Golf and corporate American have been linked for close to a hundred years. Many believe the romance began with Rockefeller's love for the game. The golfing world has been the backdrop for corporate decisions and business deals since the first exclusive country club opened its doors in the late nineteenth century. It has become so important that playing a good game of golf can help clench some of the best corporate jobs!

One of the reasons for this phenomenon is the pace of the game of golf. It is considered a relaxing game with plenty of downtime. While playing the game there is plenty of time to discuss business propositions. Not only that, but since all players are working at a common goal, a sense of camaraderie develops while on the course. When you play a round of golf with a potential business associate, you will spend four hours with the same person. This allows quite an opportunity to get to know someone!

Golfing tests the abilities of the players against several sets of obstacles. When golfing with potential business partners or clients, you get the opportunity to see how they strategize to accomplish their goals. You also get to observe the way they handle difficulties. These two skills come into play in the business world every day. By watching how someone plays golf, businessmen can determine whether or not they want to build a working relationship with their fellow golfers.

Golf shows you the character of the person you are golfing with. You can quickly determine whether or not the person has the patience, fortitude, and drive needed to succeed in a business endeavor. You can also start building the relationship around a common bond other than a business deal. And after the game, deals can be sealed over drinks in the country club.

When golfing with a potential business partner, the timing of bringing up business discussions can be tricky. You do not want to appear over eager by bringing the subject up too quickly, but at the same time, you are there to discuss the business proposition. One rule of thumb that seems to work well is to wait until after the first five holes to even consider talking business. This gives you time to get to know your comrades and gauge their moods. If the atmosphere seems right, go ahead and start talking work after five holes.

If you are looking to move your way up in the world of business, it might not be a bad idea to take a golf lesson or two. Golf and American business are joined at the hip, and the appeals of the game will probably keep it that way for a long time to come.