Ask the women in your office to play in a corporate outing and you’ll hear all the common responses: “I don’t play, but I’ll drive the beer cart,” “Sorry, I have too much work on my plate,” “Oh, you don’t want me, I’m horrible.” You may even hear the “F” word – FEAR.

We’ve all heard the golf course is where the boys are – forming alliances and deals outside the board room. So how do we overcome our intimidation and join in? It’s simple – know what to expect and what is expected from you.

Before you sign on the dotted line to participate, even as a volunteer, understand what you are getting into. The golf course has its own culture, lingo, dress code and rules. And assuming you are adequately equipped, dressed and well-practiced, it’s good to know what makes a corporate outing more than a casual round with friends.

Look the Part

It pays to invest in the game. When you’re giving a business presentation, chances are you’re not in your casual Friday clothes carrying a battered brief case. So too should you prepare for your corporate golf outing. Think about trading in your hand-me-down clubs for newer technology. You’ll even boost your game as well! Leave the khaki shorts and polo shirt for another day. Invest in a golf business suit or consider a golf dress. Or try a tailored outfit designed for the game. You’ll be surprised at how good looking and comfortable you can be!

Is a Handicap Required?

A handicap is an equalizing system, which allows players of varying abilities to compete with each other. Many tournaments will require you to have a handicap to participate so they can put teams together and make it fair. For outings that require handicaps, be prepared to encounter more competitive players – great prizes or prestige could be at stake! To establish a handicap, a player will need to track a number of golf scores with a club that uses the USGA Handicapping System. (WOC article next month: Handicap 101).

Play the format

Ask what format the outing will follow and try to play a practice round with your golf buddies. Teams are usually assigned as 2 or 4 players, and are usually paired by the organizers. Sometimes teams are requested in advance. Don’t take for granted you will be paired with your officemates unless you ask. Listed here are some of the more common formats. Slight variations are always possible.

Scramble. The scramble team is the most common format for corporate and charity outings because it is generally most comfortable for all skill levels. All players tee off from their respective boxes. The team will select the ball in the best position to take the next shot. Sometimes the rules will require a minimum number of tee shots selected from each player so be sure you are comfortable with your driver. For the second shot, each player in the group will hit from the location of the best tee shot. From this position, place your ball one club distance away, but no closer to the hole. Play continues in this fashion until the ball is holed.

Best Ball. Often confused with a scramble, this is another team format where each player plays their own ball where it lands from tee to green throughout the round. The best score of the group for each hole is the one recorded as the team score.

Stroke Play. In this format, the total number of strokes for the round determines the winner. Scores are recorded as a ‘gross’ score – the actual number of strokes taken in a round and can also be calculated as a ‘net’ score – the actual number of strokes taken in a round adjusted for a players handicap.

Skins. This is a hole-by-hole competition where each hole is won by the lowest score. As with stroke play, scores can be tracked both as a gross and net score if handicaps are factored in. The player with the most holes won at the end of the round is the winner.

Know the Lingo

Finally, it’s good to brush up on terms you may hear in relation to a corporate or charity outing.

Shotgun Start. Each team will be assigned a starting hole so everyone can start playing at the same time. Typically your cart will have a sign with your name and the starting hole number. You may see an A or B after your number, which would indicate two groups are starting on the same hole, with group A going first.

Mulligan. A mulligan is a second chance to hit the ball and the first shot is not counted in your score. Mulligans are not allowed under the rules of golf, but often used in friendly matches. At charity outings you will often see mulligan’s for sale with the proceeds going towards a charity.

Closest to the Pin. A common contest on par 3 holes, all tee shots that land on the green are measured to the flagstick. At the end of the day, the player whose ball lands closest to the tee wins.

Longest Drive. Another contest generally played on par 5 holes. A prize is awarded for the shot that is hit the longest distance off the tee box.  In mixed events there is generally a prize for shots off the forward box (women) and one from another box (men).

Knowing what to expect is usually what we need to feel more comfortable. Next time everyone in the office is gearing up for a company outing, be a part of the fun. Get out your clubs and don’t be afraid to play!

We’ve all been there.  On the first tee and wishing you had done a few more crunches that morning or the day before, just in case your top creeps up and shows your belly to the foursome, or worse yet, the gallery.

