There is no secret having someone to help take care of the details, provide advice on tough decisions and keep the focus on the task at hand can really make a difference in business. Having that some assistance on the golf course can produce the same results. That is why having a caddie is so important to professional golfers. But, before we get into how caddies can play a part in improving business golf let’s take a look at what Business Golf is all about.
What is Business Golf?
Most people who attempt to use golf as a sales and marketing campaign forget about the golf. That is why there are so many people who attempt to playing a round of business golf fail..and fail miserably. Actually, the studies I have done over the past 15 years show these failed attempts of using golf as a 6 hour sales pitch is one of the top reasons millions of business people have quit playing golf as part of them doing business with the majority of them leaving Golf altogether.
Business Golf, played correctly, is a unique business tool. Playing golf with someone, or a group, offers up one the only true test of a person’s character. How a person conducts themselves during the round of golf is far more important than the score they shoot. All each players’ real character flaws show up during a round of golf. This could be a good thing…or a real bad thing.
Naturally, the positive way to look at playing business golf is to think the person you will be playing golf with has the same character as you, or better. For those who have taken golf somewhat serious know that golf teaches those who play that integrity and humility are two of the main pillars of golf. It’s unfortunate these values have been lost to a generation of business people making it a good chance someone who studies the values of golf will eventually be matched with someone who does not.
If it turns out there is a conflict in character, well, you got that out of the way before there was a business deal struck.
So, why don’t more people play business golf?
As mentioned, the misused of using golf as a sales pitch, along with the abuse the elitist of society have inflicted on the cost of golf, has taken it’s toll on the interest level many business golfers have towards using golf as a business tool.
However, there are those who have learned to play business golf correctly who still see tremendous benefits to taking the time and paying the expense to play a round of business golf. In an effort to change the image of Golf being a boring waste of time the avid business golf finds ways to ad value to the round of golf.
Many business golfers have recently started adding a Forecaddies to the groups to take on the burden of keeping the group focused on playing a quality round of golf. In a number of cases, for those who are more athletic, hiring a caddie for each player to carry the bag for a walk of the course has proven to take away the staunchly negative image golf just being an opportunity to kick back a case of beer.
Caddies Add Value to Business Golf
Caddies, if they are trained correctly, are more than a servant to the golfers…more than someone to open their beer between shots…more than an added expense to a round of golf. A caddie can help with the mission the host has for the round of business golf. Caddies can be entertaining advisor of the course which allows the players to enjoy each other presence…while the caddies keep the beer chest full, if that is what you want.
There are a number of things that come out during a round of business golf. Thoughtfulness being one of them. Instead of the players spending so much time raking the trap, the caddie does if for them which allows for that time to be spent carrying on a casual conversation with fellow players. This shows thoughtfulness of the host to arrange for the group to have a forecaddie.
Another aspect of business golf that his highlighted by having a caddie has to do with time management. A caddie can keep things moving and monitors the pace of play.
Having a caddie during a round of business golf really offers up a very memorable experience.
Here in Dallas, check out the Caddie Club of Dallas.
So, bring on the caddies. and let me know how I can help.
