Was The Open won on the first hole?

Golf and networking are common bed fellows but how can Xander Schauffele’s brilliant win resemble the game we play when we go networking?

Was The Open won on the first hole?

It would not be much of a spectacle if we could work out from the first few holes or even the first round who was going to win but over four days we saw the lead change hands several times and the players not only had to adapt for the course but also for the weather which was changing every day.

Even some of the wholes had to be played differently from day to day. Decisions had to be made so that their scores would not be damaged by a wayward tee shot or leaving a long putt when misreading the green.

So networking should be looked at like a four day competition?

The first day you want to start steadily meet people, not get too familiar just plant the seeds of a relationship and not blow the connection by jumping in too quickly thinking you can have the referral in the bag by the end of the first day.
The second day is building on the foundations of the first day. Its time to meet your fellow networkers for a second time get to know each other better before the third round. But remember that a sliced tee shot by an ill thought out question or misreading a putt/situation can ruin your round within minutes.

There is a reason that Saturday or the third round is called moving day. It’s the day you really establish those connections by having the all important 1-2-1s you are now beginning to see the end in sight and its time to start forging ahead. Once you know how you can help your fellow networkers they will start beginning to help you.

Final day of course is when the referrals begin, you know the course, you may have had to adapt your pitch for some networkers, hung back and taken an extra shot to ensure a par rather than a bogey or worse. A couple of times you have ended up in a bunker but practice has helped you to get safely out.

Wouldn’t it be great if networking just took four days? Our game can last months and there will be times you are slogging up hill on a long Par 5 wondering if it worth it but just like golf there will be that amazing shot or in our world connection that keeps you coming back for more.

Finally, always remember those professional golfers get on the driving range before they enter the arena so always practice your pitch, know where you are aiming and sometimes the elements may be against you so ensure you have the right equipment for success.