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Par For The Course by Derrick L. Thompson

It remains uncertain where golf officially originated, but general consensus is that the Scots were the earliest golfers. It is known that over five centuries ago, James II of Scotland, in an Act of Parliament dated March 6, 1457, had golf and football banned because these sports were interfering too much with archery practice, which was required for the Scottish loyal defenders. Legend also has it that bored shepherds tending flocks of sheep near St. Andrews became adept at hitting rounded stones into rabbit holes with their wooden crooks. But it wasn’t until the (fan)atical Scottish Baron, James VI, brought the game to England, when he succeeded to the English throne in 1603, that golf began to take form and shape. For many years the game was played by amateurs without proper greens, but with rough and ready holes cut into the ground on reasonably flat but coarse terrain. This coarse terrain has evolved through many decades of landscaping and is now dubbed “golf course.”

Historically, the distinction between amateur and professional golfers had much to do with social class. In 18th and 19th century Britain golf was played by the rich for leisure and pleasure. The pioneer professionals were working class men who made a living from the game in a variety of ways like caddying, greenkeeping, clubmaking, and playing challenge matches. When golf arrived in America at the end of the 19th century, it was deemed an elite sport there too. In fact, early American golf clubs imported their professionals from Britain. However, America’s public popularity meter didn’t surge until president Dwight D. Eisenhower displayed his love for the game in the 1950’s and 60’s.

As golf matured, its staunch supporters shifted from the old-money WASP establishment to the new technocratic elite. Golf became the pastime of the American business class; firmly rooting itself in the culture of the deal.

In today’s developed world, the class distinction is nearly irrelevant. Golf is affordable to a large proportion of the population, and most golf professionals are from middle class backgrounds; often the similar backgrounds as the members of the clubs where they work, or the people who teach the game, and those with university or Ivy League education and affiliation.

Golfers are not known to sign contracts or close deals on the greens, but they do confer ideas and develop business and personal relationships there. Some golfers are known to scout for potential business on the greens. Donald Trump once remarked, "I'm not a cell-phone guy, but, yes, I do business on the course."

A recent study by Hyatt Hotels & Resorts titled ‘Golf and the Business Executive’ states:

• 93% of the respondents agreed that golfing with a business associate is a good way to establish a closer relationship.

• 80% said they find golfing a good way to make new business contacts.

• 35% agreed that some of their biggest business deals were made on the golf course.

Many people opt-out playing racquetball or tennis because it’s too physically demanding. This bodes well for golf enthusiasts. Golf is a leisure game where you need not be an athlete; just be proficient in negotiating shots, while the long walks yield sufficient exercise and time to socialize, is the nature of the game. Golf challenges your own ability and it is very satisfying once you win that challenge. Additionally, you develop camaraderie or a “corporate bonding” with your fellow golfers. The long hours spent together on the serene greens help bring people closer in a relaxed and stress free environment, which is the antithesis of territorial boardrooms in their ivory towers. It’s a refreshing way to take the suites to the streets - with fringe benefits requiring golfers to lace up their cleats.

Golf’s distinguishing factor: What other sporting activity can give you more than four hours to share thoughts, assess your playing partner(s), and muse on deals in a comforting and tranquil environment? Where networking is the rule of the business game, it’s a no brainer that corporate titans excel at the golf game.

Golf resorts have emerged over the last two decades to primarily accommodate and entertain these corporate clients, by holding conferences, launching their new products or services, rewarding their top achievers, to hosting annual staff parties and organizing team-building exercises. Oftentimes, a daylong golf event is organized the day before. It helps facilitate in breaking the ice for informal interfacing and networking.

In the 20th century, professional gods of the game like Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicolas, Tiger Woods, Nancy Lopez, Kathy Whitworth, and Mickey Wright have consecrated golf. Likewise, corporate tycoons and business execs have etched-in-stone, their mark on the game, solidifying it on a strong foundation for all power players in the 21st century.

