Digital Detox on the Fairway: Why Golf is More Than Just a Game
Mike Pagan
The Mental Wealth Strategist - Combatting isolation in the Workplace with the pursuit of positive Mental Wealth - Executive Coach, Speaker and Mastermind facilitator enabling more fun both personally and professionally
For years, golf has been perceived as an old-school business ritual—a way for executives to escape the office, cut deals, and lose a few golf balls along the way. It carried a reputation as a playground for corporate elites, often criticised for its exclusivity and lack of diversity.
But times have changed, and they will continue to evolve. The rise of hybrid working, the growing awareness of mental wealth, and the undeniable power of genuine relationship-building are transforming golf into one of the most effective networking tools available today.
No longer is it about how many business cards you can dish out at an event; it’s about building real trust—and trust takes time and investment!
The Shift in Work Culture and the Rise of Weekday Golf
A recent BBC Panorama investigation highlighted a surprising trend—since the shift to hybrid working, there has been a 350% increase in weekday golf bookings across the UK and Ireland.
This isn’t because people are slacking off; it’s because professionals are recognising the benefits of flexible working and finding ways to make their time more productive and fulfilling. And that is something I totally subscribe to!
?? Source: Golf Business News
The outdated idea that "real work" only happens behind a desk, in an office, between 9 and 5 is crumbling. The smart ones have figured it out—some of the most valuable business conversations happen outside traditional meeting rooms:
?? Over lunch ?? On a walk ?? During a round of golf
Networking doesn’t have to be confined to stale boardrooms, breakfast clubs, or arena events. It can happen while getting fresh air, moving your body, and engaging in a shared experience.
The Power of Golf for Business Relationships
Golf is not just a sport; it’s a four-hour conversation filled with natural breaks, pressure moments, and opportunities to observe the true character of an individual.
Research suggests that to truly understand someone’s work ethic, values, and integrity, you need to play at least five rounds with them.
One round might reveal if they’re fun, but consistent play tells you much more about their mindset, problem-solving ability, and trustworthiness in business.
The Three Business Lessons Golf Reveals
On the course, you see people at their best and worst. That’s why golf is an unmatched tool for business professionals—it provides a deep insight into a person’s character.
1? Chemistry
?? Do you actually get on with them? Are they enjoyable to be around?
?? Business thrives on relationships, and chemistry is the foundation of trust.
2? Banter
?? How do they handle winning and losing? Are they gracious or sore losers?
?? Do they throw clubs in frustration?
?? The way someone manages success and failure on the course often mirrors their approach to business challenges.
3? Integrity
?? Can they count?
?? If someone conveniently “forgets” a shot or interprets the rules a little too generously, how can you trust them with an invoice, contract, or referral?
?? Honesty in small things often reflects honesty in big things.
?? I would never introduce someone to a trusted contact of mine if they can't count on the course. That means they are a cheat at golf and potentially a cheat in life!
There are many more lessons to be learned, but these three alone make golf an invaluable test ground for professional compatibility.
A Much-Needed Digital Detox for Mental Wealth
In addition to networking, one of the most overlooked benefits of golf is the mental reset it provides.
We live in a world obsessed with busyness. Productivity is often equated with success, but being constantly plugged in, glued to screens, replying to emails at all hours, and endlessly scrolling leads to:
?? Burnout ?? Reduced focus ?? Increased stress
Golf offers something rare: time away from digital noise.
A round of golf is one of the few activities where being away from your phone feels natural—and even necessary. You’re:
?? Walking ?? Engaging with others ?? Focusing on the game
It’s a genuine break from the always-on culture. Research backs up its benefits:
?? A digital detox reduces stress, improves focus, and enhances creativity. ?? Fresh air, movement, and time outdoors improve mental clarity and well-being. ?? Stepping away from screens allows you to return to work with greater energy and sharper thinking.
?? Source: Brown Health - https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/what-digital-detox-and-do-you-need-one?utm_source=chatgpt.com
领英推荐
?? This is self-care 101.
And as you can imagine and expect from me, this aligns perfectly with the concept of mental wealth—the idea that investing in your well-being, your headspace, and your relationships is just as important as traditional business success.
Golf isn’t just about networking—it’s about self-care, balance, and taking control of how you build your professional and personal life.
Golf as the Human Touch in an AI-Driven World
With the rise of AI, automation, and hybrid working, it’s easy to lose the human touch.
The world is filled with noise—emails, notifications, virtual meetings, endless content streams—but at the core of business success is something far simpler: real relationships.
Too often, we forget who people really are, let alone why they are brilliant, inspiring, and worth knowing.
?? Golf is that punctuation, that pause, that reset—a way to cut through the digital fog and truly connect.
On the fairway, it’s just: ? You ? Your playing partners ? The course
? No distractions ? No filters ? No AI
?? Just real human interaction—and maybe a little bit of banter and sledging?!
Embracing Golf as a Smart Business Strategy
Despite these clear benefits, some people still mock or dismiss golf as an outdated, elitist escape.
The reality? It’s a strategic choice.
?? Smart professionals know that business is about relationships, trust, and long-term connections. ?? Those who understand golf’s potential see it as an investment—in relationships, well-being, and even business success.
The rise of hybrid working has made work-life balance more important than ever. That balance should include:
? Time to think ? Time to connect ? Time to enjoy the process of doing business
If golf provides all of that, maybe it’s time to stop sneering at those who play and start considering what you’re missing out on.
Fancy a Game?
? If you want to play, drop me an email! Through my golfing network #FOREbusiness, I can play all over the world. www.fore-business.com
?? Hashtags to Drive Engagement: #DigitalDetox #GolfNetworking #MentalWealth #BusinessRelationships #HybridWorking #SelfCareInBusiness #WorkLifeBalance #HumanConnection #AIvsHuman #GolfForBusiness #FOREbusiness #NoBrainer
Mike is a Keynote speaker, coach, author of four books and a non-executive director
that is a little different; his approach is not standard – he can be blunt, direct, honest
and open where necessary. He is an expert in helping clients achieve positive Mental
Wealth through building handpicked support networks and helping them unlock
significant performance improvements.
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His company provides inspirational and challenging coaches and world-class facilitators
for peer support and mastermind groups and masterclasses. Mike's niches include
business professionals and elite sports people in transition; working alone and in
isolation will sabotage performance and desire. We all need the right Mental Wealth
Team to help us succeed.
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Showreels are available - https://www.mikepagan.com
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Award-winning keynote speaker | Management Consultant for Board of Directors, CXOs | Event host, Compere, MC | Expert in self-leadership, change and transformation | Mindset & relationship coach | Author
3 周I love odd mid-week digital detoxes, Mike Pagan! I am all for working smarter, so let's do it!!!
Empowering IT Companies to Increase Retention, Boost Revenue & Elevate Culture | Creator of the 6Ps of Productivity Framework? | Mental Resilience Advocate
3 周Great advice as ever. Being outside, being competitive and enjoy a laugh with friends so such a great tonic for mental health reasons as well as personal physical health. Love it ??
excellent article Mike and 100% agree, especially the Business lesson about counting! If you ever venture out to West Wales again, Cardigan Golf Club is only an hour up the coast from Tenby and has some pretty nice views to say the least! It's also a good test of golf, so if you fancy a game, let me know. https://www.cardigangolfclub.co.uk/
Highly Commended TEDx Speaker Award 2022 | Keynote -Resilience, Mindset, Mental Health, Suicide | Helping professional women overcome childhood trauma and build self-confidence to thrive in their careers.
3 周Yes, golf is much more than golf, Mike Pagan. (and I could join that course ??).