OC Golf Course

Playing golf with the big boss is always something everyone wants to do.  Not only can the day be quite fun, the relationship building is invaluable for you as an employee.

However, this fun day can also be ruined if you don't follow some simple rules.  The following are 14 rules you absolutely need to follow if you want the event to be a fun, enjoyable and productive!

1. Get a New Glove - You don't need to buy everything new, but seriously consider replacing your 5-year old glove if you are playing with your boss.  While a new glove wouldn't earn you brownie points, a worn and ripped up gray glove (which is supposed to be white) will probably say much about your general cleanliness.
2. Pick Up the Pin and Put it Back - If you aren't the last one putting, it really helps to walk over to the flag stick and put it back in when everyone's done putting.
3. Never be Frustrated about Your Game - Your demeanor on the course is crucial.  Never throw your clubs (or worst yet, break them) no matter how bad that shot was!
4. Don't Take More Than 5 Minutes Looking for Your Ball - If you hit the ball into the junk, take some time to find and drop one if you can't find it after a few minutes.  Your boss may be helping you look for it, but he/she probably isn't happy that you are taking way too much time and holding up the group.
5. Don't Try to Shoot your Personal Best Score - Play your game but leave it at all.  Don't take forever to read putts or think so much that you get into the competitive mode.
6. Focus on Being Conversational - Always take your boss' lead on how talkative you should be but be ready to chit chat when the group is talking.
7. Get to the Club Early - Don't try to look for directions 5 minutes before your tee time.  Get there early and find out where the first tee, practice facilities are.  Never wait till your boss calls you to try to find you.
8. But Don't Let the Boss Win on Purpose - At least don't let him find out!  Like I said before, just play your game.
9. Find out the Dress Code of the Club - Tiger Woods might get away with everything but collar shirts are probably safe.  Some clubs also don't allow hats in the clubhouse so just call them to find out ahead of time.
10. Be Ready to Hit the Forward Tees If Your Boss Wants to Play There - The round is much more enjoyable when everyone tees off from the same tee box.  However, if you are a 30+ handicap that hit the 5-iron 100 yards, don't try to play the back tees.
11. Refrain from Office Gossip - Never bad mouth your coworkers during the round.  In fact, try not to talk about work unless your boss asks you about it.
12. Don't Get Drunk - This is very bad.  Your boss might get away with anything on the course but the worst thing you can do is embarrass yourself while your boss is still sober.
13. Thank Your Playing Partners After the Round - Be polite and thank each playing partner for a good round on the 18th green.
14. Relax and Have Fun - This is ultimately the most important point.  If you have fun, the whole group will feel it and everyone will have an enjoyable round.  It is really contagious.