It’s 2:30 on a workday and you’re teeing off on the 4th hole of the local country club. The sun is out, the wind is calm and you’re on top of your game. The rest of your foursome is impressed and you’re all having a great time. In a situation like this you might be forgiven for feeling a little guilty for skipping out on work. If you’re playing your cards right, however, a situation like this could very possibly be considered work. And I’m not talking about making the PGA Tour either.

In just about any industry where interpersonal relationships matter, (and, really, in what industry don’t they matter?) golf can be an extremely effective networking tool. It has long been said, “it’s not what you know, but who you know,” and simply put, a golf course is a great place to get to know someone.