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Ireland has a wealth of golf courses which offer the right ingredients to discuss business in a tranquil and focused atmosphere.
Blue and grey skies, lush greens, sleek white gloves, a gracious swing of the hips and hop – the ball is gone and follows its path to the next hole. Golf has a collection of associated concepts attached to its name. Success, vision, style, elegance, prestige and indeed, business. The image of a high profile executive closing business on a golf course has nearly become an archetype due to the countless references to it in movies and advertisements.

Irish golf has a unique appeal thanks to the quality of the country’s courses. Ireland has gained international recognition for the character of its links courses such as the Portmarnock, Ballybunion, Doonbeg and the European. However, golfers are also taken aback by the exceptional championship parkland courses. Both new and old courses are astounding for their designs, which are often challenging yet also offer varied levels of difficulty.

With such a profile, Ireland boasts to be one of the best destinations in the world for golf. Priding on a diversity of landscapes in the countryside and by the sea, the country has incredible facilities. Some of the championship golf courses have been designed by world class golf designers and players. Having some of the best courses in the world, golf is indeed also a major spinner for tourism in Ireland.

Every year, Ireland hosts countless events attracting some of the best known professional golf players in the world. Last year, the prestigious Ryder Cup was held at the K Club, Co Kildare. This was one of the biggest high profile golfing events to date in Ireland. To have had the privilege of hosting this event was a reflection on the interest the country has attracted and quality of golfing facilities on offer. Building on the success of this event, Ireland will also host the Solheim Cup in Killeen Castle, Co Meath, in 2011.

The wealth of top quality golf courses in Ireland is topped by great hotels, many boasting business facilities to host meetings and corporate events in sumptuous backdrops. The hotels that are in the market on or close to golf courses consist of some of the most luxurious offerings in Ireland, which can be enjoyed for a leisurely weekend break.

A golf break with stay at a hotel offers one of the most peaceful and invigorating settings. The tranquil and breathtaking courses indeed also provide the ideal setting for doing business in a relaxed atmosphere. Top quality service is always on the list to make a good impression on delegates and clients.

Commenting on the level of service that corporate clients expect when utilising golfing facilities at their events, Cathriona Connelly, Marketing Manager for the Glasson Golf Hotel & Country Club in Co Westmeath, says: “Business clients would have different expectations as you are being the host for their day. How you perform will reflect on them, so everything must be perfect, and it always is.”

Companies that choose to add the charm of golfing to their meetings do so for different types of events. It is often used as an incentive to reward their staff or their clients. But they may do so also for internal management purposes, such as planning the year ahead. Indeed, golf provides an ideal environment to discuss issues in a relaxed atmosphere, where partners can enjoy a focussed walk in the fresh air and surrounded by the beautiful landscapes. “Golf is four hours of getting to know someone in a relaxed atmosphere. It is a great equaliser also as every day is different on a golf course, so the worst golfer in the world could bring in the best score on that day and vice versa,” says Connelly.

Playing golf has this fascinating ability to bring calm, foster concentration and engage players in soft conversation as well. As a sport, it also incites an element of competition as well as fair play, which both are healthy qualities to promote in business, whether it be among staff or with clients.

Golf and business indeed complement each other very well, hence the common perception that it triggers as a place where the most executive class of business people close business deals on a golf course. Or is this really a dramatised myth? “Definitely not,” says Connelly, “as we can see every week corporate companies entertaining their top clients. Deals are often done on the day, cars are sold, contracts signed.”
Many business clients include some element of golf in their briefs when hosting an event at Glasson, says Connelly. “Whether it is before or after the meeting, it is a good way for all the delegates to unwind, meet each other and a more sociable way to discuss business.” 60% of Glasson’s business clients choose to put this theory to the test and use the golf facilities at the country club.

Golf is a sport that reflects class and style. It also creates an environment of tranquillity, focus and fellowship that has the power to bring business partners to an agreement. Golf consists of an exquisite way to enjoy the beauty of the Ireland’s great outdoors, and vice versa, the stunning landscapes that Ireland has to offer provide the perfect setting for the peaceful pleasures of this sport.

With so many resources across the country, mixing golf and business makes sense. It allows for people to build closer relationships in a completely different, refreshing environment than the work place.