GOLF TIP by Tom Ward
Golf Professional
Ft. Worth, Texas
(800) 387-0980

"Behaviors on the Golf Course are
Keys to a Person's True Character"

There is a famous expression that states "Sports Build Character."  As inspiring as those words may sound, as true as those words may be, there is a follow-up to that expression which says, "Sports can reveal Character."  Since sports reveal character, business executives can wisely utilize their time on the golf course to their advantage, gaining intimate knowledge of their business associates.

Here are some situations you may encounter while playing:

• People who want to impress you with their low handicap.
  It becomes quickly apparent that these players are no where near the ability they described.  These people are trying to project an image that they are better than they appear. Beware of the deception!

• People who claim to have a higher handicap.
  Again, it becomes obvious the ability doesn't match the handicap, though in the opposite way.  This is called "sandbagging" and these people have stacked the deck and want to win at all costs.

• People incapable of admitting mistakes when playing poorly.
  They will criticize course conditions, blame their caddies, equipment, anything by themselves.  These people are looking for "scapegoats."

• People that assume they do not have to putt out short putts or "gimmies."
  These people will not ask for favors they will expect them.

• People of the opposite extreme, refusing tap-ins of inches.
  Though putting out all putts is legitimate, most people do not insist on it in a non-tournament situation.  It may be hard to do a favor for this type of person.

• People who shoot the same score all the time.
  No matter where they play, they don't count "mulligans" or penalty strokes. These people have some very creative interpretations of the facts, and hold steadfast to them.

• People who improve their lie.
  In the rough, or behind trees, or grounding the club in the sand prior to hitting it, watch out because these people blatantly cheat.

• People who hit out of order.
  Observing those who hit out of order when teeing off with no regard to their playing companions, are very inconsiderate and don't have respect.

Finally, observing your companions on the course will allow you to see them in a different light, when their true colors shine through.  We live in a world where everyone is looking for a competitive edge, and some people play at a win at all cost mentality.  I believe with these tips, you will go to your next golf outing "one up" even before you tee off.