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We have all heard the stories about business and golf, how business golf can be the difference between success and failure for many UK businesses. Why is golf so attractive to business owners? Firstly it doesn’t matter what age you are you can play golf, secondly the handicap system allows people of different abilities to play against each other for a fair and interesting game no matter the skill level of the individual. Thirdly, compared to other sports you actually only spend a relatively small amount of time hitting the ball, giving you plenty of time for conversation, building relationships and getting to know the person.

Richard Brown golf course shot

“When you do business with people, you need to know more about them,” says Mr Small. Golf rewards players who remain calm under pressure, never lose their temper and think strategically. These are all virtues in business, too.

 

Is the value of golf to business just heresy or can you put a financial figure on the contribution of golf to business? Stanford University in the US conducted a study:

According to the researchers at Stanford (one of the most prominent colleges in the US), during 2005, golf contributed an astronomical $195 billion to the US economy, both directly and indirectly.

 

The study doesn’t directly measure the amount of business deals actually stuck on the golf course but it does give a good indication of the value of golf to the economy, assuming we in the UK aren’t too far behind our US friends!

Playing a round of Golf will certainly help to build relationships and trust, which is extremely important in business. People buy people, business is not usually done with someone you do not like or respect. Perhaps the qualities people look for in business can be reflected on the golf course:

“Remember that more often than not, people make investments in people. A round of golf is a great time to demonstrate you are a smart, competent, and likeable person. If you are a thoughtful golfer who engages in good conversation on the course, you will increase your chances for closing a deal.”

 

Playing a round of golf with potential clients can further your business relationships but remember to be on your best behaviour! Follow the rules of the game (no one will refer business to a cheat), follow the etiquette of the game like repairing divots, don’t do the hard sell, you are there to build a relationship! Have a healthy attitude to competition; do not throw you clubs if a shot doesn’t go well!

What are your tips for business golf?

Sources:
http://www.activateyourbusiness.com.au/tabId/4307/itemId/217/language/en-US/Just-How-Valuable-Is-Business-Golf-to-Businesses.aspx

http://www.economist.com/blogs/gametheory/2011/11/golf-and-business

http://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylsnappconner/2013/01/24/19-tips-for-closing-a-deal-on-the-golf-course/

If your Christmas shopping list includes a golfer, you are lucky because it gives you a big head start – you know you can get them something golf related. But many golfers are very particular about their clubs and putters, a set of golf balls just isn’t exciting enough so what is the perfect Christmas gift for the senior golfer? Any golfing gift which will assist the senior golfer to enjoy the game has to be a winner!

The Greenstick is the perfect Christmas Gift!Greenstick pitch fork - ball mark repair tool

Greenstick is the perfect Christmas gift for the senior golfer, not only is it going to be the must have golf accessory for 2014, it also helps the senior golfer enjoy the golf course!

The Greenstick was born out of the desire to help the senior golfer and the golfer with spinal problems and lack of mobility enjoy the sport and participate fully in the preservation of their green by the correct and simple repair of their pitch marks using The Greenstick.

Every golfer wants to be able to take pride in the condition of their home course but using a traditional pitch mark repairer can be difficult and needlessly time consuming for the less agile golfer. Repairing pitchmarks is excellent golfing etiquette and is essential in order to maintain a smooth, true putting surface and The Greenstick makes this easy for the less agile but considerate golfer.

Features include:

  • The Pitchfork (or Divot Tool)
  • Telescopic Shaft with Twist-Lock Mechanism
  • Golf Ball Pick-Up Cup
  • Comfort-Grip Handle
  • Mounted Flex-Clip
  • Colours: Tour-Bright Pink, Clubhouse Blue, Ever Green, Pro-lite White

Read more about the technical features of the Greenstick here.

To purchase your Greenstick Call us on 01270 877432

Frankly there is a lot of hype and gimmicks in the golf marketplace, the Greenstick isn’t one of them. This is truly a thoughtful gift which any considerate golfer will appreciate. If you have any questions please contact us on the number above. The Greenstick will be available to purchase online soon!

 

The Greenstick Golf aid for disabled and senior golfers

Golf should be a sport that is enjoyed by everyone regardless of age, gender and physical ability. The Greenstick was born from a desire to help the senior golfer and the golfer with spinal problems and/or lack of mobility through disability.

disabled golfer

Image credit: http://www.gorillagolfblog.com

There is no reason why the sport should not be enjoyed by all, including those with disabilities. There are many organisations for disabled golfers throughout the world offering opportunities for disabled athletes to learn the game, to play and to compete

 

Disabled Golf Organisations in the UK.

The Disabled Golf Society:

“The Disabled Golf Association aim is to bring together all disabled golfers, irrespective of gender, age or ability, and help them enjoy golf on a level playing field, or in our case a level golf course!”

England Golf:

England Golf contributes towards the development of the England Golf Partnership’s strategy to address the issues of equity, equality and inclusion of disabled people, within golf. We are committed in supporting the implementation of the Whole Sport Plan, taking into account the wide range of issues that affect disabled people, with the ultimate aim that more people are encouraged to play golf and are better represented within the game.

British Disabled Golf:

The Launch of British Disabled Golf took place at Acanthus Golf Centre on August 3rd 2012. It was an open day where disabled and  able-bodied golfers could play alongside each other as and when they wanted.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews:

The R&A and the USGA have produced A Modification of the Rules of Golf for Golfers with Disabilities. This publication contains advice and permissible modifications to the Rules and they provide a means by which disabled golfers may play equitably with able-bodied golfers or golfers with other types of disabilities.

The rules can be downloaded at the website here .

How the Greenstick golfing accessory can help the disabled golfer.

Depending on the disability the Greenstick can help the disabled golfer to look after the green and avoid unnecessary bending to repair pitch marks, impact marks and pick up golf balls.

Greenstick Features

1. The Greenstick has an adjustable telescopic shaft. This ensures that the considerate golfer can make swift and accomplished repairs to any ball marks on the green without bending.

2. With your Greenstick, you can pick up your golf ball from the green or the cup without stooping, and with little or no bending of your back.

3. It is precision engineered to pick up your golf ball in one easy motion.

4. The Greenstick has an ergonomically shaped comfort-grip handle, is responsive, and offers great control in all weather conditions.

5. The Greenstick is designed to fit onto the outside of your golf bag making it easily accessible when you need it.

 

 

 

After many months of planning we have launched our new website! www.seniorgolfuk.co.uk

The home of the ‘Greenstick’ – the new, must have, golf accessory for the senior golfer. The Greenstick was born out of the desire to help the senior golfer and the golfer with spinal problems and lack of mobility enjoy the sport and participate fully in the preservation of their green.

As well as featuring the Greenstick the website will be bringing you golf news, golf hints and tips to improve your game and an online shop which will allow you to order the Greenstick online and other golfing accessories necessary for the senior golfer’s game.

Improvements and additions will continue to be added over the coming months but we are excited to be online and look forward to developing our online presence!

You can also follow us on twitter @seniorgolfuk and facebook  facebook.com/SeniorGolfUK

Richard Brown Class AA PGA Golf Professional and Qualified Coach designed the Greenstick:

Richard is the head professional at Alsager Golf and Country Club in South Cheshire where he provides an excellent teaching service using progressive techniques, to pupils of all ages and levels, from County Players to Beginners. With 30 years golfing experience, his understanding of the wider issues relating to the coaching process including the biomechanics of the golf swing, psychology, fitness and nutrition, combined with his patient approach, make him a popular asset to the club.  READ MORE