Do you know the ins and outs of golf course etiquette? Whether you’re an experienced golfer or a complete rookie, if you work in the business world you’ll eventually be extended an invitation to play a round of golf. According to Maureen Wild on ImageOfTheActuary.com, “More deals are clinched on the golf course than in any board room or elegant restaurant.” Here are some tips to make this mixing of business and golf a measurable and productive success.

Take Some Lessons. Whether you’re new to the game, or perhaps a bit rusty, or you play golf regularly, you can always benefit from golf lessons. If you’re a rookie, it’s far more advisable to learn the course etiquette and the rules of the game from a pro rather than rely on business associates to teach you. Even if you’ve played for years, you’re more likely to be relaxed and personable if you’re confident in your game. Spending some time on your swing in a low-pressure environment never hurts.

Comport Yourself with Care. Know the basics of golf course etiquette. Don’t speak when someone is lining up for a swing, don’t step into the line of a putt, and take care of the course – replace divots and make sure to rake any sand traps you hit from when you’re done. Most people won’t remember how you play – what they’ll remember is your attitude, your etiquette, and whether you were enjoyable company.

Focus on the Social. Many business professionals believe they have to have a signature on the dotted line by the end of the round in order to make their time on the course “worth it.” Nothing could be further from the truth. In the context of business, golfing is about building lasting relationships. Whatever you do, don’t try to “hard sell” while you’re golfing. Focus on learning more about the people in your golfing party – what are their wife’s names, their kids’ ages, their favorite sports teams? When you’re talking about long-term business relationships, the personal is just as important as the professional.

Walk the Course, Don’t Drive. That is, as long as everyone’s in relatively good health. Consider the advantages of walking instead of driving the course in a cart. Golf carts tend to split a foursome into sets of two, making it more difficult to carry on sustained conversations and spend the time building relationships.

Choose Your Partner Wisely: Whether you’re trying to close the deal or have your golfing counterpart warm up to your product, it will be to your advantage to stay close to the decision maker.  Spend your time wisely and with the purpose of the social outing focused in the right direction.

Relax. This is not just common sense advice; it’s a really helpful tool when it comes to playing a round of golf! Tension can wreak havoc on your golf swing. Don’t try to impress; simply focus on the company of your golfing partners and the day. If one or more of your golfing buddies happens to be struggling, let them be – don’t offer unsolicited advice, or you risk coming off as condescending.

Follow these simple tips for course etiquette and be yourself. As long as you don’t do something egregious like cheating or showing up in Spandex, we can guarantee your day will be more enjoyable – and maybe more lucrative – for it.

Get ready for your next business event by booking a tee time at an Eagle Golf course near you. Eagle Golf Course Management will make sure you have the best courses in the country to play on – but it’s up to you to seal the deal!