Three friends had similar nightmares of muffin tops and decided to do something about it by adding a compression layer, or shapewear, to women’s tennis and golf apparel.  “We wanted to look as good as we feel when we play,” says Kelly Daugherty, Managing Partner at Smashing Golf & Tennis.   “We didn’t want to be worried about how we looked on the course, we just wanted to concentrate on our game.”  Sound familiar?

Once they had the general idea for the company, they did a lot of market research and came up with some surprising results – most women can actually find clothes they like, it’s the fit that doesn’t work.  “While everyone wants updated looks, the number one complaint was that clothes didn’t fit their bodies right.  This wasn’t a ‘plus size’ problem.  Many women sized 4-8 also complained how after kids they have a “little muffin top” that other brands only made worse.  They want to look good when they are on the course.”

Smashing was born to solve these issues and has not surprisingly quickly grown a strong band of followers.  Their secret is the performance fabric they use that wicks, keeps your muscles warm (helping with performance and recovery) as well as slimming your figure.  “They are all poly/spandex blends.  The inner layer of compression is an actual technical fabric.  Many people in the industry talk of ‘compression’ when all they mean is spandex that has a tight or compression-like feel.  Ours is a technical fabric that provides performance benefits as well,” explains Kelly.

All three founders are in Chicago and were committed to having the clothes made in the US.  They were able to find higher quality fabrics and production in the Chicago area than overseas as well as helping to revive Chicago’s fashion scene.

Smashing’s line includes two dresses to flatter a longer or shorter torso that retail for $169.  The tanks and sleeveless polos are ruched to show off your curves while the tops with sleeves are seamed to slim your shape (in addition to the amazing fabric).

Although the fabrics and designs do a lot for your middle, the skorts are a little short since they are meant to cross over to tennis.  So be warned that while you can skip the crunches, some squats or leggings might be necessary.  2012 however will bring a “slightly straighter and longer skort” as well as a low-rise skort.

Come out to the Chicago Signature Golf Event on June 11, 2012  at Bolingbrook Golf Club.  Meet the designers and try on the apparel to see the difference for yourself!   http://www.womenoncourse.com/events/chicago_golf.php

I’m not sure what I expected when I was asked to interview Thadine, but it was one of the most interesting conversations I’ve had. And it made me realize that these interviews I was conducting put me in touch with some of the most vibrant women I’ve ever met. I realize now that the membership of Women On Course is unique. We are bright, confident leaders who are personable, energetic and supportive of other women. Meet Thadine.

Thadine Clifton started a chemical company 20 years ago. It’s still her company and still her source of revenue. But Thadine doesn’t sit still. That much was obvious from the beginning of the conversation. Thadine’s chemical company takes waste products from several sources and makes industrial cleaners and greasers – products that are used to clean and sanitize the huge vats used by companies like Chanel, Proctor & Gamble and Neutrogena. As president of her company, she’s often at high profile events and exhibitions. At one such event, Thadine was getting a manicure. Taking off her ring, Thadine noticed that it could use a cleaning. She offhandedly mentioned to the manicurist that they should have a cleaning solution at nail salons where women can get their jewelry cleaned while their nails are being done. And then it hit her. “Hey, this is a great idea!”

After a few conversations with her chemical suppliers and a numerous tests, her product “Shine” was born. Shine is a jewelry cleaner now packaged and promoted as a luxury product to spas and golf clubs. It’s been seen at the Oscars and at numerous high profile events where you would find women wearing jewelry. She began promoting it at PGA events and expos. Professional women golfers are very aware of their personal brand. The clothes and the jewelry they wear while competing are important to their marketing and their image. After playing 18 holes of golf on a warm day, it’s nice for a professional woman golfer to not only freshen her make-up but also clean her jewelry. So Thadine’s product will often be found in the ladies locker room at key golfing events – as well as at many golf courses and spas.

It was at one such event that Thadine met representatives from Women On Course. These women asked her about using the product for golf clubs – and to make a long story short, “Golf Shine” was born. Shine by Collé is now a national sponsor of Women on Course.

