Texas City/La Marque Chamber of Commerce presents the 2019 Jimmy Hayley Golf Classic

With the Chamber’s upcoming Golf Classic quickly approaching, this is the perfect time to look at what really goes on at the course. Sure, golf is a sport and provides a great social outing, but there’ more than meets the eye when a round of golf is played. Golf is more than just a sport. The power of the dimpled ball has the ability to open doors, create connections, and close many deals. It can also be a one-way street to a road full of success. Many business relationships have been forged, deals cut, and beneficial introductions made over the past 35 years of our golf tournament, and we think that growing your business can definitely happen at the course. Below are some golfing viewpoints from some of our members.
Business Intelligence
Golf is a great way for business people to really get to know one another’s true character. Chris DeVries, Standard Steel Supply, notes “You can learn more about a person in 18 holes of golf than you can in ten years across a desk.” You can learn not just by what they say but by how they handle themselves on the course. Do they play by the rules and control their emotions? Or do they fudge and blow a fuse?
Face to Face Connections
Golf is a platform for business. The golf course can be the perfect conference room. A round of golf presents the opportunity to conduct business in a relaxed, informal setting, and it can also be instrumental in forging relationships. “Having the opportunity to interact with prospects or clients over an 18-hole round of golf is invaluable towards building lasting relationships. I could never get that kind of face time with a decision maker anywhere else. You can meet new prospects, grow your relationship with new clients or solidify an existing client, all in one foursome.” says Bob Senter, Rust Ewing Insurance.
Advantage for Women
Statistics show that women who use “golf for business” close more deals as a result of the increased rapport and trust built with clients playing golf. “Whether you’re an avid golfer or not, and whether it’s in your resume, or you just have a photo of yourself playing golf visible in your office, make sure you make it known that you can play.” shared Jenny Senter, Texas City – La Marque Chamber. Letting someone know that you play golf is a great conversation starter and automatically establishes equality and credibility.
Business golf can present infinite opportunities. It can open doors and create relationships that can last a lifetime. Regardless of age, gender, or skill level, golf can truly pave the road to success if you know how to hone all of its benefits properly. So, grab your clubs, head for the Chamber Golf Classic on October 3 and 4 and start boosting your business.
The Chamber will host 576 business and community leaders for two days of golfing and camaraderie at Bayou Golf Course in Texas City! The event has over 60 sponsors, 30 hospitality tents, and more than 100 volunteers. Meet, greet, and socialize with Chamber members, plant managers, business associates and guests…all in a relaxed setting. If you need information on this year’s golf outing, please contact Derek Duckett at the Chamber.