Golf Course Business Networking: Why Membership Breeds Partnerships

Could a round of golf be the great unsung hero of the business world? It’s no coincidence that around 90% of Fortune 500 CEOs are golfers. Many a great deal has been forged on the fairways as players bond over shared experiences and spend hours together - away from the pressures of the city. But finding courses that fit the bill can be challenging, especially for last-minute meetups.

In today’s blog, we look at the phenomenon of golf networking for business and how making new contacts and booking courses even at short notice is no longer a long shot!

Why Golf?

The sport is pretty unique as it provides hours of uninterrupted face-to-face contact and a chance to bond and get to know one another. Golf isn’t just about hitting balls, it’s a great environment for conversation, not to mention the emotional highs and lows that come with playing a challenging sport. Sharing these kinds of experiences really brings people together, and you can get a real sense of who you’re about to do business with.

We spoke to business golfing experts LinkUp Golf about the unique nature of the game for prospective business partners. They said, “On every hole, there are chances to laugh, joke, cheer, and encourage each other. While walking or riding side by side, players can tell their stories, learn about each other’s goals and concerns, and speak more naturally and candidly than they do in an office, conference room, or Zoom call.”

Networking Platforms

There have been competitive and social golf leagues for decades, but, now there are business networking golf services that make it easier to connect with people relevant to your business and grow your business while playing the sport you love. These typically help organize golf sessions between prospective partners or arrange games for you and your clients or colleagues.

Availability Issues

Golf networking platforms address some of the challenges associated with trying to book a suitable golf course for business purposes. Without an expensive private club membership, it can be hard to book slots on high-quality courses without paying huge sums for the privilege.

“Getting good tee times at good courses is difficult,” the experts added. “The bonding power of golf doesn’t work if you are trying to play through a cow pasture. The quality of the environment matters to both the quality of play and relationship building.”

Meet Your Match

Some platforms also help match players based on professional interests or business profiles. You may even find recurring events organized around specific business functions—from finance and marketing to HR and operations.

If you love your golf and you love your business, hit a genuine hole-in-one by joining a golf networking platform today!