Why Do Non-golfers Play In Golf Tournaments?

Did you ever show up to one of your local golf tournaments and see this guy? Have you ever lined up for your first drive of the day but you blow it because you can't get the image of this guy's bowtie and knickers out of your head? Yeah, me too.

When I see this guy, I can't help but wonder to myself if he is either celebrating golf history, or if he's just an idiot trying to be funny. Does he just want to make people laugh? Did he lose a bet? Did someone tell him he had to dress this way as a prank? Is he a golf historian celebrating days gone by? Or, does he not know a thing about golf and feels this is the way he's supposed to dress?

Recently, I was invited by my brother-in-law to play in a golf tournament. Unfortunately, it was on a Friday during the week my boss was on vacation and having the two of us out on the same day simply doesn't work. So, despite exhausting every available option, I had to take a pass.

But what struck me funny about this is, my brother-in-law is not a golfer. He doesn't play regularly. He doesn't play on occasion. As far as I know, he has rarely played golf in his life. So why the interest to play in golf tournaments? My guess is, it has just about nothing to do with golf.

I would have to imagine that a good part of heading to a golf tournament as a non-golfer has to do with networking. But why golf? Why network at a golf tournament when you don't play the sport? I've been to networking events that had certainly cost much less than what it costs to enter a golf tournament. Heck, I've been to several free networking events! So again, why a golf tournament?

Well, I think the simple answer is, it's more fun! Consider what goes on at a golf tournament. I've played in tournaments which, for roughly $125 or so, there is unlimited breakfast food being given out right from the start. Beer is flowing from the early hours. Various types of alcohol are being given out on several holes throughout the round. And food... oh the food!! Besides a full dinner at the end of the round, there is food out on some of the holes as well. I recall playing in one tournament where a full pig roast was happening on one of the holes!!

With all of the food, the drinks and, of course, the round of golf...doesn't this sound a whole hell of alot more fun than your average networking event?

I've been playing golf pretty regularly for a relatively long time now. I've played in a few golf tournaments and each one of them has been a good time. I've also been to a few networking events. Compared to the golf tournaments, they just seem like work. So is this why my brother-in-law chose the golf tournament, even though he doesn't golf? It makes sense to me. Hell, I'll choose a basket-weaving tournament if they're providing all day long food and drinks! Nothing against basket-weaving. I'm sure a tournament (if one exists) is completely invigorating.

I guess the point is, if you have to do something work related, you may as well make a good time of it. Play in the golf tournament, whether you're a golfer or not. You may find that you like the sport! And if not, chances are you're going to have a good time anyway!

Swing 'til you're happy!

Posted in: golf stinks,golf tournament,golfstinks,networking