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Gone are the days when business networking means dressing up in your best suit to connect with other business professionals. Today, meetups and industry networking events can have the flair of a great brunch, the calm of a Sunday morning yoga class, or even a nice smoke session. Building business relationships and deals can even happen on the golf course. Many business events are adopting golf to network and build relationships in a laid-back setting.

How did golf become a networking sport?

The game of golf has an exciting history dating back more than five centuries. A golf-like game took place in 1297, where the Dutch played with a stick and leather ball. In 1457, King James II of Scotland banned the “futeball and golf” game because it distracted men from practicing archery to help prepare for all of the wars taking place in England. Receiving notable fame as a game of competitive bonding amongst men, the game of golf didn’t reach the Americas until 1650 as a street game called “kolf” in Albany, New York.

These early golf games were more exclusive and popular among the wealthy due to the production cost of equipment. It wasn’t until 1848 that golf received mass appeal because a less expensive rubber-like ball design made the equipment more affordable and accessible to more people. By 1894, the oldest private golf club in the U.S. was founded in Yonkers. The United States Golf Association also launched that year, solidifying golfing as a classic sport and a networking pastime amongst the elite.

Since its introduction, golf has been considered a bonding activity, so it’s a no-brainer why organizations would adopt it for their business networking events. According to Merriam-Webster, networking is the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions, specifically cultivating productive relationships for employment or business. No matter the industry or experience level, the golf course is a great way to let loose and build a relationship with your team, clients, and potential partners.

Why is golf so effective?

Virtual meetings spiked to an all-time high in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many companies have experienced digital fatigue during internal team meetings and client relationship-building processes.

In fact, Zoom is one of the fastest-growing apps of the pandemic, generating $4 billion in revenue in 2020 and seeing meetings increase by 2900%. Now that we are all ready to leave virtual meetups behind and socialize in person, golf is the perfect solution that can take away the edge and seriousness behind networking.

Golf provides a relaxing space to network in person.

Golfing provides a great way to connect personally with your team and valued clients. Depending on your venue choice, most golf courses have incredible amenities that allow you to dine and sit in a secluded place to conduct business if needed.

The beautiful green pastures are enough to lift any mood and create an environment of ease for your group. Golf is not a rushed or high-energy sport, so you will have quality time to communicate with your group.

Golf can help you learn someone’s character.

Golf is a fun, competitive sport but it can also show someone’s true colors. On the green, you’ll be able to see someone’s character and discover early on if there is synergy.

• Are they collected under pressure? 
• How does someone act in the face of challenges? 
• Are they a team-player?

You should be able to answer these questions within one round of golf. By the end of the last par, you should know if you can pursue a business relationship with them.

Golf has impressive health benefits.

Golf requires you to be attentive and to use your body. It’s a great way to incorporate wellness into your networking efforts. Falling into a sedentary lifestyle is common and can unwillingly happen if you’re not careful.

Golf is an intentional way to utilize the mind and body while getting fresh air. According to a Sweden study, golfers had a life expectancy of 5 years longer than nongolfers. That sounds like a necessary reason to get out on the green.

Golf can help improve your networking skills.

As quiet as the game of golf can be, it also provides a powerful networking atmosphere. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with new people, build business acquaintances, and possibly find life-long friends.

A casual outing to the golf course can become one of the best-unplanned networking days. Golf clubs and courses gather people from all walks of life and industries.

Mixing golf and cannabis isn’t taboo

There’s no difference when adding cannabis to a golf networking event; it doesn’t take away from its professionalism. It’s a different tone than corporate golfing events, but the intentions are still the same. If you’ve never attended a cannabis industry event, there are still valuable ways to prepare so you make the most of your time.

Although far from traditional, intermixing golf and cannabis makes a lit day on the green. Events like our TeeHC Open Cannabis Golf Tournament is the perfect opportunity for cannabis professionals to mingle on the green while indulging in flower or cannabis infused beverages. With an array of activities and amenities like stoned slow flow yoga and a team-building game show, TeeHC Open is networking reimagined. You should create a game plan to make the most of your cannabis networking opportunities.

How to elevate your networking opportunities

It’s no secret that golf has appreciable benefits ranging from business networking to team-building, and overall wellness. If you’re ready to experience the world of cannabis mixed with the leisure sport of golf, join us at the next TeeHC Open Cannabis Golf Tournament.

To learn more about how to attend, visit the TeeHC website and follow us on social to stay up-to-date with new announcements.