Thadine is thrilled to be a sponsor for Women On Course. “Women on Course is a dynamic organization for women who golf or are interested in learning more about the sport.  I met President and founder, Donna Hoffman, at the PGA Merchandise Show this winter and immediately resonated with the organization’s positioning of promoting golf in a welcoming environment among business women with similar interests.  And women are so supportive of one another. It’s amazing to me how we can negotiate our differences and mentor each other so seamlessly. We want women to be successful and will go out of our ways to find the right connection for our friends. Women have played a big part in helping get my businesses up and running on a shoestring budget! Many of the people instrumental in the success of Collé have been women – lawyers, public relations contacts and marketing consultants.”

When I asked Thadine where she learned to play golf, she said she took up the sport as early as high school. Her dad was a golfer and she was always an athletic person. But she didn’t golf very much until she started her chemical company. By then she realized that golfing with a client was a great way to develop a relationship and learn more about the client. And the cosmetics industry often schedules golfing events – mostly to benefit charities that they support. Her newest endeavor, Golf Shine, is certainly incentive enough to get out on the golf course more often. And isn’t that what we all dream about – getting a job in the golf industry? We look forward to seeing Thadine at future events. For more information on her products, see www.colleproducts.com.

Looking to purchase a home on the golf course and enjoy the golf lifestyle?  There are certain factors that are unique to golf communities.  Working with a licensed real estate agent who understands the game of golf will help you find your ‘sweet spot’.  As we have all heard the most important things to consider are… location, location, location

Perhaps an overused phrase, but not overrated.  In golf realty, three types of location should be considered.

General location

In areas where golf communities are plentiful, you may get more square footage for your money the farther away you locate from the city hub, but your home may not appreciate as quickly in a developing club, as one in a more established club near downtown.  A new golf development requires close attention to the build out plan. If a course gets overbuilt, and it becomes less appealing to golfers, then the value of your property could be affected.

Location within the community

Buying a home deeper within the community can insulate you from the noise of golfers and carts, but may impact you in ways in which you haven’t considered.  Is the speed limit within the private community posted differently than “outside the gate”?   How much traffic is there at peak times, which could impact your work commute?  How many school bus stops, and what time of day is pick up and drop off?  How many golf cart crossings will you have to navigate to get in and out of the community?

Another location consideration is privacy.  Golf cart and grounds crew maintenance noise are other factors to consider when picking your home.  Check to see if the course utilizes electric or gas carts, the constant hum of a gas cart will impact the noise level considerably.

What are the cart path rules?  If a course institutes carts on path only, then homes near the path will be impacted with players more frequently.

What hour does golf course maintenance begin and end each day of the week?  If purchasing a home near the clubhouse, be sure to check out the noise level from cart staging, as well as, private and general membership events.

Location on the golf course

While a home across the street from a golf hole may look tempting, a location on the golf course is generally a better investment.   Homes located on tee boxes or greens are typically priced higher than homes along the fairway.  Many golfers tend to slice their shots, so homes located about 180 yards down the right side of a par 4 are in danger of getting drilled with golf balls.  The same can be said for homes located on the right side of par 3’s.

Another factor to consider is the shared “scenery” issue.  Looking out onto the golf course can be enjoying, relaxing and entertaining.  However, the view may go both ways.  Think about where rooms that dictate the greatest need for privacy are located within the house.

Living in a golf community and enjoying the golf lifestyle offers many wonderful opportunities and advantages.  Knowing the right things to look for and asking smart questions will help ensure your investment is right on course.

MJ Long is a Realtor, licensed in Virginia, with Long and Foster Realtors and specializes in golf course communities. She is a Women on Course    member in the Washington DC area.  mjlong@longandfoster.com http://marijanelong.lnf.com

Business golf is really about getting to know the people you are playing with more closely. You are interested in building a relationship with them. It’s not about competition, or boring them with a 6-hour sales pitch.

There are five simple steps to playing a round of Business Golf. You’ll have a better chance of succeeding in building a business relationship if you follow these steps. Read on! And enjoy your success.

First, the Invitation. While the invitation is primary, think about the location first. Keep in mind this is a business affair so a successful and professional first impression is very important.

This may be the first time you’ve gotten the group together, so take the time to consider the quality of the facility. The venue should be more upscale if possible and close to each player’s skill level. Private country clubs usually fit the bill well for a round of business golf since the golf course is generally not as busy and after golf accommodations are usually very nice.

