Follow these guidelines for successful business golf outings!

Planning the Outing:
Create your first impression. Be sure to bring your guests a copy of Great Games for Golf!!!

• Invite the right people - are they compatible?
  
• Know your objectives and don't plan too much focus on business
  
• Know the skill levels of your playing partners - manage expectations
  
• Play a familiar course and know local rules
  
• Ask your guest for any time constraints before or after the round
  
• Arrive plenty early and help your guest get acclimated
  
• Tell your guest both the arrival time and the tee time.
  
• Plan for meals
  
• Understand course etiquette and basic rules
  
• If you're the host, consider bring them a golf gift such as a book of Golf Games!!, or a sleeve of balls, divot repair tool, ball marker ect..

Be Prepared:
Your image is first affected by how well you appear prepared.

• Schedule tee times well in advance and confirm the day before
  
• Give the pro shop the names of your guests
  
• Inform your guests of any dress codes or weather concerns
  
• Have extra business cards with you
  
• Know about the driving range and where to get practice balls
  
• Have cash ready for tipping.

Attitude:
Remember, your guests will remember more about conduct and integrity than what score you got!

• Maintain a positive attitude and sense of humor
  
• Be encouraging to your guests
  
• Avoid foul language and displays of temper.
  
• Focus on your client or guest, not your golf score
  
• Be sensitive to your guests sense of rules on the course - be compatible
  
• Watch your language and temper tantrums
• Offer to keep score - or not - if they would rather
  

Conduct on the Course:
You don't have to be a great player to be great to play with!

• Stand still and be quiet when your partners are hitting a shot or putting.
  
• Understand the basic rules - but don't be the rules enforcer
  
• Know where carts are not supposed to be (around tees and greens)
  
• Be a good citizen and fix your divots, ball marks and rake traps
  
• Beware of casting shadows in other players putting line
  
• Buy beverages and snacks if you're the host - Limit alcohol consumption
  
• Keep your conversations quiet - be aware of golfers on adjacent holes
  
• Count every stroke and penalty shot of your own when scoring
  
• Let your playing partners tell you their score - don't challenge them
  

Speed of Play:
Don't make your guests wait on you!

• Be at the first tee on time and ready to go
  
• Ask the group if they mind playing "ready" golf (no order to teeing off)
  
• Keep it moving. Have a simple pre-shot routine- one practice swing
  
• If you've hit more than 7 shots consider picking up to keep it moving
  
• Don't take too long hunt for a lost ball - be ready with a spare
  

Betting:
If planned well, a little bet can add a lot of fun to the outing.

• Agree on the game and stakes before you tee off.
  
• This can be dangerous territory. Let your guest take the lead on betting -
  
• Use the book Great Games for Golf for fun game options for betting!
• Keep the stakes low - consider non-cash awards (like drinks)
  
• Pay any debts immediately at the conclusion of the round
  
• If you win, it's courtesy to offer to buy a round of drinks
  
• Play your game … don't lose intentionally
  
• Be a gracious winner or loser - keep a smile on your face.
  

Doing Business During the Round:
Maintain a careful balance of fun to business for a great outing

• Listen attentively-let the client/prospect take the lead on business talk.
  
• Be ready with important information about your company
  
• Ask general business questions to open the conversation
  
• Observe behavior traits for clues to business style
  
• Don't press for commitments on the course - keep it general
  
• Think "long term" relationship.
  

Follow Through After the Round:
Leverage your opportunities

• Try to include a casual lunch, refreshments
  
• Watch for an opportunities to get commitments you're seeking ie.
  
• I would like to follow up with you…, Can we plan on…, Shall we go ahead and…..?
  
• Schedule a date for the next meeting and agree on objectives
  
• Send a thank you note within 24 hours
  
• Keep your promises!