Passion for Golf? It’s Masters Season, and CMOs Should Take Note.

Every mid-April, my excitement peaks. As an avid golfer, with the privilege of experiencing Augusta firsthand, this time of year stirs my passion.

The Masters marks a commencement to the East Coast golfing calendar. So it got me thinking about the role of the CMO.

The CMO as akin to a professional golfer. The more I think about this analogy, the more enamored I become.

A professional golfer is tasked with six key responsibilities, each requiring exceptional skill:

1. Driving the ball.

2. Excel in long iron shots.

3. Master mid-iron shots.

4. Excel in bunker play.

5. Nailing chip and putt techniques.

6. Above all, maintaining unwavering focus throughout all the crowd noise.

Now, where does the analogy lead us?

Driving mirrors brand advertising, eliciting the most gasps and wows. Long irons represent traditional marketing tactics such as print, radio, and linear TV—foundational yet not flashy. Mid-irons transition us into the digital realm, encompassing website management and CRM, getting close to the green or customer. Meanwhile, chipping and putting epitomize performance marketing, demanding unparalleled precision. Playing from bunkers parallels the unpredictability of influencer marketing—risky yet potentially exhilarating. Finally, integration and focus are paramount.

Imagine a scenario: six individuals, each with varying skill levels, converge to play a round of golf, each assigned a specific task without knowledge of the others. Success hinges on seamless coordination and professional execution from each participant.

This mirrors the current state of marketing. Marketers juggle brand teams, performance agencies, website and CRM management, influencer marketing, and organic social channels. It falls upon the CMO to ensure seamless integration and unwavering focus across all fronts. Yet, today’s marketing landscape is often siloed.

CEOs require CMOs who excel across the board—those who embody the skill and versatility of Tiger Woods, Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm, and Scottie Scheffler combined, capable of executing every shot in the proverbial bag.

My enthusiasm for the evolving the marketing landscape matches my passion for golf. Despite its current challenges, it teems with opportunities.

As we embark on 2024 and the launch of innovative technologies like mktg.ai, I foresee a brighter future for CMOs, empowering them to navigate and optimize diverse marketing channels with finesse.

Just as a single golfer triumphs at the Masters, a victorious CMO must holistically manage their marketing endeavors to emerge triumphant.