Once the location is secured, your invitation follows. If you expect business to be discussed, make sure your invitation isn’t casual. An off-hand remark to play golf sets the expectation for playing a casual round together. However, an informal invitation takes on new meaning when it is followed by a written invitation.  You should even consider sending a card by mail, instead of email. Once received, the message is clearly understood – this is business outing and more serious than golfing with friends or colleagues. You can follow-up that card with an email and ask for an RSVP by email, but go the extra distance by sending out a card through the mail for the invitation.

What do you say in the note? The content of the note should offer thanks for the opportunity to connect professionally. It should express gratitude for the interest in playing golf and include the date, time and location. Be sure to provide RSVP information.  Close the note by asking the invitee if they would include enough time in their schedule for an after round talk. This clearly sends the signal that there won’t be a 6 hours sales pitch but rather a casual chat after the event.  Once the invitation has been accepted, prepare for the next step.

Second, the Greeting. Avoid the last minute arrival. Instead, get to the golf course at least an hour before tee time so you can take care of the preparations. These include:

• Is the tee time still on schedule?
• Is there a semi-private place in the grill for after the round of golf.
• Are there any concerns about the golf course to consider?
• If the course is new to you, learn more about its amenities and where they are located.

When your guest(s) arrive, make them feel comfortable. Greet them positively and set expectations for a good day of golf. As your start the day, discuss how the golf game will be played. Make it a conversation with your guests. Be sure to affirm there will be no business talk during the game. Tell them that you would like the round to be relaxing. You and your guests are there to have fun and enjoy golf.  Be sure to take care of any problems back at the office before your round begins.

Third, the Round of Golf. How you are going to treat this round of golf is a good conversation starter. If you are not with serious golfers, you could be there to just enjoy the game. If, on the other hand, your guests are serious golfers, ask them how they would like to play. Reach an understanding before you tee off.

If everyone agrees, a little competition during the round is fine. Or you might just be golfers who hack around the course that day. What is important is each player is given an opportunity to say how they want to play the round.  Mandating seriousness to someone who is not interested in playing golf seriously makes for an uncomfortable round of golf.

Take clues from the discussions on how the game will be played. The traits displayed are often the same traits exhibited in business areas as well. Once the round starts it is time to learn and listen.  You can each learn from each other while playing the game. Often the true personality is revealed when a person is relaxing. Take note. Having Fun should be the goal for the round.  Being humorous and witty are great traits if they are normal and will balance out a bad round of golf. Be yourself.

Betting or placing wagers on the round is natural for any sport or game.  Golf included.  However, gambling on anything outside of who buys the drinks after the round is not advisable in a round of business golf.

It’s also advised that you should hold on any alcoholic beverages until after the round. At the conclusion of the round, you should make every effort to that your guests. Offer a period of time immediately after the round to take a break from each other. Everyone can have the opportunity to check into the office before meeting up in the designated area after golf discussions.

Fourth, After Golf. After the round of golf there usually is a period of time where the scores are added and stories are told.  The same goes for a round of business golf however, the conclusion of the day deals with a light business discussion.

The discussion is where questions are asked and answers are given.  Sometimes your experience during the golf game will determine whether or not you want to do business with your guests. A good game can be the beginning of a solid business relationship.

The “After Golf” conversation should be low key but directed to learning how you can help your golf partner improve his business.  Your guest should have some expectations that there will be a business discussion but it’s not for signing a contract or making a hard sale. Conclude the day on a pleasant tone. The positive experience on the golf course will be the impression that is remembered.

And Lastly, the Follow-Up. The Follow-Up is the goal and the end result of business golf.  Once a successful round of business golf is played the relationship can now open doors to business. It’s more likely now that you will get responses to phone calls and emails. This business association should continue developing over time.  Your reward for a round of golf will most likely be a follow-up office visit, where more direct business talks can occur.

Know what it means to play business golf and understand the investment you are making. Follow the five simple steps for the best likelihood of success.

Scot Duke is author of the ebook How to Play Business Golf and CEO of Innovative Business Golf Solutions, LLC, a consulting company specializing in operations management and the use of effective social media practices. He is located in Addison, Texas.  Mr. Duke can be contacted via email at scot.duke@innovativebusinessgolf.com.  More info can also be found on his blog at www.scotduke.com