Spring is coming; you can smell it in the air. And after a hard Ottawa winter, I feel like we’re all aching to get outside and lift our faces up from our screens to the sun.

 

Which brings me to a surprisingly controversial topic, actually… leaving the office and taking business to the golf course. And why more men than women are reaping the benefits.

 

First, let me explain why my thoughts have already turned to golf. On April 1st (no fooling!) registration opens for the annual Fore-Play for Charity Golf Tournament, an event designed to get women on the golf course, promote networking, give back, and have fun.

I talk with Fore-Play for Charity co-founder Shelley True in the most recent episode of I'm a Millionaire! So Now What? (listen & subscribe here).

The tournament now sells out within weeks, and since 2015, we’ve been able to raise over $27,000 for Mental Health research and care. I’ll include all the links you need to register at the end of this post.

But first I want to explain why we chose to design an event that was, in part, a concerted effort to coax women in particular onto the golf course.

Throughout decades of business I’ve watched my male colleagues take to the fairways to tee up big deals and build up their networks. Meanwhile, women in wealth management (as in other industries) are leaving thousands of dollars in business, connections, projects and promotions out on the greens.

Why is that? Why are there fewer women teeing off?

We can SEE the benefits of golf, right? Most women in my circle agree…what is there not to love about meandering about in a luscious landscape, interacting with nature, chatting with your foursome of clients or prospective clients in the relaxed atmosphere outside the confines of the office?

But a study conducted by National Allied Golf Associations on Canadians’ attitudes about golf points out that from a cost perspective, men see the game as worth the cost.

Women on the other hand say the game is not worth the cost.

In recent years we’ve seen the ‘price’ to play golf decreasing. Courses are competing for your foursome; many previously private clubs are opening their doors and offering affordable memberships; more public times and courses are popping up. In the Ottawa area (my hometown), we have more golf courses per capita within driving distance of the city core than any other Canadian city.

There’s the cost of equipment and appropriate attire… but you can say that about almost any ‘social’ sport, from running clubs to curling to tennis – there’s a wide range you can spend to outfit yourself for any game. For both men and women.

What does “worth the cost” really mean for women?

Beyond the green fees and golf clubs… it’s the time.

We all know time = money. Especially for those of us who are novice players, it’s going to take at least four hours for a round of 18 holes, not to mention travel time to the course & a sociable at the 19th hole, all in the ‘hope’ of building our business.

And let’s face it, even though times are changing, we women are still carrying the bulk of the responsibilities for our families, especially if, like me, you’re part of the sandwich generation caring for both children & parents.

That’s the cost for women -- making the trade-off between priorities. Justifying the time commitment and investment in lessons, games, and gear is pitted against the expectations of being a mom and family caregiver.

Even if you treat yourself and become a casual golfer, you’re more likely to make a Double Bogey vs Par. Which leads to another reason women avoid the course – the intimidation factor. Who wants an audience as we proceed to shank the ball off the tee only to see it land just a few feet from the tee box, off to the right and in the trees? Essentially, some of us are avoiding the game from fear of embarrassment. Even as we stride into boardrooms and corner offices across the country we continue to sideline ourselves from the greens where important deals and contacts can be made.

Catalyst, a global nonprofit that provides research, tools and solutions to promote women’s success in the workplace, found that as many as 46% of women surveyed indicated that being left out of informal networks impeded their professional goals. Ladies -- excluding ourselves from the golf course is a self-imposed barrier to business growth, whether we like it or not.

Which all comes back to the creation of Fore-Play for Charity – a chance for more women to slip off their heels and try on a pair of golf shoes in a fun, supportive, no-pressure environment, with a positive, change-making result.

And maybe the success of golfers like Smiths Falls native Brooke Henderson will shine more light on women in the game and encourage a new generation of women in business.

As for me, now that my children are young men, and I have more ‘free’ time, I’m going to dust off my clubs this Spring. I’m sure many of you are as ready as I am to step away from your computers, walk and stretch in the sunshine and do more business outside.

What have we got to lose… the next big deal?

We’d love to have you and your business register for, consider sponsoring and support the Fore-Play for Charity Golf Tournament this year. Registration opens April 1st and sells out quickly! All the info you need is here.