E-Book Review – Scot Duke’s How to Play Business Golf

When I first saw the title of this book I thought to myself, “What is this guy trying to sell me?” I had thoughts that it was another vapid self-improvement shuck designed to prey off people bereft of self-respect, dignity or common sense. I did my research on author Scot Duke and his websites and was pleasantly surprised with what I found. His website offered a pragmatic, methodical approach to making golf a microcosm of both life and business. Clearly Scot (yes, I spelled his name correctly, and isn’t one “t” appropriate for a golf lover) has a deep knowledge of golf and business and is simply yet clearly providing his blueprint for success. I reached out to Scot and asked him to send me a copy of the book and he cheerfully obliged.

I am happy to report that in a world where people the world over seek to pass off quick fixes to desperate golfers, Scot’s work stands out as substantive, informative and respectful of the game’s traditions. In a short but clear and concise sixty pages, Scot simply points out nuggets of wisdom that help neophytes and experts project a better image of themselves whether they are a three handicap or a thirty-three. While it won’t guarantee that you’ll close the deal of a lifetime on the course, it will help your playing partners respect you and your core values, provided you have them in the first place. If you lack experience on the golf course, it teaches you how to act so that you are a pleasant playing partner. The only person the book can’t help is the selfish, self-indulgent, or the person in denial. If you have an open mind to self-improvement, consider this a smaller version of Galloway’s The Inner Game of Golf.

Never forget that a golf course offers a window to a person’s soul. How they act on the course is how they act in life. If a player is impatient, uses poor judgment, cheats or is otherwise unpleasant on the golf course, it’s a solid bet that’s how they act off the golf course. I have friends that can’t break 121, but still are a joy to play with because they love the game, have an open mind when learning its nuances, and don’t let what they shoot determine how much fun they have. Scot’s book hits these points squarely. Therefore its central premise is a success: people will judge you by your conduct.

Next, Scot gets the little things right. For example fewer things irritate me more than cell phone use on the golf course. You will finish your round in four hours. You can be without a phone that long and if you can’t, then don’t play. If necessary – say for a doctor – have it on vibrate and just check to see if you’re paged. Never place a call from the course without there being a reason. I have only used a phone on the course twice in my life and both were REQUIRED by the client at that time. I left my group, went to a quiet secluded place away from play, did what I had to do and caught up later. That’s two, count ’em two in thirty-five years of golf and I hated myself for both incidents, but both times, the client and their unique circumstances required my being immediately to close a deal. I told my partners – who I knew, never do it with people you don’t know – and got their assent and understanding pre-round. Otherwise leave the phone in the trunk. There is nothing more obnoxious than a poser on a cell phone except a poser on a cell phone slowing up play. And while we’re at it resist the “well he did it, so I can do it” mentality if you see some other chump on the phone clucking away like a broody old hen. Would you follow that lugnut off a cliff?

Finally, Scot offers a common sense approach of projecting a professional but pleasant and positive image without overdoing it. Everyone, beggar and king alike can dress appropriately – you don’t have to be as wealthy as Trump or as loud as Michael Irvin – a clean shirt and MATCHING, pressed pants always suffice. Remember, yes it may be a business meeting, but you will get muddy, wet or sweaty so sensible always works. If someone will judge you by a label, you can’t stop that, but my rules always work for me: 1) always wear long pants at a private club even if they allow shorts; and 2) a black shirt and black pants always work. Keep it simple. Think about this, Tom Doak has built a career wearing a yellow golf shirt. What you wear is always secondary to who you are. As long as you don’t show up making Al Czervik cringe, you needn’t worry.

If there is a drawback I find Scot’s “bank account” analogy – that goodwill on the golf course is like an interest bearing account – a little campy, but I’m nitpicking Scot’s style there, not the accuracy of the premise. If it can work for you, let it. If you choose another metaphor, so be it.

I also disagree with his hatred of cigars on the golf course. Cigar smoking depends on the situation. If you don’t know your partners, perhaps it’s best to ask first. But some of the best businessmen I know smoke cigars simply because it relaxes them and that’s what golf is all about, relaxation. I see Scot’s point that it can project a “clubby” image and scream “poser” (my words, not Scot’s), but if someone has to smoke to stay calm, they should be free to do so. On one occasion, when meeting important colleagues on the course for a round, I was nervous. We were also playing a murderously tough course: Yale. My cigar calmed me down, it grounded me that day and nobody really cared at all that I smoked. In fact, some partners accepted extras (always bring enough for everyone) and enjoyed them with me. Nevertheless, Scot’s central premise of projecting a genuine, humble and sincere image is solid.

As a suggestion, I think Scot should spend some time on one of golf’s golden rules – “No matter what, if you can’t play well, play fast.” Slow play is banal and everyone from novice to expert alike can help stamp out one of the biggest complaints about the game. Never spend so much time talking that you hold up play. As we say in New York, “keep it moving.”

Now I left this point for last because I did not want this to define the article, but merely be a footnote, but Scot is not just some salesman, but has a long history in the industry including organizing professional tournaments. Therefore he has tested these theories and made them work for him at the highest levels. Give the book a shot. Only sixty pages long and frequently in bullet-point form, it makes for easy bedtime and bathroom reading. Beginners will get a great lesson in etiquette. Experts will find his tips refreshing. Most importantly, no matter who you are, his sage advice will make you a better playing partner and that makes all the difference.