Golf and Business Go Hand in Hand
It’s no secret – there’s not much I enjoy more than a great round of golf! Many of you have likely participated in my “Wednesdays Fore Fun” and other summer golf events.
Golfing is, first of all, fun! It’s an opportunity to get some fresh air and exercise while enjoying the natural beauty of Colorado, to enjoy the company of friends and colleagues and even do some networking.
Along with the fun, many of us take our golf game pretty seriously—as we do our business. Actually, optimizing your golf game and running a successful business have some similarities – here are a few.
- Choose Your Course
Choosing the right course to play can make the difference between having fun and taking on something too challenging for your skill. Like golf, in business we play to our strengths, and successful companies are rooted in a vision and mission for how the “game” will be played. Next comes the strategy for making that mission a reality and planning how that strategy will be executed by taking a long view of both the big picture and the details. In other words, you’re always looking at the macro yet focusing on one hole at a time. - Build Your Foursome
In a successful business, it’s all about who you associate with – and that goes not only for the people you work with, but the advisors you trust, and the clients you serve. There are many stories of companies that either didn’t launch or didn’t excel because the right people weren’t involved and weren’t in the right positions. To win at golf or business you need a balance of skills and shared enthusiasm for the game. Whether it’s your team, your client base, or your foursome, those you choose to associate with can make all the difference in the final score. - Play the Course
Once you’ve selected your course and who you’ll surround yourself with, it’s time to get down to business, perfect your swing, and track your progress. You’ll need the right tools for the job so choose your golf clubs, balls, and tees carefully. Accurately set your sights on your goal, practice your swing, and keep your eye on the ball as you aim for the flag on the green. In both golf and business there will be obstacles and rough spots. Knowing your limitations as well as how to evaluate your position and options, along with the skill to do what it takes, can make the difference in success and failure, as we play the ball where it lies. Each unique hole you encounter must be played differently – every day brings new challenges. - Keep Score
It’s imperative that you’re able to measure your progress. If you’re not where you want to be, find ways to improve and have enough agility built in to implement those changes. To gauge the progress of your golf game you know your number of strokes by hole, your handicap, and you appraise what you might focus on to improve your game. Shoot for par or better – stick to your budget. Keep your scorecard up to date so you’re constantly tracking your progress. Track your fairways hit, greens in regulation, and number of putts – measure your performance and progress against success and the performance of others to keep improving. - Learn From Your Shot
In golf and in business, we rarely get a hole in one where everything falls into place and the outcome is extraordinary. Other times, things don’t go as planned and the ball ends up in the water, or we need to take a penalty stroke. Always factor in the weather and conditions to determine whether and how to play. When faced with challenges, re-evaluate the basics. Fortunately, we always get another shot. There are new opportunities as we approach each hole on the course, and different ways to play them.
Much of what I love about golf and business is about the similarities in how we approach the game, the strategies that must be thought through for success, and the experiences and relationships that are built while on the course. We always have an opportunity to look at the course from a different perspective, revise our strategy, choose a different club, keep our eye on the ball, improve our swing, and approach each hole with a fresh idea. It’s all in how you play the game.
In both business and in golf we strive for excellence and welcome ways to improve. Accurately defining and forecasting the financial component of your business is the foundation for your success. Contact me for a complimentary consultation about your company’s financial health and future.
If you’d like to participate in an upcoming Wednesday’s Fore Fun event, please email WFF@cforickarthur.com. You’ll find a friendly, non-competitive, casual environment where anyone can play – regardless of skill level – while having fun and enjoying the people you’re with. We typically book four foursomes. Each person pays for their own green fees and cart, and we cover drinks and appetizers at the 19th hole!
Rick Arthur is a CFO whose expertise is built on Financial Intelligence and 35 years in senior financial roles. Coupled with a CEO’s perspective and the experience of building his own $20 million company, he brings a unique depth of insight into business from the top down. Wired to get to know people, Rick works hand-in-hand with business owners of intentional, growth-oriented companies, solidifying relationships as a trusted advisor and confidant to his clients. He leverages his experience to help business owners gain traction and stay focused on the company’s vision, cash flow, and profitability – all while creating big picture solutions for strategic planning, growth, and sustainable success.