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 (ILLUSTRATION: John Cheresh) There’s casual golf and its less strict set of rules; competitive golf, where every shot counts; and corporate golf, where the rules of business etiquette come into play. Let’s look at the delicate tightrope act that is corporate golf. The golf course has long been a great setting for business. Careers have been made and lost on the links. The game can be an equalizer, bridging the gap between entry-level employees and CEOs. Golf also has the ability to reveal a person’s true colors by exposing character flaws that otherwise go unnoticed. The key to successful corporate golf is the same as any good business relationship. It begins and ends with communication. Here are some things I’ve learned on the course over the years: • Before the round, talk to your playing partners and establish the ground rules for the game. There are few places better to entertain clients than the golf course and setting the ground rules for the round should be a joint effort. • If you’re playing with the boss, let him or her determine how tight the rules will be followed. • Even if you’re the better golfer, don’t overstep your bounds. Don’t be a rules stickler or offer unsolicited advice. • Don’t assume a putt is good or drag everyone back to the tips because that’s where you like to play. • The golf course is an extension of the office. If you wouldn’t do it or say it in the boardroom, don’t do it on the golf course. • If you’re the boss, don’t take advantage of your position of authority by setting the playing field in your favor. If you are going to take a mulligan off the first tee, everyone should get a mulligan. • No padding your handicap in an effort to win and no special favors just because you’re the boss. Tweaking the rules frustrates your colleagues and creates the image that you’re a selfish leader. • Gambling on the golf course gets dicey in the corporate world. Nothing creates bad feelings like waxing a client over 18 holes — and you certainly won’t be happy if you’re on the receiving end of a beat down. • That said, keep the betting to a minimum. If you must have a wager, make it a nominal one or for something you might already be prepared to cover like a post-round lunch or bar tab. • Nothing turns your playing partners off like cheating or bending the rules to your advantage. • Never rake away a putt that hasn’t been conceded. Always ask your playing partners before conceding it. Some players like to finish out the hole. • Finally, never let your anger get the best of you on the golf course. Nothing turns off a superior or a client like a string of maniacal F-bombs after a missed putt or a helicoptered driver after you hit one O.B. Remember, in business and on the golf course, your reputation is really all you have. Greg Flores has been a sports and entertainment publicist for 20 years and has written for Southland Golf since 1995. ALSO SEE: Advice for competitive golf The basic principles for casual golf |
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