You are spot on when thinking that there is a difference in acceptance and comfort on the golf course and networking with golf between men and women. Personally I see that gap being bridged by women who take the time to learn the rules and etiquette of the game. That coupled with taking lessons to get the basics of the swing down goes a long way to overcoming the fear element a lot of women face.
As for the men not being as comfortable playing with a woman certainly there’s something to be said about the male camaraderie, as well as, female camaraderie that contributes to that feeling. However, if a woman shows she knows the basics of the game, how to act and not be afraid to own up to her potential lower level of play if just starting out, she can truly benefit from networking with golf ON or OFF the course. In fact, she will probably be light years ahead of most male counterparts in the rules and etiquette areas, If she’s at all athletic or coordinated, she could also be ahead in her playing skills as well.
The point however, is understanding what golf can do for both men and women in the business world. It is rarely about how well you can play. It is more about how you handle yourself on the course and in potentially uncomfortable situations. Like in business, the more prepared you are the better the outcome. Know WHY you are playing and WHO you are playing with and WHAT you are trying to accomplish. It may be just to play the game and get to know some new people. Perhaps it’s to treat an existing client, a prospect or valued employee to some time away from the office environment while at the same getting to know each other better. Whatever the reason maximize the time spent on the course and the ‘19th hole’ afterwards.
Recognizing that golf is not a luxury item but a valuable business tool will go a long way in embracing the true value of the game. The fact that you can enjoy yourself while networking on the golf course does not make it a frivolous activity as some non-golfers might suggest. Women more so than men seem to think that they don’t have time to play golf. They need to be grinding away in the office. How often can you get a client or prospect totally to yourself for 3-5 hours? In today’s economic climate you may need to scale down a bit but treating golf as a pariah is not the answer. You need as much, if not more, face-to-face time with your business associates and clients to make sure you are aware of each other’s needs and addressing ways to deliver the ‘goods’.
So next time you are asked to participate in a golf event that allows you to meet new people, especially business people, toss those out-dated fears aside, grab your golf shoes, your clubs and your positive attitude and head on out to the links!!
Thanks for visiting Ladies on the Tee Golf Blog at www.sherrytabb.com. Please leave your comments below.
Related posts:
- Women+Golf=Great Networking Women using golf to network in business are lagging behind...
- Five great ways to use golf as a networking tool Question: When is golf more than a game??? Answer: When...
- 7 Great Ways to Get Started With Golf The most difficult part of any endeavor is the beginning...
- Ladies on the Tee…Networking with Golf Why is it that you see and hear so few...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Tags: business golf, golf, golf etiquette, golf lessons, golf networking, golf rules, ladies on the tee golf blog, Networking with Golf, sherry tabb
Another great post Sherry.
It’s amazing how many women who actually play golf reasonably well, refuse to participate in business golf events because they feel they lack the skills. And then you see guys playing at these same events with almost no skills whatsoever, and a disregard for etiquette, as well.
As you say, as long as one knows the etiquette and he basics of the swing, all she needs else is a sense of humor and the ability to read people, then there’s no reason for her not to get out on the course.
golfgirl’s last blog post..Golf Girl’s Valentine Tips – On Cocktail Match
Maybe we can change this situation one woman at a time!
You guys (sorry gals!) are right. There are many more good female golfers than most people think. I’ve had the pleasure of playing with a few futures tour players and other female pros. I love it when they out drive me and/or kick my ass on the course from the same tees!
I actually have “networked” and talked business with one female golfer in my many network rounds…
Thanks for adding your thoughts. I only hope that you encounter many more women ready to network on the golf course in the months and years to come. Keep us posted on your success with that!
Thanks Sherry
I really enjoy your blog and couldn’t agree more.