The Business of Golf: Tips to Get Started, Feel Comfortable and Maximize BD Opportunities
Posted by Website Director on Apr. 14, 2022 / Blog / Subscribe 0
For more than a decade, Patti Gibson (SMPS Philadelphia President-Elect) has talked more golf than Tiger Woods. Patti champions the importance of golf in the career development of AEC professionals – especially women. In 2007, Patti established WTS Philadelphia’s Annual Ladies’ Golf Clinic, which has educated, coached, and changed the lives of hundreds of tri-state area AEC professionals. With spring arriving, and more than a half dozen critical golf outings upcoming, including SMPS' Business of Golf Event on April 25th, we sat down with Patti to discuss her passion for golf.
Patti: It’s quite simple. There’s too much business happening before, during, and after golf outings that you can’t miss because you don’t feel comfortable or confident in a golf environment. While playing golf is difficult, participating in golf outings most certainly is not. Shake off that fear… and say yes!
SMPS: Can you elaborate?
Patti: Of course. First, the rules are nearly identical at every course, so it’s lather, rinse, repeat. Always wear a collared shirt and appropriate length shorts or Docker-type pants. And sneakers are just fine. It’s always great if you have a logo polo-shirt to wear to represent your company, as business cards don’t always make their way into golf bags.
SMPS: What advice do you have for those who are interested in playing but don’t have golf clubs or other equipment.
Patti: The number one excuse I hear from women about not playing is, “I don’t have golf clubs.” Most don’t realize that golf courses often have extra sets of clubs you can rent. You can work with the organization running the outing or call the golf course directly to see what options are available. Or you can always borrow a set. Consider asking a friend in your neighborhood who may have a set that they use casually if you can borrow them for day . The clubs don’t have to be perfect or even perfect for you. In fact, I urge new players to practice with somebody else’s clubs before getting their own since buying clubs can be expensive.
SMPS: Our members may be familiar with golf from television, family, friends, and co-workers who play, but what else do they need to know prior to participating in an outing?
Patti: Golf unlike many sports has several rules of etiquette. You need to know these to be successful on the golf course.
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The most important “rule” is to not play slow. Pacing is very important, especially during an outing where there are groups on every hole and the organization running the outing has a timeline (dinner/awards afterwards). This is hard for new players who may require a lot of shots to make it to the hole or lose their ball along the away. As a new player, try your best, and utilize the format to lean on players in your group who may be more seasoned.
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Don’t talk when another player is getting ready to swing.
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Never touch a ball on the course that isn’t yours.
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If you hit the ball and make a divot (that’s good golf jargon) in the grass, fill it with the grass you tore up or with the mix on your cart.
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Finally, if you hit your ball into the sand trap, once you’re finished, you rake the sand to smooth it out.
Also be aware of the “format” of the golf outing. To help move play along, many outings utilize a scramble or better-ball format, allowing the ball with the best location to be played by all members of the group. The format is usually listed on the outing information provided in the cart. If you aren’t sure just ask someone in your group.
SMPS: Shifting gears, what are some keys off the course to having a successful day?
Patti: Most outings have a charity component to them, like the sale of mulligans and raffle tickets. A mulligan, most simply put, is a “do-over” in golf. If you hit a bad shot, you can replay the stroke by buying a mulligan. Participate in the games and come prepared with cash as it’s usually required. Many of these items are sold at registration when you check-in for the day.
Arrive early to maximize your networking opportunities with other participants. Golfers can often be found on the putting green, at the driving range, and in the pro shop before the outing begins. You likely won’t run into this volume of people until after the outing is over, so take advantage of this time.
In closing, professional association outings are about fun and networking – far more than golf scores. Use the time to your advantage and have fun!
The A/E/C golf outings on the horizon include:
SMPS Philadelphia – Clinic and Mini-Tournament – Great for beginners who want to learn basics!
April 25 – Bala Golf Club, Bala Cynwyd, PA
ASHE North Central New Jersey
May 5 – Mountain View Golf Course, Ewing, NJ
AIA Philadelphia
May 9 – Whitemarsh Valley Country Club & Sunnybrook Golf Club, Lafayette Hill and Plymouth Meeting, PA
ACEC – NJ – Thunder Road Outing
June 20 – Forsgate Country Club – Monroe Township, NJ
ASHE Southern New Jersey
July 11 – Little Mill Country Club, Marlton, NJ
COMTO Philadelphia Scholarship Golf Outing
August 1 – Manufacturers Golf & Country Club
WTS Philadelphia – 4th Annual Golf Outing
September 22 – Bala Golf Club, Bala Cynwyd, PA
Engineers’ Club of Philadelphia
October 10 – Bala Golf Club, Bala Cynwyd, PA
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