Balancing the Golfing Act

Like many of us, I started experimenting with new hobbies in the year 2020 and so began my passion for the game of golf. I was so lucky that my son shared my passion (he is now the captain of his high school golf team) so we were able to play together, challenging and pushing each other to get better. We both continued to learn and improve over time, with my journey starting from over 30 handicap (no surprise!) to under 9 handicap. We now actively play tournaments over the heavily packed weekends as we continue to improve our scores towards under 5 handicap.

Being from India, I always thought cricket was a more fun and difficult sport until I started playing golf. The more I learn, the more difficult this game gets and invites you back to push your limits while having fun too. Wins and setbacks are part and parcel, even when you birdie hole 16 on TPC Scottsdale (and feel on top of the world) or score a triple bogie on hole 17th of TPC sawgrass on the very next game.

Along the way, I have noticed many similarities between golf and business. I thought I’d share some of my observations along with a few memories as I try to keep the balance between business, golf and life.

Here we go….

Quitting is not an option. Stay positive. This game can be as frustrating as anything can get specially when you are not learning this game from age of seven. As Arnold Palmer said, Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated. It satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. When John Rahm or Scottie Scheffler misses a one-foot putt, I do feel better in thinking I am not alone, even the best can have the worst of moments. Like in business, focusing on small wins to celebrate, staying positive, learnings from mistakes that can be avoided to minimize the misses helped see a continued improvement in the game.??

Just like course management in golf, strategic planning is crucial for leaders. Assessing the situation with better course management skills, setting clear goals, and developing a plan to achieve them is key to driving success in both golf and business. Minimizing the misses is the name of the game.

In golf, quick decision making is essential with endless variables to contend with including layout, hazards, elevation, weather etc. The same holds true for business leaders who face decisions every day with a combination of known/controllable and unknown/uncontrollable variables at play. Making informed and timely decisions is crucial to achieve business objectives and stay ahead in the competitive landscape.

Adaptability is a trait golfers develop to navigate changing course conditions, and it's equally important for leaders to be adaptable in the ever-changing business environment. I prefer to explore new and difficult courses to challenge and learn from experiences in an unknown setup. Being open to innovative ideas and adjusting strategies as needed helps us stay competitive and drive success.

Golfers also display integrity and values. There are nine core values that are very well known in the professional community of golfers, and these are honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy & judgement. Similarly, we need to inspire and guide our teams, build a positive work culture, and lead by example to achieve organizational goals. In no other sport I have seen players calling penalties on themselves appearing from creeks and woods. Honesty at its best!

Focus on your Next. Making the best from the bad lie and focusing on how best to control the damage is key in golf. Resilience is a quality golfers cultivate to overcome setbacks, and it is something that business leaders also need. Bouncing back from failures, learning from them, and keeping the course towards our goals is crucial for success.

Legendary golfer Ben Hogan once said, “The most important shot in golf is the next one.” Instead of getting bogged down in your mistakes, learn from your failings, reach for your sand wedge, and knock the next shot from the trap onto the green.

Similarly, in business, if considerable time and effort is lost in developing a product or capability that doesn’t work, it is best to learn lessons and move onto the next one rather than dragging out a failed endeavor.

I continue to incorporate these lessons into our work culture and game. Wishing all my fellow golfers a fantastic day on the greens! Tee up for success in both golf and life. Do reach out if you are looking for a game of golf in or around the bay area. It would be great to catch up.