Corporate Golf Services

Barb Hanson

“I didn’t know what I was doing, so I was uncomfortable.” This is a direct quote from a businesswoman I met recently. She has succintly stated the reason many women don’t play golf, much less play golf for business.

My daughter just told me about her friend who was hired by a major company looking  to 1) hire more saleswomen, and 2) do more business outside of the office, specifically on the golf course. Sounds like a fun job!! The flaw in the plan lies in an assumption that these salespeople (men or women) are going to be successful in generating or retaining business without some specialized training.

That specialized training is golf education. Not necessarily swing training, although that’s an important part of playing the game. A broader training is required in order to feel “comfortable” and “at ease” in the golf environment. A golfer should have a basic grasp of the etiquette, rules and vocabulary of the game as well as a “business game plan” in order to bring a deal to fruition.

I offer a “Golf for Business” course to individuals and companies who are interested in giving their sales staff this competitive advantage.

Golf Education: Knowledge = Confidence

Golf (both on and off the course) has traditionally been a man’s domain. Yet, today, more and more women play vital roles in all areas of the golf industry. As one of those women, wouldn’t it be nice to be in constant contact with other women in the golf industry? That’s exactly what WIGI provides for its members.

From Debbie Waitkus, Golf For Cause, Phoenix, AZ:

“My WIGI membership has been invaluable.  Numerous times I’ve reached out to members who proved to be willing and reliable resources.  Whether it’s been for brainstorming, publishing articles, speaking opportunities, referrals within the industry, or simply camaraderie at industry events, the relationships I’ve created through WIGI are meaningful. I firmly believe that membership in WIGI is a must for every woman who works in the golf industry!”

For more information and a membership application, go to www.wigi.info.

Please join us as part of a nationwide circle of golf industry friendships/contacts/resources!

From the chairperson of this event: “The Tournament is at White Bear Yacht Club (White Bear, MN) and is part of the world wide Audi tournament. The two person winning teams (one  male and one female ) receive an all expense paid two night trip to the national championship. This year it will be at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay outside of San Francisco. The two winning teams from there receive an all expense paid trip o the world championship.

“Last year we only had two or three women’s teams compete for the trip. I am hoping to get more women’s teams interested in this tournament and thought some of the women who you deal with might have an interest.”

Not only is this a great cause and a first-class golf course, but it is also an example of one way a person might choose to spend dollars in order to expand their business contacts and networking system.

If you’re interested in this particular opportunity, contact Barbie Hentges at 651.855.2836 for more information.

In the business world, golf offers the opportunity to accomplish more for less. If you aren’t taking advantage of golf to grow your business and your business network, you are missing out. Men have used golf as a business tool for a long time, but women have been slow to get on board.

There are a number of “business golf” opportunities including a simple afternoon of golf, participation in a large corporate outing or just  spending a lunch hour on the driving range. And there are a whole lot of reasons why you want/need to be a part of the golf scene.

TIME: You will spend considerable personal time with current and potential clients.

NETWORKING: You have the potential to substantially increase your network of business contacts.

RAPPORT:  You will establish a  special camaraderie  when enjoying a game of golf together.

INSIGHT: You will learn a lot about the person you’re with.

SHOWCASE: You can showcase your own personality and character.

GLOBAL: You can transcend language and cultural barriers.

Take all this into consideration and make plans to be a part of the business of golf.