Derrick L. Thompson is an author and cultural critic. His current book is entitled “The Influenza of Hip-Hop: Is There A Cure For Its Counter-Culture?” www.outskirtspress.com/theinfluenzaofhiphop

POWER IN THE GAME OF GOLF - A CLOSER LOOK AT THE HISTORY

Copyright © 2008-2009 The Power Player Magazine All Rights Reserved

Par For The Course by Derrick L. Thompson

It remains uncertain where golf officially originated, but general consensus is that the Scots were the earliest golfers. It is known that over five centuries ago, James II of Scotland, in an Act of Parliament dated March 6, 1457, had golf and football banned because these sports were interfering too much with archery practice, which was required for the Scottish loyal defenders. Legend also has it that bored shepherds tending flocks of sheep near St. Andrews became adept at hitting rounded stones into rabbit holes with their wooden crooks. But it wasn’t until the (fan)atical Scottish Baron, James VI, brought the game to England, when he succeeded to the English throne in 1603, that golf began to take form and shape. For many years the game was played by amateurs without proper greens, but with rough and ready holes cut into the ground on reasonably flat but coarse terrain. This coarse terrain has evolved through many decades of landscaping and is now dubbed “golf course.”

Historically, the distinction between amateur and professional golfers had much to do with social class. In 18th and 19th century Britain golf was played by the rich for leisure and pleasure. The pioneer professionals were working class men who made a living from the game in a variety of ways like caddying, greenkeeping, clubmaking, and playing challenge matches. When golf arrived in America at the end of the 19th century, it was deemed an elite sport there too. In fact, early American golf clubs imported their professionals from Britain. However, America’s public popularity meter didn’t surge until president Dwight D. Eisenhower displayed his love for the game in the 1950’s and 60’s.

As golf matured, its staunch supporters shifted from the old-money WASP establishment to the new technocratic elite. Golf became the pastime of the American business class; firmly rooting itself in the culture of the deal.

In today’s developed world, the class distinction is nearly irrelevant. Golf is affordable to a large proportion of the population, and most golf professionals are from middle class backgrounds; often the similar backgrounds as the members of the clubs where they work, or the people who teach the game, and those with university or Ivy League education and affiliation.

Golfers are not known to sign contracts or close deals on the greens, but they do confer ideas and develop business and personal relationships there. Some golfers are known to scout for potential business on the greens. Donald Trump once remarked, "I'm not a cell-phone guy, but, yes, I do business on the course."

A recent study by Hyatt Hotels & Resorts titled ‘Golf and the Business Executive’ states:

• 93% of the respondents agreed that golfing with a business associate is a good way to establish a closer relationship.

• 80% said they find golfing a good way to make new business contacts.

• 35% agreed that some of their biggest business deals were made on the golf course.

Many people opt-out playing racquetball or tennis because it’s too physically demanding. This bodes well for golf enthusiasts. Golf is a leisure game where you need not be an athlete; just be proficient in negotiating shots, while the long walks yield sufficient exercise and time to socialize, is the nature of the game. Golf challenges your own ability and it is very satisfying once you win that challenge. Additionally, you develop camaraderie or a “corporate bonding” with your fellow golfers. The long hours spent together on the serene greens help bring people closer in a relaxed and stress free environment, which is the antithesis of territorial boardrooms in their ivory towers. It’s a refreshing way to take the suites to the streets - with fringe benefits requiring golfers to lace up their cleats.

Golf’s distinguishing factor: What other sporting activity can give you more than four hours to share thoughts, assess your playing partner(s), and muse on deals in a comforting and tranquil environment? Where networking is the rule of the business game, it’s a no brainer that corporate titans excel at the golf game.

Golf resorts have emerged over the last two decades to primarily accommodate and entertain these corporate clients, by holding conferences, launching their new products or services, rewarding their top achievers, to hosting annual staff parties and organizing team-building exercises. Oftentimes, a daylong golf event is organized the day before. It helps facilitate in breaking the ice for informal interfacing and networking.

In the 20th century, professional gods of the game like Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicolas, Tiger Woods, Nancy Lopez, Kathy Whitworth, and Mickey Wright have consecrated golf. Likewise, corporate tycoons and business execs have etched-in-stone, their mark on the game, solidifying it on a strong foundation for all power players in the 21st century.

Derrick L. Thompson is an author and cultural critic. His current book is entitled “The Influenza of Hip-Hop: Is There A Cure For Its Counter-Culture?” www.outskirtspress.com/theinfluenzaofhiphop

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