The next time a company wants to reward their best customers, create lasting relationships and have a lot of fun, there is no better way than to host a corporate golf outing. A corporate golf outing is one of the greatest networking events you can go to:
• You have an hour prior to tee- off to see and talk to as many as 144 business partners.
• You then have 4 1/2 hours with three specific partners.
• After golf and during lunch, you have another hour to connect with everyone you missed in the morning.
A shotgun start to the outing allows for all participants to start and finish at the same time. There is a lot to learn about a prospective client on the golf course. Manners, honesty, temperament — golf reveals character.
Corporate golf outings are a proven delivery system for building relationships.
The argument might be that not everyone is comfortable in a golf setting. Make sure your format is a scramble format. Nobody has to play their bad shots; they only have to contribute their best shots even if it’s only once per round. Believe me, they will be thrilled when that happens, especially if it’s only once. With a scramble format, golf becomes much easier and more fun but there is still a competitive aspect to it. Teamwork is another great relationship-builder.
Golf can be frustrating and golf can take a long chunk out of the day. A corporate golf outing with a scramble format takes a lot of the frustration away and the chunk of time becomes a positive in many ways.
Golf is anything but trivial. The craving people have for a non-digital alternative is increasing and becoming more important. Eye contact, conversation and being out in nature are once again very attractive, and corporate golf outings deliver that. Golf is a life enhancer and in many cases a life extender. It slows things down for a couple of hours in a very beautiful setting. This is what your client will remember about the time spent with you.
Charity fundraisers are another great reason to host a golf outing. Charity golf outings have a real mission and a lot of money goes to a good cause. Golf can be a fairly expensive game to play, but having some of the money going to a good cause becomes a plus. If you’re hosting a corporate golf outing, ask your PGA golf professional how you can raise some money for charity at the same time. Selling mulligans or having a raffle can raise significant amounts that can go to a good cause. If you are new to organizing a charity event or a corporate golf outing, your golf professional is the person to turn to for help.
Golf can help you as a business executive develop relationships, foster deals and build a positive relationship.
Chris Briscoe is the director of golf at Crater Springs golf course at Homestead Resort in Midway. He has over 30 years of experience helping people play more golf.