How to Survive Your First Business Golf Outing
Business golf is one of the most effective – and underutilized – tools for building meaningful professional relationships. For women looking to grow their influence, strengthen client connections, or simply expand their network, the golf course offers a powerful setting to do that.
But let’s be honest – for many women, the idea of stepping onto a course full of business professionals can feel a little intimidating. What should I wear? When should I bring up business? Do I even need to be good at golf to be taken seriously? The answer: you don’t need to be a pro, but you do need to be prepared.
These five tips are designed to help you feel confident, comfortable, and strategic in how you approach golf as a business tool. Let’s break down how to show up, stand out, and turn a round of golf into a round of opportunity.
#1 Don’t Apologize for Your Golf Game
Let’s face it, golf can be intimidating, especially if you’re still learning. But confidence is key. When you’re using golf to network, self-deprecating remarks can distract from your strengths. Instead, show up with quiet confidence. Take a few lessons, know basic etiquette, and focus on connection over perfection. Business golf is more about presence than performance.
#2 Be a Team Player
Professional women often shine in collaborative settings, and the golf course is no different. Offer to help spot a ball, share yardage info, or bring a club to your partner. Small, thoughtful gestures can say more about your leadership and character than your score ever could. Remember, people won’t remember what you shot, they’ll remember how you made them feel.
#3 Accept the Score
In business and golf, grace goes a long way. Accept your score and that of your partners. Business golf is about building trust and not tallying strokes. If someone takes creative liberties with their scorecard, take note, but don’t call it out. Golf is a game of honesty. How people act within a set of rules may carry over to how they operate in business.
#4 When to Talk Business
When it comes to talking business, timing is everything. Business golf is all about reading the room — or in this case, the fairway. Avoid business conversations while on the tee box or green. The best moments often happen between holes or at the 19th hole. Let the relationship unfold naturally. A well-timed question in the golf cart can lead to a big opportunity down the line.
#4 Dress to Impress
Dressing for business golf is about more than just looking good — it’s about being prepared, polished, and professional. Trade in the basic polo for a well-fitting golf dress or a tailored outfit designed specifically for the game. Not only will you feel more confident, but you’ll likely turn a few heads — in the best way.
Golf is more than a sport — it’s a strategy. By staying professional both on and off the course, you can use business golf as a tool to network, grow, and lead. Step onto the course with purpose, because connections made here can change everything. You can do it!