Arnold Palmer, one of the greatest and most charismatic figures in golf, once said, “Success in golf depends less on the strength of body than upon strength of mind and character.”
Over the past year, as I’ve been learning to play golf, I’ve discovered that the lessons from the game extend far beyond the course. Golf has a way of mirroring life, especially in the workplace.
Here are my reflections:
Eyes on the ball
At work, just like in golf, focus is everything. You have to keep your attention on the task at hand, blocking out distractions. By quieting the mind and visualizing success, you increase your chances of executing effectively.
Commit and finish the swing
Whether in golf or the office, dedication is crucial. If you don’t fully commit to a task, the lack of focus will show in the results. Complete your work with the same dedication as you would finish a golf swing—strong and unwavering.
Club ‘up’ or club ‘down’
In golf, you choose your club based on the situation. The same applies at work—different tasks require different resources. Some challenges need a heavy-hitting approach, while others require a more delicate touch. Know when to use each.
Play a provisional if necessary
Sometimes, your ball may go out of bounds, or it could get lost. In such cases, you play a provisional ball while you look for the original. At work, this translates to owning up to mistakes and offering a solution. If you’ve had a bad day or handled a task poorly, admit it, make amends, and move forward.
Celebrate the wins (well out)
Golfers appreciate every good shot, and it’s the same at work. Recognize and celebrate even the small victories within your team. Celebrating achievements, no matter the size, boosts morale and encourages continued effort.
Taking a penalty
In golf, penalties are part of the game, and sometimes, mistakes at work will require you to face the consequences. Accepting responsibility and learning from the experience is key to growing in both arenas. Take the punishment, learn, and strive to do better next time.
It’s not ‘how far,’ it’s ‘how many’
Golf is about how many strokes it takes to reach the hole, not how far you hit the ball. Likewise, at work, the number of attempts or efforts to complete a project doesn’t matter as much as getting the job done. Small, steady steps lead to big outcomes.
Know your four-ball/partners
In golf, you often play in groups of four, and it’s important to build rapport with your partners. The same is true at work. Cultivate good relationships with your colleagues, management, and board members. Work relationships are essential to success, but always remember to keep personal matters private.
Play the ball as it lies
In golf, you must play the ball from where it lands, no matter how difficult the position. At work, this means addressing problems head-on instead of skirting around them. Dealing with issues directly will save time and resources in the long run.
Read the line and putt with authority
Whether it’s making a final putt in golf or closing out a project at work, finishing strong is critical. Confidence in your final steps not only boosts your personal sense of accomplishment but also strengthens team spirit.
The 19th hole
The 19th hole is where golfers relax after a round, enjoying laughs with friends, regardless of how the game went. At work, it’s important to decompress with colleagues, celebrating both victories and learning from setbacks.
As Bobby Jones once said, “Golf is a game of patience and willpower. No matter how good you become, you’ll always have bad shots.”
The same is true of life and work—there will always be challenges, but resilience and a desire to improve will carry you forward.
Sharon Nyambura is a Human Resources Practitioner and a member of Kiambu Golf Club.