Does golf really improve the career game for business executives? Experts say “yes”- it really does. If you’re looking to climb the proverbial ladder and you haven’t been teeing off regularly, you might want to join the club and get your career game swinging.

1. Check your contract carefully – you might be required to play golf! (And if not, maybe that should BE in your contract!)

Golf is actually a duty for some business execs. An American executive made the news when there was a contract misunderstanding with the business. A costly court case ensued to determine whether or not the newly hired executive was contractually obligated to play golf.

2. Networking in a friendly atmosphere does produce business results. How many deals have been shook upon over a tee?

The Golf Industry Network announced earlier this year that golf teaches success. According to a report by the MGT Open, the sport is considered the “sport of business” by 54 percent of business professionals.

3. Don’t let the media attention ruin your executive game. 

Lately, the media has been unapologetic and critical of golfing communities for biased political reasons. There are an unprecedented number of media articles focusing on whether or not the golfing world is really a place for presidential decisions to be made. Remembering that you are not the President of the United States might help to put this new critical tone in perspective! And there’s a lot to be said for clearing your mind on the green  in order to make those decisions!

4. If you’re too busy to play it’s time to re-prioritize. 

Forbes Magazine claims that nice girls who play golf really do get the corner office. According to Forbes, knowing the secret language of golfers informs the language of executive business dealings in many ways that really do lead to measurable business success. All provocative references aside, if you are a business executive, you need to schedule time in your week for recreation, exercise and relaxation. Golf does provide a great opportunity for those healing priorities.

5. Fresh air and connection with nature inspires business creativity.

Experts on health and workplace productivity agree that time spent in the fresh air, surrounded by the beauty of nature, improves workplace productivity and overall quality of life. Executives who practice golf know this.

6. Golf clubs offer state-of-the-art business centers and meeting places.

Business deals are cemented on the course and often inked in the club.

7. Tournament play brings out the best in everyone.

There’s something about competitive sport that builds spirit and confidence that carries through to work success. Competing against others in a nonwork environment challenges business executives to bring their very best. The best cure for ennui is challenging ourselves. Entrepreneur Magazine recently cited the benefits of healthy competition.

8. Golf offers exceptional mentoring and team building opportunities.

Golf is more than a strategic game. It allows for both mentoring and team building. Executives can build inter-personal relationships that prove invaluable, enhancing productivity back at the office.

9. Golf allows you to showcase and practice your social skills in a variety of ways.

Golf provides opportunities to interact with people in various social positions and a wide variety of power positions within the business world. You have endless opportunities within the golf community to showcase your talents and practice them.

10. Associating work with fun by playing golf is a winning combination.

Confucius says, “Be happy in your work.” This ancient work wisdom has an intuitively known truth to it that holds fast in today’s modern business world. Happy employees are creative problem solvers; they form teams that are goal-oriented and successful.

Sources:

http://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/growth-strategies/2015/02/heres-how-you-do-business-on-the-golf-course.html

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-04-05/the-ten-commandments-of-business-golf

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/292628

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/233897

https://www.forbes.com/business-of-golf/#23ca5e412273

https://www.forbes.com/sites/85broads/2012/05/04/nice-girls-who-play-golf-do-get-the-corner-office/#e7a9e7a7879f

https://golfindustrynetwork.ca/acushnet-announces-2016-financial-results/

http://mgtopen.com/pdf/trivia/business-golf-statistics.pdf

https://www.thebalance.com/golf-as-a-team-building-exercise-2275296

https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-to-do-business-on-a-golf-course-1475696790

Brandon Vallorani is a practiced entrepreneur and accomplished CEO, author of The Wolves and the Mandolin (ForbesBooks; 2017), and third generation Italian-American.

Founder of a media conglomerate recognized on the Inc. 5000 for five consecutive years, Brandon sold to a colleague in the business, and has more recently shifted focus to his other entrepreneurial endeavors.

Vallorani Estates offers hand-curated luxury products for those who celebrate life’s privileges, and a number of ventures run through his consulting business Romulus Marketing.

Vallorani graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, and began his career in the non-profit sector. He quickly rose through the ranks to become Executive Vice President in a few short years, simultaneously earning his Master of Business Administration from Thomas More College.

He lives in Metro-Atlanta, with his wife with whom he shares seven children, a son-in-law, and a grandson. In his free time, Brandon enjoys playing in casinos around the country, his three dogs, and learning Italian.