels to wipe your clubs, and wear your not-so-finest golf threads. Don't worry about your score or how many balls you lose because they're plugged. Just go out, have fun, and enjoy the feeling of swinging the club!

February 14, 2006

If you're single and looking for love, take your date out to the golf course. Playing golf together is a short-cut to a relationship. You'll learn more about your playing partner during 18 holes than you could watching 10 movies together. Is he a gentleman on and off the course? Does she talk at inappropriate times? If you're looking for another golfer, check out DateAGolfer.Com.

January 31, 2006

The golf industry recently had its industry trade show where manufacturers show their latest in equipment, apparel, and gadgets. Please resist purchasing a golf bag with a built-in charger for your cell phone or Blackberry. Your business golf outing is a meeting with clients and prospects. Just as you wouldn't take a call if they were in your office, don't do so on the golf course.

January 17, 2006

I've cheered Michelle Wie to make the cut in every men's tournament she's played. But, don't make her mistake--she hasn't built on victories against the ladies and she's taking on the men already.

If you're a new to business golf, don't take a client or prospect on an 18-hole business golf round. Start with a business golf practice session at the driving range and lunch or drinks afterwards.

January 3, 2006

Although the weather may prevent you from playing golf, you can always fit golf into your conversations to build rapport. Follow the tour news at PGA Tour and LPGA Tour. Bookmark these sites. This golf year is going to be an exciting one!

December 20, 2006

Wishing you and yours Happy Holidays! May 2006 be filled with many happy returns from your business golf rounds!

December 6, 2006

Are you thinking about your business marketing plan or personal resolutions for 2006? Include goals for playing business golf. Whether it's taking lessons or playing more business golf, write it down to remind yourself throughout the upcoming year!

November 25, 2005

Thank you for reading the BizGolf E-Tips! Wishing you and yours a safe and a Happy Thanksgiving holiday!

November 8, 2005

Depending on where you live, it may not be too late to play a business golf round. Invite a client or prospect, and keep your fingers crossed for good golfing weather on that day!

October 25, 2005

Are you wanting to play a business golf round, but don't want to schedule a round with a playing partner? Create a networking opportunity by playing as a single. Make sure to carry some business cards in your bag. You have no idea who you might meet on the golf course.

October 11, 2005

Especially in a business golf round, if you beat your opponent, try not to gloat or brag. You can be proud of yourself for winning, but be gracious and talk about your opponent's good shots or holes as well.

September 27, 2005

Whether you're the host or a guest of a business golf round, send a handwritten thank-you note to your playing partners. They'll likely appreciate the gesture and you'll continue to deepen your business relationship.

September 13, 2005

If you're hosting a business golf round, don't suggest a wager. If your guest suggests one, determine the maximum you can lose, and then assume you've lost the bet. This way you won't become too competitve and lose sight of your goal for the round, which is to build rapport and deepen your business relationship. If you lost, make sure you pay up in the 19th hole. If you won, be gracious and buy the first round of drinks.

August 30, 2005

If you've been invited to a private country club by a client or prospect, do some homework so you don't embarrass the member-host. Call the pro shop to make sure you can play at the time arranged; some clubs have tee times for men or women only. Also, check about the clothing and spike requirements. It's a safe bet that you can't wear denim pants of any color. Make the call and be properly dressed.

August 16, 2005

If you're injured and shouldn't play golf, resist the temptation to play before you're completely healed. You don't want to injure yourself even more and further delay your return to playing. If you can, follow the tournaments so you can stay in the conversation when it turns to golf.

August 2, 2005

When playing with a partner in a match, make sure you're a supportive playing partner, rather than a distraction and annoyance. For example, if you're not playing well, don't complain and declare that your team will lose the match. Instead, try to help your playing partner play well. Look for fairway markers. Pull and tend the flagstick more often. For comments about my frustrating two rounds of golf with different partners, visit my blog at http://businessgolfblog.blogspot.com.

July 21, 2005

If you are playing a round of business golf, play from the same tee as your guests. You'll be able to talk more and not have to worry about which tee each of you is hitting from. Don't worry about your score and let your playing partners know that you'll pick up when you need to keep the pace.

July 5, 2005

When you have a business golf outing scheduled with a prospect or client, a few days before make sure you confirm your tee time and let your playing partner know what time you plan to arrive at the course. If it's a new course for your playing partner, send a handwritten note including a scorecard or an email with the URL of the golf course. Some players like to know info about a new course they're about to play.

June 21, 2005

Today is the first day of summer! Pick up the phone and set a date with a client or prospect to play nine or eighteen holes of business golf with you.

June 7, 2005

Did you see Tiger go out to the driving range after the third round at the Memorial? He didn't just plan to hit one bag of balls. Instead, he had four large bags! Whether you're new to the game, a low, or high-handicapper, everyone can benefit from a focused practice session. Invite a client or prospect to the driving range for a practice session. It's a time-saving way to use golf to develop your business relationships.

May 24, 2005

If you're playing in a tournament at a course you've never played before, plan to arrive at least 45 minutes to an hour ahead of your shotgun start. This will allow you to leave the office at the office, practice, and concentrate on golf and your business-building opportunities at the tournament. Also, make sure you have directions to the course and the pro shop's phone number.

May 10, 2005

If you're an experienced player, consider becoming a golf mentor to a colleague, client, prospect, or referral source. Like a mentor in the workplace, having a golf mentor can help a newcomer to the game excel in it faster. You can help find a golf instructor, schedule practice sessions, or shop for equipment. In return, you'll have a grateful friend, practice more, and learn something new about the game.

April 26, 2005

As you prepare to play, make a list of people that you really should invite to a round of business golf this golf season. Your list should include top clients and prospects, but also colleagues in your company or industry and referral sources.

April 12, 2005

The thrill of Tiger's victory in the Masters should have you excited to hit the links. With good weather approaching, this is a good time to check your equipment. Need new spikes? Need new grips? Get prepared to play!