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Golfing scores a hole in one for networking professionals
by Don Asdel
The popularity of golf is sweeping the nation, and millions of Americans are discovering that you do
not have to be Tiger Woods to enjoy the game.
According to the National Golf Foundation, there are 26.7 million golfers in the United States.
That
figure has increased 34 percent since 1986.
The game itself has transformed into an extremely profitable industry. In 1999, Americans alone
spent
$22.2 billion on equipment and fees, according to the National Golf Foundation.
Although the rules of the game are the same today, technology, economic feasibility and social
acceptance have pushed golf out of its shadowy past of exclusiveness.
As golf becomes mainstream, the golf course has become an extension of the business office where
deals are done and strategic partnerships are formed.
"Golf is extremely important to business professionals," said Dean Wilson, director of golf and
owner
of Beacon Lakes Golf Course. "If you don't play golf today, you'll be the one left in the office
missing out on opportunities."
With more than 17,000 courses in the United States, according to the National Golf Foundation,
corporate America has turned a social resource into a competitive advantage.
"Golf is great for establishing business connections," said Andrew Abbey, assistant professional
at
Clear Lake Golf Club. "Even if you came out by yourself and got paired up with someone, there is a
lot of time for talking while you play."
Before hitting the course for a round of play, teaching professionals warn that learning the
fundamentals and etiquette is paramount.
Nothing can sour the relationship with your playing partners quicker than walking in their putting
line or talking during their back swing.
"Etiquette is a vital part of the learning process, and in most cases all it takes is someone
asking a question," Abbey said. "It is
important for someone starting out to learn the fundamentals. Once they learn to hit the ball straight
they're no longer a danger to themselves or others." Feedback regarding course enjoyment places greater emphasis on pace of play than scoring average or
handicap, according to most golf professionals.
The average 18-hole score for men and women is 100, and fewer than 20 percent of golfers maintain
an official handicap with the U.S. Golf Association, according to the National Golf Foundation.
Women, who make up 19 percent of U.S. golfers, according to the National Golf Foundation, are
finding the game increasingly beneficial to career success.
"There are definitely more women playing the game avidly these days," said Jim Hardy, head of
instruction at Pecans Golf Center. "There are several good golf associations for women. The Executive
Women's Golf Association fosters relationship building and business networking through the game of
golf."
"If the course is built correctly and has the tee boxes in the right place, both men and women can
enjoy the game," Wilson said. "More and more people are coming to the game. Public golf is taking
over."
As the game's popularity continues to increase and course architects continue to develop new
designs, golf will provide a networking resource for business professionals and an exercise in
character for many Americans.
"Golf is like life," Hardy said. "You start on the first tee with a plan to knock it down the
middle and make birdie or par. In reality, you miss hit it and have to recover. Your round's success
depends on your ability to adjust to changes and focus on your original goal."
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Finding the right employment opportunity is like playing a golf course full of hazards. In fact,
UH-Clear Lake graduates looking to record a great score in today's marketplace will find that learning
the game is par for the course.
