You Can Tell A Person’s Character By The Way They Play Golf!

There’s an old adage that says, “Golf doesn’t just build character, it reveals it.” We've all seen or heard examples of golf revealing someone's character, but there's a strong case to be made that the first part of that adage is true, too: that golf can help shape one's values and attitudes toward life outside of the game.

“Success in this game depends less on strength of body than strength of mind and character.”

ARNOLD PALMER

GOLF CAN REVEAL YOUR TRUE CHARACTER

“To find a man’s true character, play golf with him.”

P.G. WODEHOUSE

Golf is often compared to the business world because it has so many of the same characteristics and requires participants to have many of the same qualities for success.

The character a person exhibits on the golf course reflects the character that person will exhibit in a business relationship. Successful business relationships are built on character as much as they are on abilities. No one wants to do business with someone who would give up too quickly when times get tough, does not keep honest ‘scoring’, acts selfishly, or does not play by the established rules. If that is what happens on the golf course, then that will surely happen in the boardroom.

However, a golf game only lasts a few hours. It is a revealing game because of the pressure placed on the players to perform no matter what conditions exist, and those conditions are often unpredictable. There is no way to know that the wind will shift on the 9th hole, just like there is no way to know that a potentially major client will begin to have second thoughts about a big purchase halfway through the negotiations. The golfer must be able to adjust by remaining calm, even while developing a new strategy. The same is true for the businessperson.

So, if you want to know what a person is really like, ask them to play 18 holes of golf before you set them at a desk. It is a much quicker way of assessing their character, and the way the person will conduct business over time. In the meantime, you can have some fun too!

GOLF IS MUCH MORE THAN A SPORT: IT’S A VEHICLE FOR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Through its unique challenges and the virtues, it develops individuals who are patient, honest, respectful, self-driven, and resilient. These character traits, cultivated on the green, prepare players for the broader course of life, proving that golf’s impact extends far beyond the final score.

Overall, golf provides a unique opportunity for individuals to develop important character traits such as integrity, resilience, sportsmanship, self-discipline, patience, decision-making, and humility. By embracing these values on the golf course, players can cultivate a strong sense of character that extends into all areas of their lives.

“Golf… is the infallible test. The man who can go into a patch of rough alone, with the knowledge that only God is watching him, and play his ball where it lies, is the man who will serve you faithfully and well.”

P.G. WODEHOUSE

GOLF IS A GAME OF PATIENCE, PERSEVERANCE AND SELF DISCIPLINE

“I have been able to hope for the best, expect the worst, and take what comes along. If there has been one fundamental reason for my success, this is it.”

GENE SARAZEN

Unlike many sports where the action is continuous and fast-paced, golf requires players to wait their turn, strategize each shot, and sometimes endure less-than-ideal weather conditions. This pacing teaches players the value of patience, as rushing shots can lead to mistakes and higher scores.

Moreover, golf is a sport where proficiency comes after some time. It demands consistent practice, and players often face setbacks as they work to improve their game. This process of continuous effort and gradual improvement instils a deep sense of perseverance.

GOLF NURTURES INTEGRITY AND HONESTY

The principle of playing by the rules, even when no one is watching, extends far beyond the golf course, shaping individuals who are trustworthy and ethical in various aspects of life.

One of the most significant character traits golf nurtures is integrity. Golf is unique in that it often lacks the close supervision of referees or judges during play, especially in casual rounds. This setup places the onus on the player, to be honest about their score and to call penalties on themselves for rule infractions. Such self-regulation not only upholds the game’s standards but also reinforces the importance of honesty and integrity in the players themselves.

GOLF TEACHES RESPECT FOR OTHERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

“For true success, it matters what our goals are. And it matters how we go about attaining them. The means are as important as the ends. How we get there is as important as where we go.”

OLD TOM MORRIS

Golf inherently teaches respect for others and the environment. The etiquette of the game requires players to show consideration for their fellow golfers, whether it’s by not talking during a swing or putting, standing out of the line of sight, or repairing the ground after taking a shot. Or casting your shadow while someone’s playing the ball. These small acts of courtesy foster a respectful attitude toward others.

Additionally, the game’s deep connection with nature, from the manicured greens to the preservation of natural habitats on many courses, instils an appreciation for the environment and the importance of sustainable practices.

GOLF TEACHES YOU TO MANAGE PRESSURE AND EMOTIONS

“Golf is the loneliest sport. You’re completely alone with every conceivable opportunity to defeat yourself. Golf brings out your assets and liabilities as a person. The longer you play, the more certain you are that a man’s performance is the outward manifestation of who, in his heart, he really thinks he is.”

HALE IRWIN

Golf is an excellent teacher in handling pressure and adversity. Players must learn to maintain their composure and focus, whether they’re trying to sink a crucial putt or recover from a poor shot. The game’s ups and downs mimic life’s challenges, teaching players resilience and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Learning to manage emotions and maintain concentration during difficult times on the golf course can help individuals develop a more balanced and positive approach to tackling obstacles in their personal and professional lives.

And Anger Management

We often encounter frustrating moments during a round of golf. It could be missing a short putt after hitting a glorious shot to within a few feet, missing the green from a short distance, three putting, dunking it into the water hazard, etc. Such instances can easily trigger fits of anger, club abuse and other such actions. Golfers need to be able to compose themselves before playing the next shot. This is tougher to do for short -tempered individuals, compared to the easy-going ones.

“They call it golf because all the other four-letter words were taken.”

RAY FLOYD

GOLF ENCOURAGES SELF-IMPROVEMENT AND GOAL SETTING

“People don't understand that when I grew up, I was never the most talented. I was never the biggest. I was never the fastest. I certainly was never the strongest. The only thing I had was my work ethic, and that's been what has gotten me this far.”

TIGER WOODS

Golf is a sport that encourages self-improvement and goal setting. Given its nature, players often compete against themselves, striving to beat their previous best scores or master challenging aspects of their game. This self-driven motivation is essential for personal growth, teaching players to set realistic goals, develop strategies to achieve them and adapt to setbacks along the way.

The focus on self-improvement in golf mirrors the journey of personal development, where progress is measured by one’s ability to surpass personal limits and achieve new heights.

NEXT STEPS

Like to try golf journaling for yourself? Ready to take your golf game to the next level?

The Oneday Golf Journal is your personal ‘golfing memoir’, a history of where you've played and with whom, the memories you've collected, and lessons learned along the way. Explore Oneday Golf Journals HERE.